Monday August 22, 2011

Read Luke 12:40-44, Proverbs 10:2, 2 Corinthians 12:14b

 

Financial Responsibilities

1. Faithfulness

The broadest responsibility of a steward who manages another person's possessions is faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:2). God tests our faithfulness in little things before He places us in charge of larger things (Matthew 25:21). Our faithfulness in managing what God has entrusted to us is a determinative factor in the responsibilities and rewards of our earthly and heavenly lives (Luke 12:40-44; 16:10-12; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5).

2. Diligence

God requires us to work for our living so that we will be able to provide for our own and share with others (Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:10). We are to be diligent in our work (Proverbs 10:4-5; 12:24; 14:23), and not marked by slothfulness or procrastination (Proverbs19:15).

 

3. Integrity

As Christians, our work and financial policies must be examples of integrity and honesty. Biblical ethics are absolute, not relative, and we must resist the temptation to get ahead by using shady business practices just because others are using them (Exodus 23:8; Proverbs 10:2; 11:1; 20:10,23; 22:16; Zechariah 8:16-17; Romans 13:9-10). Money can do many things, but it is possible to pay too high a price for it.

 

Dishonesty reveals a lack of real dependence on God's ability to provide for our needs and displays an attitude that God will not find out or discipline us. The Lord will not bless what we gain through dishonesty or get-rich-quick schemes. "Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel" (Proverbs 20:17; cf. 13:11; 15:6,27; 16:8; 20:21; 21:6; 28:6,20,22).

 

4. Provision

"But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Timothy 5:8).  Paul adds that "children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children" (2 Corinthians 12:14b). Also see Proverbs 13:22; 19:14a; 27:23-27; 1 Timothy 5:4.

 

5. Taxation

Another financial responsibility for believers is to pay taxes in support of their government (Romans 13:4-7; cf. Matthew17:24-27; 22:15-22). This includes the honesty of reporting all income on our tax returns and claiming only legitimate business expenses.

6. Wisdom

Financial wisdom includes freedom from enslavement to debt, the use of a budget to plan and control spending, and a prudent savings and investment program. Each of these will be discussed below.

 

7. Liberality

Believers are responsible to share generously with those in need and to support the ministry of the Word. This is the subject of the next section.

 

Think through the 7 sections of today’s reading. Which ones are you being faithful in? What do you need to change in the other sections?

 

Prayer:

> Pray for the carers of the MOPPETs that they will seek out opportunities to reach out to the mums and children who attend MOPS.  Pray for the leaders of MOPS as they prepare each fortnight.