PERSONAL FINANCES
MONEY…DOES GOD REALLY CARE?
By Bill & Maureen Sitter

Many of us may have grown up with the notion that God provided clear instructions in several areas, but that money, personal finances and business matters were somehow gray areas. If we buy into the world's view that: "it's my money" or "it's just business", then we can pretty much do what feels good in our use of finances.

Maybe we are totally turned-off by money and feel that God doesn't instruct us, because, after all - isn't money the root of all evil?

Let's explode a few of these myths. God cares a lot about stewardship and the handling of financial resources, that's why there are over 1,000 scriptures (Old & New Testament) dealing with these topics. Money is not the root of evil; in fact money can be used for good or bad things. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." And Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) warns us: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So greed, lust and having the almighty dollar as an idol - that's the problem.

In 3 John 2, God makes it clear that He wants us to prosper, to be in good health and to have sound minds. Jesus taught a lot about the need to be good and faithful stewards. This means that we are accountable to know the condition of our (flocks) family, health and financial resources. He expects us to be faithful in little, so He can trust us with much.

Let's sum it up by saying that God wants us to study His Word and to seek wise Christian counsel … because - all financial decisions, small or large, are really spiritual decisions.

As our hearts' desires become Godly desires, we will focus on the priorities God has given us. We suggest the proper order is: God, family, personal health, and then employment. All are important and balance is vital. Hopefully, when our time here is over, our daily planners and our checkbooks will reflect good stewardship of the time, the family and friends, the talents, and the money given us by God.

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