By Nathan Carroll
Much of our journey as Christians is about acquainting ourselves with the Word and will of God. How does the Lord want us to carry ourselves as Christians? How can we continually improve and become more like Christ? Our mission in this way is outlined in 1 Peter 1:14-15, which says:
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.”
Our mission, our directive, is to strive to be holy in our conduct and in all that we do. Notice that it says in all your conduct. Not just how we treat others, or how we carry ourselves in public, but in all that we do. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says:
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
When quoting this verse, much like in 1 Peter, we emphasize that it says whatever you do. Everything should mean everything. Including your finances. People can relate their finances to their faith, and steward their money in a way that (hopefully) honors the Lord and aligns with the Word of God. So often when someone walks into faith, away from their old lives, they shed off many fleshly desires but continue to steward their finances in a way that isn’t an obedient child.
So what does it look like to be an obedient child in your finances? How does one steward his or her wealth wisely? As in all things, the answer lies in the Word. In Deuteronomy 8:17-18 the Bible tells us that wealth is not something we earn ourselves, rather the Lord is the one that grants us power to gain wealth. Any wealth we do gain is a testament to His provision, not our own capabilities.
Additionally, 1 Timothy 6:6-10 teaches us that contentment is godliness. That our pursuits should be focused on the kingdom, and that when our focus comes to building wealth and loving money that evil follows; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 teaches us the value of generosity, that wealth is a tool for us to bless others, and when we sow into the kingdom and to others, the Lord also blesses us in return.
Proverbs 21:5 teaches the value of saving, to create a plan for what you have and the abundance that follows from executing a good, godly plan. Proverbs 22:7 teaches us to avoid debt, as the borrower is a slave to the lender. In all these things, the Word gives guidance on how to be a more godly steward of your finances, and ultimately how to be a more obedient child of God.
While those verses are a drop in the bucket in what it means to put God in your finances, it should start the conversation of whether your finances look like those of an obedient child. Pray to God and ask him to examine your finances and to instruct you in where you can grow. Being an obedient child – in all that we do – includes finances and giving that portion of your life to the Lord.
Nathan Carroll is a Registered Assistant with Christian Wealth Management in Boise, Idaho. For more information, go to investforthegloryofgod.com.
Investment advisory services provided by Creative Financial Designs, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities are offered through CFD Investments, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC. 2704 South Goyer Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, (795) 453-9600. Christian Wealth Management LLC is not affiliated with CFD Investments, Inc. or Creative Financial Designs, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.
