MONEY STEWARDSHIP IN GODLINESS!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY JANUARY 07, 2022.

SUBJECT : MONEY STEWARDSHIP IN GODLINESS!

Memory verse: "And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.” (Luke 16 vs 9.)

READ: Luke 16 vs 10 - 13:

16:10: He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 

16:11: Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 

16:12: And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?

16:13: No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

INTIMATION:

Godliness is likeness to God; it’s to be devout, and denotes that piety which is characterized by a Godward attitude—doing those things that is well-pleasing to God. Money relates to financial matters, while a steward is one entrusted with managing of another person's property or affairs. Money stewardship comprises of handling or management of money matters. 

There are Scriptural principles on money stewardship in godliness. The importance of this subject is reflected in how much the Scriptures teach about it. The Bible has more to say about money than most Bible doctrines like heaven and hell or faith and prayer. The influence of money in our lives is very real, so it isn't surprising that Jesus taught more on the subject of money than any other single topic. He taught more of managing resources than He did on prayer or even faith. As you will learn, seeing yourself as a steward of God's resources is the only way to true financial freedom.

I know that money is a sore subject that a lot of people want to avoid, but in my considered opinion, learning how God views money and possessions is basic Christianity. Our integrity often meets its match in money matters. Jesus used money and people's attitude towards money to reveal their hearts. We are to make use of the money opportunities we have in a godly manner. God is the Owner of the world, and all its fullness. He gives you power to get the wealth. Therefore, all that you have is entrusted to you by the Owner—God. It’s rational and right to manage those resources entrusted to you to the benefit of the Owner. 

God established the earthly kingdom for His purpose. He created us to serve and obey Him. Wisdom demands that you serve Him even with the resources entrusted to you. Therefore, spend your money unselfishly; in advancing His kingdom; helping those in need, to help others find Christ. When it is used rightly as God wills, then your earthly investment will bring you eternal benefit. Use your resources which are temporal, to gain those things that are eternal. Investment in kingdom advancement programs is investing in the vineyard of God; it helps you to build your heavenly treasures that are eternal.

Money and material possessions within themselves are not wrong. What can be wrong is how they were acquired and idolized. It is not the money that is evil, but the love and selfish use of it. It is not wrong to be rich, but riches are wrong when they lead one into sin. Your attitude toward it determines your godliness in its use. Lovers of money and possessions are not faithful to God in what they acquired. They could not be good stewards of God’s heritage because they had proved themselves dishonest with what is entrusted to them by God. 

If one cannot be trusted with the correct use of material things, he cannot be trusted to do right if entrusted with the care of the flock of God. Therefore, one’s correct use of material things will determine one’s right to eternal life. God calls us to be honest even in small details we could easily rationalize away. A man’s faithfulness is measured by what he does with what he has. 

Heaven's riches are far more valuable than earthly wealth. But if you are not trustworthy with your money here (no matter how much or little we have), you will be unfit to handle the vast riches of God's kingdom. Most people are enslaved by money; instead of money serving them, they serve money. Money has the power to take God's place in our life. It can become your master. How can you tell if you are a slave to money? (1) Do you think or worry about it frequently? (2) Do you give up doing what you should do or would like to do in order to make more money? (3) Do you spend a great deal of your time caring for your possessions? (4) Is it hard for you to give money away? (5)Are you in debt?

One cannot take his possessions with him into the dwelling of the new heavens and earth, but he can take the results of his giving. Money is a hard master and a deceptive one. Wealth promises power and control, but often it cannot deliver. Great fortunes can be made and lost overnight, and no amount of money can provide health, happiness, or eternal life.

Prayer: Abba Father, my utmost heart desire is to serve You, even with the resources You entrust to my care. Engrace me with the wisdom to manage all entrusted to my care in a godly manner, that I may be rewarded with eternity with You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!