Trusted WITH MONEY

Money is on most everyone's minds these days. The price of gas, the tanking stock market, the $700 Billion dollar bailout, the economy as the #1 issue in the upcoming election- all serve to keep us focused on money. And we should be. Not only do we need money to survive, but money is one of the many things that God is trusting us with. And money can effect our relationship with God based on how we handle it. Always has. Take a minute and read THIS STORY about a couple of brothers who had this experience. Let's explore a few principles that we can learn from these guys.

IT'S NOT "OUR MONEY", IT'S GOD'S MONEY
Recently a friend of mine was talking with one of their financial professionals. They called to ask if my friend was doing ok in the changing economy. My friend said they were doing about as well as everyone else and ended by saying, "It isn't our money anyway." "What do you mean?" the financial adviser shot back. My friend explained that they believed that all of their money ultimately belonged to God. The financial pro was stunned. The issue of ownership provides the key to how we'll manage our money. If it is ours- we'll spend it on us and maybe throw God a bit if we have any left. If it is God's- we'll probably manage it differently. Both Cain and Abel had growing businesses. Both brought offerings to God. But only one found favor in God's eyes. Why? Abel brought the best of what God helped him earn. Cain just brought something. My guess is that Cain had grown some choice produce as well. But he kept it for himself. It was his after all, right? What's troubling about this is that Cain should have been clear about the earth belonging to God. His parents were the first humans ever created. God spoke out loud to Cain. And yet, he wanted to lay claim to what was "his". If Cain got cloudy about the issue of ownership, we're probably going to have to do some work to keep a clear perspective.

IT'S NOT "JUST MONEY", MONEY IS A DEEPLY SPIRITUAL ISSUE
Researchers are always making connections we don't expect. Red wine is good for your heart. Dark chocolate lowers your cholesterol. Who knew? Often we want to believe that money is a necessary evil, but not really important to our spiritual lives. Jesus seemed to think otherwise. He saw a direct connection between our money and our hearts. What Abel did with his money had a direct impact on His relationship with God. Same with Cain. After Cain's offering is rejected, God warns him that money is a handy channel for temptation. Similar warnings are offered to those who would follow Jesus. Sounds like we need to pay close attention to the role money has in our lives, huh?

GIVING IS AN OPPORTUNITY, NOT AN OBLIGATION
So how does God expect us to keep our bearings when it comes to money? What can we do to keep the ownership issue straight? To keep God first? To avoid the temptations that are "lying outside our doors" (God's imagery, not mine)? That's where the spiritual habit of giving comes in. When we give God our money, our hearts have a chance to follow (remember what Jesus said about the wallet-heart connection). In Malachi 3, God talks to a group of people who have abandoned Him and invites them to return. How will they return? God says they should start by putting their money where they want their hearts to be. Financial giving may also be a key component to our growth. Jesus suggests that the way we manage the money God trusts us with can be a proving ground for other blessings and responsibilities He may want to send our way. We can't buy God's love. And God doesn't need our money. But He does want our hearts. And our wallets should follow.

NEXT STEPS
So how can we honor God with the money He's giving us? Maybe by taking the next step when it comes to our giving. Most of us can't radically change our financial situations overnight, but we can do something. Here's an overview of the ways people have given to God in the scriptures. Which would represent a good next step for you?

Pre OT Law-
People like Abel gave God the first and best part of their income. This helped reinforce God as the owner of all things and the source of their blessings. If you aren't used to giving money to God, start here. No matter the amount, give God some of the first and best part of what He allows you to earn. Don't wait to see if you have anything left. Put God in the budget.

OT Law-
God tells the Jewish people to bring tithes (10%) and offerings (beyond 10%). This allowed them be disciplined and consistent in their giving and gave them very clear guidelines. If you give to God occasionally, a good next step might be setting a pattern (weekly, monthly, etc) and a percentage of giving. This might serve as a consistent layer of protection against the temptation we face to love and serve our money.

Jesus/NT-
Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament law and set us free from standards that were tough to measure up to. Jesus sets us free- to love, serve, live- AND give. Jesus takes giving to another standard by encouraging us to give generously and cheerfully. If you already practice giving money to God consistently, do a heart scan. Do you see it as an opportunity to bless God, others and yourself? Are you happy to write the checks? If not, ask God to work on this with you.

THINK/TALK ABOUT IT:

Q: What kinds of experiences have you had when it comes to churches and money? What have you learned about money at church?

Q: Where do you land on the ownership issue today? Do you believe your money is really God's? If so, does it show? What, if anything, do you to maintain this focus?

Q: Have you seen the heart/money connection play out in your/others lives? Do you agree that money can be a powerful channel for temptation? How do you feel about the imagery that "sin is lying outside your door waiting to master you"? What, if anything, are you doing to protect yourself?

Q: Do you tend to see giving as an opportunity or an obligation? How has the habit of giving changed/blessed you? What would a good next step of growth for you when it comes to honoring God with your money?