Last week, we discussed the fact that it all belongs to God, from our money to our possessions and even our bodies and souls. This time, we’re going to go into some more detail about why it’s important to remember that He owns it all, and what this really means to our daily lives as Christians. It sounds pretty self-explanatory, since most of us have read the scriptures dozens of times, but the number of Christians who stockpile everything from money to stuff is astronomical. Their actions are the evidence of their real beliefs.

Let’s start with Haggai 2:8, which is one of the most straightforward Scriptures about your money: “‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” (NIV) That pretty much sums up what belongs to Him where your finances are concerned: it’s all His. All the silver, all the gold, not just a portion. We are commanded to give Him ten percent of our earnings (not including our offerings) but ultimately we should seek Him before we spend a single cent, because it’s all His.

Keep reading in Deuteronomy 10:14: “To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.” (NIV) That’s pretty all-encompassing, knowing that everything from the earth to the highest heavens belongs to Him. We are just stewards, entrusted with doing God’s will for everything we come in contact with each day. This covers our finances especially, and we’re not only tithing to pay a debt owed, but to prove that we’re good stewards of what He’s lending to us. Are you getting a clearer picture of why it’s so important to give now? You’re representing God’s goodness with every time that you give—whether you’re giving of yourself, your money, your possessions, etc…

Putting Things in Perspective

A popular devotional compared our finances to money from the board game Monopoly. It’s fun to imagine holding the deeds to all the most lucrative properties, but when it’s all said and done, it all goes back into the box. You can’t take it with you. You can’t take anything with you when you pass from this life either. You’re leaving behind a legacy for your family, but is it going to be a legacy of debt or one of stinginess? Will you be a light for Christ during your lifetime, remembered for your generosity, or thought of as a miser who refused to give more than the bare minimum in every situation?

God doesn’t give us material things (like money or stuff) just for hoarding—He intends it for our enjoyment and for giving to others. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying what God gives you from a financial standpoint (God never said that Christians have to be broke and miserable), but keep in mind that since it’s His, you’ll need to pray about how much (if any) you’re supposed to give to others. From family and friends to charities worldwide, there’s always someone who’d be more than willing to share the blessing with you. Don’t be a miser, but invest in a time of prayer before donating, saving, or spending a single dollar. It’s all God’s, so use it for His glory!

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