They say money can't buy happiness, which is true, but our goal in life is neither money or happiness. Money is a tool, in which we can use to further the Kingdom and it's purposes. "It is not your salary that makes you rich, but your spending habits." Charles Spurgeon says, "Whatever a man depends upon, whatever rules his mind, whatever governs his affections, whatever is the chief object of his delight, is his god." What does your bank statement say about your spending habits? Do you give with others in mind, tithe regularly to your local church, and invest in the building of the Kingdom and it's purposes? God uses money in your life to test your faith, responsibility, and honor with it.
Things money cannot buy: Manners, Morals, Respect, Character, Common Sense, Trust, Patience, Class, Integrity, Love, Honor, Blessed Eternity, Fruit of the Spirit, Time, and Peace of Mind.
Hebrews 13: 5-6 " Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have,because God has said, never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
"When God blesses you financially, don't raise your standard of living. Raise your standard of giving." I believe giving activates abundance. 2 Corinthians 9:7 "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." "A rich man without God is just a poor man with money."
Matthew 6:31-32 "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them."
Romans 13:8 "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law."
2 Peter 1:3-7 "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love."
"How we handle money reveals much about our priorities. That’s why Jesus often talked about money. One-sixth of the Gospels’ content, including one out of every three parables, touches on stewardship. Jesus wasn’t a fundraiser. He dealt with money matters because money matters. For some of us, though, it matters too much." [odb.org]
"Walking on the narrow road requires faith, discipline, and determination. We all have desires—that is, fleshly appetites—that find the easier pathway more attractive." [odb.org]
If we pursue mere earthly gain,
We choose a path that ends in pain;
But joy and peace are in our soulWhen we pursue a heavenly goal. —D. De Haan
