Text: “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.” (Proverbs 28:22)
- In the parable of the unjust steward, the owner commended the steward not because he stole from him, but because the steward finally realized the true purpose of money (Luke 16:1-9).
- The steward was commended for having the presence of mind to secure his future.
1. sometimes Christians do not save money for themselves and future generations as wisely as the rest of the world. - We should handle money according to the 80/10/10 rule.
1. Live on 80 percent of our income, tithe 10 percent, and save 10 percent.
2. This would force us to live within our means and take a close look at how we spend money. We may even adjust our lifestyle to be more financially prudent. - Financial prosperity should not be our main goal. It is a by-product of seeking God.
1. When we use money to help others and spread the Gospel, we will be greatly welcomed in heaven. - Both the Old and the New Testaments refer to having the wrong attitude about money as evil. They both use vision to get the point across about money management.
- Those who seek riches are acting with an evil eye, and they actually bring poverty onto themselves (Proverbs 28:22).
- Those who set their eye on a single vision, one coming from God, are filled with light. But if they have a split vision and try to focus on God and money, they have an evil eye (Matthew 6:22, 23).
1. Our focus must be on seeking God, not getting rich. - We can bring our thought processes into captivity, and control each thought that enters our mind (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5).
1. When we have thoughts about money that do not line up with the word of God, we have the authority to cast them out. - Paul focused on God, and had one vision (Philippians 3:13).
1. He did not divide his attention between God and the things of the world - What is the true purpose of money?
- Is it possible to live a life of 80/10/10 rules
- Should having loads of money be our major priorities?
- What should be our focus?
- It is fine to work and hold down a job, but we must see it in its proper perspective.
- The Bible goes so far as to state that whoever chooses not to work should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
1. But remember that God’s plan for financial freedom does not rely on the natural results of work.
2. Our work and our efforts are not the source of the money we see. We are under grace, and this grace is the source. - The purpose of work is to be in a position to help others in need (Ephesians 4:28).
- The Scriptures tell us exactly what to focus on (Matthew 6:33).
1. The highest form of giving is sharing the Gospel. - God is well able to provide the grace—and the financial sufficiency—that we need. When we receive the financial blessings, pass some of it on to help the needy (2 Corinthians 9:8, AMP).
1. His promises certainly include charitable donations, but they are all-inclusive and do not stop at just money. He is able to make every favour and earthly blessing come to us abundantly. - If money is not our focus, why did the bible included 2 Thessalonians 3:10?
- What is the purpose of work for every christian?
- Why should we seek first the kingdom of God?
SUMMARY
In the Biblical sense, most people do not realize what money should be used for. As a result, they strive for it above anything else. The world attaches great importance to money, and uses it as a yardstick to measure people’s worth. The truth is money is simply a tool to accomplish what is really important, which is spreading the Gospel. God knows we need money, and He promises to bless us abundantly with it when we trust and obey His Word. Money should never replace Him as our true source, and when we seek Him, abundance will flow.