"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, ESV)

When I graduated college and began to live on my own, my job paid monthly. As a new grad, I had no real savings and lived in a new city alone. Oh, I also had no credit cards. I quickly learned that I must make my money last the whole month. It was a challenge. One positive thing was I had no debts, just basic living expenses.

Have you ever wondered if God cares about how we spend our money? Would it surprise you that over 2,300 verses in the Bible are about money, wealth, and possessions? God desires us to be good stewards of the resources He gives us, and His Word offers valuable principles to help. It teaches ways to properly give, receive, and manage our money.

GOOD STEWARDSHIP

Here are a few biblical principles that will help us become good stewards of the resources God gives us.

Pay God first. If we pay bills first and then tithe, the money frequently runs out before we get to God's part. If we pay our tithes and offerings first, God will stretch our remaining funds to go farther. Not paying tithes and offerings robs us of God's blessings - and robs God. (Read Proverbs 3:9).

Live within your means. The Bible teaches us to be content with what we have. We must learn to distinguish between a need (basic food, clothing, shelter) and a want (not a necessity). Our money goes farther when we choose a simpler lifestyle. Luke 12: 15 tells us that "life does not consist in the abundance of [our] possessions."

Learn to trust God. Many put their confidence in credit cards or a loan company. How much better when we trust God to supply our needs. Our faith grows as we experience God's provision. (Read Philippians 4:19.)

Be a diligent worker. We cannot expect God to supply our needs if we won't work (II Thessalonians 3:10). J. G. Holland said, "God gives every bird its food, but he does not throw it into the nest."

Focus on character, not easy money. Avoid any questionable financial transaction that will harm your reputation. True prosperity comes from God, not shady dealings. (Read Proverbs 22:1.) We also show character when we pay our bills on time.

Be generous with those in need. "Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'" (Acts 20:35, ESV).

Save for a rainy day. Money for the sake of money is greed. We should, however, put aside an amount each payday for unexpected expenses and future needs. (Read Proverbs 10:4.)

The Bible has much more to say about wise ways to handle our finances, but the above principles will get us started in the right direction.

CHECK YOUR PRIORITIES

I recently read a thought-provoking statement. It said our spending habits reveal our priorities, the things we value most. How we choose to spend our money shows what we truly treasure. Colossians 3:2 admonishes us to, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

PRAYER: Lord, help me to become a good steward of the many blessings You have given me. Help me to commit myself to the principles outlined in Your Word when managing my money and possessions. Remind me, Lord, to seek things of eternal value because the things of this world will soon pass away.

SHARE WITH US: Has God blessed you in a special way because you chose to give Him first place in your life and with your finances? Share with us in the Comment area.

Devotion by Mary Loudermilk