In life, some topics are simply easier to discuss than others. Such is the case with biblical prosperity. As Christians, we have no problem sharing about our latest win at work or the great deal we found online, but we shy away from admitting that we are trusting God to expand our financial borders or help us overcome debilitating debt. Why is that?
While finances are obviously not the main point of God’s Word, they are mentioned numerous times within it. Just look at these verses:
On Giving
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ And God will generously provide all you need.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8a)
On Saving
“Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.” (Proverbs 6:6-8)
On Debt
“Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)
On Investing
“But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.” (Ecclesiastes 11:2)
These verses (and there are many, many more) support the truth that God neither wants His children to be afraid of money, nor does He want them to obsess over it. Money is a tool, neither good nor bad in and of itself. Much like a contractor would need a hammer, drill or crane to build a physical house; we all require money to build our financial houses. And like any other resource at our disposal, it belongs to Him. We don’t truly own it. Instead, we are called to be “stewards” of it (Luke 16).
God often uses finances to teach and mature His children, and those lessons are as unique as the person learning them. He might want to teach one person about tithing consistently. Another might be learning to give an offering above the tithe. Another might be learning how to stand in faith for the prosperity of their business or their family’s finances. And yet another might be learning to seek direction on which ministries to support. In each of these instances, the believer must hear and obey the leading of the Holy Spirit while refusing to be swayed by peers or popular thought.
As you grow in your understanding of biblical finances, here are five truths and scriptures on which to meditate:
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Financial Prosperity is God’s will for you.
“You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). What that prosperity looks like will differ from family to family, but be assured that God’s will is prosperity. You are not outside the will of God when you ask for financial provision and blessings.
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You are blessed to be a blessing.
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, ‘They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever’” (2 Corinthians 9:8-9). Resources are never meant to be hoarded in the kingdom of God. Instead, God desires that they be freely shared to accomplish His will. Ask yourself: Do I allow myself to be a conduit of God’s blessing, or do I see myself as a stopping point? If your answer is the latter, ask the Holy Spirit to give you a vision for blessing others.
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Rely on heaven’s economy, not the earth’s.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, KJV). No matter the need, God loves it when His children pray with joyful expectation in their hearts (aka faith), eagerly looking for how He will provide for them.
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Commit to handle your finances God’s way.
According to God’s Word, the most rewarding pursuit is that of His kingdom. Does that fly in the face of modern mindsets? Yes. But as with every facet of Christian living, we are called to line up with God’s Word, not popular thought, cultural standards or our own whims. Finances are no different. “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:31,33, KJV).
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Plant the seed of the Word.
“And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred” (Mark 4:20, KJV). Your words matter. If you constantly speak negativity and lack over your finances, don’t be surprised if negativity and lack are what greet you as you sit down to pay your bills. Instead, speak words that line up with the Word and proclaim the faithfulness and blessing of the Lord. And if you need help knowing what to say, check out the article, “Biblical Confessions for My Finances.”
God is able to make all blessings abound to His children (2 Corinthians 9:8). This includes financial blessing! Obviously, financial abundance—or lack—is not our ultimate purpose in life any more than is fame, happiness, popularity, pleasure or any other temporary thing. No, we are first called to know and follow Christ, and to tell others about Him. God in His infinite wisdom moves His resources about His kingdom to accomplish His ultimate will—making disciples. As His children, we have the honor of joining with Him and being the best stewards of what He has given us, and in the process, we become channels of blessing to others, which surely blesses us. Amen!
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