Financial Freedom

Throughout our lifetime, money will flow to us and through us. As Christians, God has called us to be good stewards of the resources He has blessed us with. In other words, it’s not how much money we make, but how we handle it that matters. Statistics show that a mishandling of finances has led far too many down a path of fear and despair. In order to achieve financial freedom, we need to learn what the Bible says about how we view money and possessions.

Money Mindset

It all begins by recognizing the money we’re handling is not our own. God is our provider (Matthew 6:25-34).  He has given us all the abilities to earn money (Deuteronomy 8:18). When we recognize that we are managers and not the owner of what we have, it will change our mindset so that we begin to understand that we’ve been blessed to be a blessing. Scripture reminds us, “no one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) When we seek God first in all that we do, He will take care of the rest. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33).

Take time to regularly thank God for how He has blessed you and ask Him to show you how you can bless others.

Treasure Test

Gratitude and generosity are two of the leading indicators that reveal whether we recognize God as our financial provider. “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10) One practical way we show our gratitude is by bringing a portion to Him through the tithe “‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the LORD Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’”

(Malachi 3:10). This tithe (first 10%) is an act of obedience and faith. God encourages an open heart and open hand that is willing to invest abundantly in His Kingdom. As a result of our generosity, others will thank God and we will be refreshed as we see God work through us!

Start tithing, if you haven’t already. Set up online giving so that you are consistently obedient to God’s command. If you are already tithing, ask God to show you what you can give above the 10% as an offering to Him.

Wisdom Warnings

Money isn’t good or bad. It’s when it’s in the hands and hearts of people that it becomes good or evil. God warns us: work hard (Proverbs 21:5), invest honestly (Proverbs 13:11), avoid stinginess and greed (Proverbs 28:22), don’t trust in riches (Proverbs 11:28) and guard against the driving desire to have more (Ecclesiastes 5:10).  In addition, God warns about debt (Proverbs 22:7) and consuming all you have (Proverbs 21:20).

Ask this question, “God, what do you want me to do with Your money and Your possessions?” Allow God to direct your financial steps and experience true financial freedom.

Whether, you’re barely getting by or have more money than you know what to do with, all biblical principles remain the same. As we bring our best to God, we will experience His best for our lives as well! Not only will we experience His blessing, but we will be able to be a blessing to others!