The Desire of the Heart
Our lives are woven together by so many different threads. Many that we don’t see… Especially when it comes to God’s grace and provision within our lives… And when it comes to money and the resources we have, God’s provision is a central theme… As stewards of the resources He has given us, it is important during this season of thanksgiving that we approach our finances with an understanding that comes from Scripture… It is an approach that acknowledges that God has entrusted us with the ability to earn, and it is, therefore, our responsibility to use these resources wisely.
There are many guideposts in Scripture that help us to navigate financial planning and spending. Solomon was given a gift of wisdom and discernment as he ruled the Israelite people. As he penned the Proverbs he wrote this piece of wisdom: The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty (Proverbs 21:5). Solomon’s wisdom underscores the importance of intentionality and foresight in the financial matters we are entrusted with. Diligence in our planning, budgeting, and decision-making processes help us to align with God's desire for us to be wise stewards of the blessings He has provided.
Solomon continues his wisdom with this vivid illustration: The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down (Proverbs 21:20). The wisdom of this metaphor lies in the face that it extends beyond mere dietary habits… Solomon’s words resonate with a profound truth about the nature of wise financial stewardship. The wise person considers the future, saving and investing wisely, while the fool squanders resources in the pursuit of instant gratification. Modern culture tells us that we need it all now rather than to be wise and plan.
250 years ago, Solomon’s wisdom found its way to the minds of the founders of the United States. Thomas Jefferson once said: Never spend your money before you have earned it. Jefferson echoes the biblical principle of delayed gratification and responsible financial behavior. Waiting until we have earned, planned and saved before spending reflects a heart that values patience and prudence with a desire to let God lead the way. A heart that is free of the worry of finances…
That peace is hard to come by in our day and age. Dave Ramsey, founder of Financial Peace University and a modern-day financial expert, echoes the biblical call to action with our financial spending habits when he said: You must gain control over your money, or the lack of it will forever control you. This powerful statement challenges us to view financial stewardship as an active, intentional process. When we surrender control to God and allow Him access to our finances, we invite His guidance into our decision-making processes when it comes to spending and tithing.
Understanding that spending, just like earning and saving, is a matter of the heart that provides a profound perspective on our relationship with God and money. God desires our hearts to be aligned with His purposes, and this includes how we handle the resources He entrusts to us. By seeking God's guidance in our financial decisions, we invite Him into the very fabric of our lives, acknowledging His sovereignty over all aspects, including our finances. It gives us the ability to be thankful for all He has given to us and to begin to hold our finances with an open hand so that He can guide us…
How is He guiding you today through financial stewardship? What are you holding onto this week that you need to let go of? Are you spending or are you squandering what you have been entrusted with?
There are many guideposts in Scripture that help us to navigate financial planning and spending. Solomon was given a gift of wisdom and discernment as he ruled the Israelite people. As he penned the Proverbs he wrote this piece of wisdom: The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty (Proverbs 21:5). Solomon’s wisdom underscores the importance of intentionality and foresight in the financial matters we are entrusted with. Diligence in our planning, budgeting, and decision-making processes help us to align with God's desire for us to be wise stewards of the blessings He has provided.
Solomon continues his wisdom with this vivid illustration: The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down (Proverbs 21:20). The wisdom of this metaphor lies in the face that it extends beyond mere dietary habits… Solomon’s words resonate with a profound truth about the nature of wise financial stewardship. The wise person considers the future, saving and investing wisely, while the fool squanders resources in the pursuit of instant gratification. Modern culture tells us that we need it all now rather than to be wise and plan.
250 years ago, Solomon’s wisdom found its way to the minds of the founders of the United States. Thomas Jefferson once said: Never spend your money before you have earned it. Jefferson echoes the biblical principle of delayed gratification and responsible financial behavior. Waiting until we have earned, planned and saved before spending reflects a heart that values patience and prudence with a desire to let God lead the way. A heart that is free of the worry of finances…
That peace is hard to come by in our day and age. Dave Ramsey, founder of Financial Peace University and a modern-day financial expert, echoes the biblical call to action with our financial spending habits when he said: You must gain control over your money, or the lack of it will forever control you. This powerful statement challenges us to view financial stewardship as an active, intentional process. When we surrender control to God and allow Him access to our finances, we invite His guidance into our decision-making processes when it comes to spending and tithing.
Understanding that spending, just like earning and saving, is a matter of the heart that provides a profound perspective on our relationship with God and money. God desires our hearts to be aligned with His purposes, and this includes how we handle the resources He entrusts to us. By seeking God's guidance in our financial decisions, we invite Him into the very fabric of our lives, acknowledging His sovereignty over all aspects, including our finances. It gives us the ability to be thankful for all He has given to us and to begin to hold our finances with an open hand so that He can guide us…
How is He guiding you today through financial stewardship? What are you holding onto this week that you need to let go of? Are you spending or are you squandering what you have been entrusted with?
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