The One Condition To Obtaining True Riches
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Our family has been working through a wonderful book called, “Discovering God’s Way of Handling Money.” Both my husband and I grew up in non-Christian homes, and in many ways were not equipped by our parents in certain basic skills that would have made our lives a lot easier. So it is a real privilege to be able to disciple our children in the precious ways of the Lord, and to transfer some knowledge of getting by in this world to them while they are still young.
One of the memory verses in the workbook we are going through is Luke 16:11.
The truth is, dear friend, that nothing that you and I have in our possession belongs to us! Psalm 24:1 makes this clear;
The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains,
The world, and those who dwell in it.
If God owns every single possession that you have, that makes you a steward.
steward; noun: a person who manages another’s property or financial affairs
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The One Condition To Obtaining True Riches
You have come into this world with nothing, and you will leave with nothing. During your brief 80, 90, or 100 years here on earth, you are loaned a few possessions that you are to steward (manage) for the One to whom they belong. <–Click to Tweet
Now, the right question to ask, is, “How should I manage His possessions?”
Amazingly, God states one main characteristic which is to define the way in which you manage all you have been provided.
He could have emphasised that you should be generous, wise, loving, or frugal.
But rather, the Lord requires that you be found trustworthy (some Bible translations say ‘faithful’).
A Deeper Way to View Your Physical Possessions
At face value, when I first studied this verse, I took it to mean that I am expected to physically take good care of my possessions. To be careful not to scratch, stain, or spoil them.
However, as I was going about pointing these and other similar thoughts out to my children recently, I was struck by how much more is meant by these words of Scripture.
When the King warns that if you are not found trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, does he not mean so much more than simply looking after them? God looks not only at the outer appearance, but also at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), so let’s consider how we may apply this principle to the fruit of our hearts.
Be Trustworthy With Your Wardrobe
- The way you use the clothes that God provides should glorify and honour him;
- Take care not to be a stumbling block to the opposite sex in the way you dress
- Wear clothes that are modest, not causing others to covet
Be Trustworthy With Your Finances
- Spend every dollar you have been given in a way that will honour Him, as He leads;
- Give generously to others who are in need (1 John 3:17)
- Financially support those in the ministry who are holding out the Word of Truth to a lost and dying world
- Purchase wholesome and God honouring resources for your family to read and view
Be Trustworthy With Your Gadgets
- Use your technical devices to aid you in walking a Godly life;
- Write encouraging emails to loved ones and those who may be in despair
- View only those websites and videos which bring life to your soul, and those that Jesus Himself would be pleased to view alongside you
- Use the time that you have on the computer in a way that does not detract from any other calling that the Lord has ordained for your life during this precious season
When you begin to be aware of being trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, so that even greater treasures will be entrusted to you, your eyes will be opened to what a great responsibility it is to steward it all in a wise, godly, and trustworthy fashion.
As you go about your life today, I encourage you to be mindful of the wealth in your home and surroundings. With a new year fast approaching, let us be found trustworthy, and prepare for the true riches of the glory of the Living God.
May His Name Be Praised!
How could you begin using the worldly wealth that has been provided to you to glorify the Lord in a greater capacity?
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