Jun Amparo
Financial problem is a legitimate concern in most households.
Even the children of God have been preoccupied with financial pressures including too much debt, job loss, a high cost of living, and a critical illness of a family member that will likely jeopardize your financial stability.
While the money itself is neither evil nor good, Christians are oftentimes being confronted with these challenging questions. How does God work through your financial difficulties? Can money really become your god? How do you find the right balance of being a hoarder to generous, dishonest to faithful steward, and simplicity over excessive spending?
Let me share with you a few Bible verses for reflection to be more financially responsible and grow spiritually as God’s steward.
1. God owns everything
The earth is the LORD’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers (Psalm 24:1-2).
2. God expects you to be faithful in your finances
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house…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).
3. Diligent brings prosperity over lazy hands
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth (Proverbs 10:4).
4. Stewardship starts with the giving of one’s total self first to God
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us (2 Corinthians 8:3-5).
5. You are accountable for your stewardship
Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants (Matthew 18:23).
6. God gives riches and wealth
God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work-this is a gift of God (Ecclesiastes 5:19).
7. It is God who gives you the power to acquire wealth
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 (Deuteronomy 8:18).
8. Debt should be avoided
The rich rules over the poor and the borrower is the slave of the lender (Proverbs 22:7).
9. Do not forget to save for the future
The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down (Proverbs 21:20).
10. A good name is better than riches
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1).
11. The love of money is a root of evil
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:10).
12. Have a cheerful giving attitude
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).
13. Remember to share your blessings to the needy
Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God (Proverbs 14:31).
14. Avoid get-quick-rich scheme
Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow (Proverbs 13:11).
15. Seek God first and he will supply your needs
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).
16. Remain humble and do not put hope in wealth
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 (I Timothy 6:17).
17. Learn to be contented in every situation
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:12)
18. Never underestimate financial planning
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it (Luke 14:28)?
19. God will bless you as he has promised
For the Lord, your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you (Deuteronomy 15:6).
Final thoughts
I pray that these biblical principles will help you to increase generosity and faith in God. Because God is bigger than your financial problems, He wants you to prosper in every area of your life, including finances so you could be a tremendous blessing to others.
