MONEY AND STEWARDSHIP

How we handle money reveals much about the depth of our commitment to Christ. That's why Jesus often talked about money. One-sixth of the gospel, including one out of every three parables, touches on stewardship. Jesus wasn't a fundraiser. He dealt with money matters because money matters. There are two ways in which a Christian may view his money--"How much of my money shall I use for God?" or "How much of God's money shall I use for myself?

Matthew 25:26-28 (New International Version)
26"His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. 28" 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.
We are all very familiar with the story of the talents. A man who was going on a long journey calls his slaves and gives them his possessions. To one he gives 5 talents to another he gives two and to another he gives one talent each according to his ability.
It is important to note two things here: The fist thing is that we have no say over where we begin, that’s up to the master, He decides what to give to who but the important thing is that each person gets something.
Secondly everyone begins on a level playing ground because each is given according to their ability, no more and no less. It is also important to note that the master does not tell the slaves what to do with the talent that is up to each slave.
The first two slaves go out and invest their money and they get double returns. The third one goes out digs a hole and hides all he has been given. Now there is nothing in this parable that says the first two slaves were saved and the third was not. Many times we believe that because we live a holy and godly life we will be blessed with finances. Let me burst your bubble, God will not reward you with lots of money and meet all your needs just because you are living a holy life.There are principles that govern how money is to be handled and they apply to us weather we are saved or not. The sad thing is that many Christians ignore this principles and we behave like the third slave. We don’t plan ahead, we don’t invest and we don’t save.
All we do is stand in faith. No wonder many of us are struggling to put food on our tables. Even the little that we have will be taken from us and given to him who has much.Yes we do not choose where we begin from but we determine where we end. The first two slaves took the risk and invested and God rewarded them with double the returns.Are you a good steward of that which God has blessed you with? If you are still struggling with putting food on the table and meeting your basic needs then there is something wrong with you and not God. He is the God of more than enough and like with the three slaves He may not tell you what to do with the talents

SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO, INVEST OR DIG A HOLE?

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

God has given you something to begin with and where you end up is up to you. Learn the principles of handling money and begin to apply them in your life.
Stop digging holes and being ignorant

Through the bible in one year
Today’s reading
Deuteronomy 19-20
Psalm 89
Acts 12