Spend As The Lord Intends

Financial Wisdom: How to Spend

Today’s Text is from: Philippians 4:11-19

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness. At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Today’s Notes from the Scriptures

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 church. As we promote and provide for God’s work in this way, He protects what is left (Deut. 26:2; Mal. 3:10-11).

• The Next Priority—God promised to supply for our needs (Phil. 4:19). 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; 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).

• Uses for What’s Left—Last on the list is fulfillment of desires. 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).

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.