怎样运用理财的智慧Financial Wisdom: How to Spend

Financial Wisdom: How to Spend

Philippians 4: 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through HIM who gives me strength.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to GOD. 19 And my GOD will meet all your needs according to the riches of HIS glory in CHRIST JESUS.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

GOD entrusts each believer with a share of HIS resources. And like any wise overseer, HE gives HIS stewards guidelines for making the best use of HIS wealth:

• The Essential Expense—A believer’s wisest money management decision is to regularly set aside the first portion of income for the brothers and sisters in CHRIST. As we promote and provide for GOD’s work in this way, HE protects what is left (Deut. 26: 2 take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the LORD your GOD is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the LORD your GOD will choose as a dwelling for HIS Name; Mal. 3: 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in MY house. Test ME in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD ALMIGHTY.).

• The Next Priority—GOD promised to supply for our needs (Phil. 4: 19 And my GOD will meet all your needs according to the riches of HIS glory in CHRIST JESUS.). The primary way we get necessities like food, clothing, shelter, transport, and education is by paying for it with what He provides.

• Pursuit of Godly Goals—Next, we’re to use money to meet GOD’s goals for us or our family. Instead of “floating” through life;  true believers should seek and pursue GOD’s will. HE may lead you to invest in education, start a business, or purchase a particular item.

• A High Calling—Giving to the needy is an investment in GOD’s kingdom. While we should be cautious not to promote laziness, a gracious act to a poor man “lends to the LORD and HE will repay . . .” (Prov. 19: 17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and HE will reward them for what they have done.).

• Uses for What’s Left—Last on the list is fulfilment of desires. True believers who delight in the LORD walk in obedience to HIM. HE in turn blesses them with the good things that fit HIS will for their lives (Ps. 37: 4 Take delight in the LORD, and HE will give you the desires of your heart.).

Good stewards manage GOD’s resources by asking HIM, “What is YOUR will for the wealth that YOU have given me?” You’ll be amazed at how fulfilling it is to live according to biblical principles. Even a little money seems like more than enough when you spend it as the LORD intends.