The Bible talks a lot about wealth and money. There are roughly 2,350 verses that discusses money, possessions, and related topics. 11 out of the 39 parables that Jesus told involved money! Obviously, importante ke God ang issue na ito. Today, the question posed at us is this: Are you honoring the Lord with your wealth? Let’s find out how to do this.
Recognize God as the Source of the Wealth
Kailangan nating mag-umpisa dito dahil kung ano man ang mayroon tayo today—hindi dahil sa pinaghirapan natin ito, although importante yun—ito ay dahil God chose to give them to us at ang kakayahan na i-manage at palaguin ito. It is God’s gift. We need to acknowledge that He provides for our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ. Recognizing this fosters humility, gratitude, and a sense of joyful stewardship.
The Bible says in Deuteronomy 8:18, “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
Tithing and Giving
This is a nagging controversy in Christian circles. For many, tithing is like worship. They believe that giving back to God 10% of what they earn is a sacred duty. There are others that say tithing is an obsolete practice and was not emphasized in Jesus’s teaching in the New Testament. Whatever you believe in, the truth is giving should be a way of life for Christians due to the simple fact that Jesus Christ gave—life, salvation, gifts, Holy Spirit, even in simple matters such as food when there was none. Whether you give 10% back to God as a tithe or giving money as a “love gift,” it is vital that we follow Jesus’s example to honor God. I remember an Australian Christian wealth coach who said that 10% should be the minimum amount when giving to God or the church because in the New Testament, we are admonished to give more or even all!
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
Wise Stewardship of Resources
Dahil sinabi natin na everything that we have comes from God, it is therefore required of us to manage God’s resources wisely. This means that we should not recklessly spend the blessings that God gives to us and not get ourselves into debt as we can get trapped in it and reduce our capacity to be generous.
What we should be doing is saving and investing the wealth that God gives us so that it earns a profit (remember the parable of the talents?). At the bare minimum Jesus admonished the man given one bag of gold to save the money in a bank so that it will earn interest. Sadly, the man did not thought of that kapag binasa natin ang account. Of course, saving in a bank today is a lot different than in Jesus’s time, but the lesson here is to save money and invest it prudently in more money earning activities.
“Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” — Ecclesiastes 11:2
There are roughly 2,350 verses that discusses money, possessions, and related topics. 11 out of the 39 parables that Jesus told involved money! Obviously, importante ke God ang issue na ito.
Putting God First in Your Finances
You honor God with your wealth when you put Him first when deciding between needs and wants. When you put essential needs first, you recognize that God can provide you with things that you want such as big ticket items that can also help you make more.
We also need to cultivate a spirit of contentment. That what you have right now is what God intended for you today and if there is anything else that you need other than what you have, He will supply in His perfect time.
The lesson here is to focus ourselves in trusting God with our financial needs and relying on His provision.
“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” — Philippians 4:10-11
Using Wealth for Good
With whatever God gives us, we should always keep in mind to support individuals or organizations that push the agenda of the Lord like missionaries or Christian NGOs. You can do this by donating to these people or causes or volunteering your time. These actions reflect God’s heart of generosity.
We should also be mindful if we are investing in companies that support policies and products that go against the Word of God. By doing this, we are able to make good use of God’s blessings.
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” — 1Timothy 6:17-19
So there you go, limang paraan to honor God with your wealth. I pray that as God blesses you with wealth, that you will be able to honor Him with your blessings.
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