Merriam-Webster defines wealth as an abundance of valuable material possessions or resources. Someone who is wealthy is described as very affluent or characterized by wealth. We all have different perceptions of what it means to be wealthy. To some it means you drive a nice car or have a big house. To some it means you can buy whatever you want whenever you want without flinching. To others, it means you can give money away whenever a need arises.
So how should we, as believers, perceive financial wealth?
1 Timothy 6:1 describes the love of money as "the root of all kinds of evil". Note that it references the love of money, not the possession of money. What does the love of money look like? Perhaps it means doing unethical things to make big bucks. Perhaps it means becoming a workaholic and neglecting your family to ensure your house is bigger than the Jones's and your car is slightly nicer than that of your co-workers. Perhaps it means spending all your money on yourself and not sharing with the community in need.
Whether we're up for it or not, we have been blessed with an abundance of financial wealth, and with that comes great responsibility. This money is a tool that we are to invest in kingdom work. I see some people practically ignoring their financial situation and or/ refusing to develop a personal financial back up plan, claiming that they are simply "trusting God".
This reminds me of the story of the man who sat on the rooftop during a flood. A rowboat offered him assistance, then a speedboat, then a helicopter, all of whom he refused, saying "The Lord will provide." He then drowned and in heaven asked God why he hadn't been rescued. God replied, "I gave you two boats and a helicopter, what more did you expect?"
So when we have an abundance (say, a bonus, a high paying job), what ought we do? Buy new clothes? Go on a trip? Or invest in the future? What would He say to you if you asked Him about your life on Earth? Would He say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" after you invested your gifts wisely? Or would He say, "I kept trying to help you build a storehouse for your times of want, which I knew were coming, but all you did was spend more, no matter how much extra I gave you. What more did you expect?"
(I say this all in a black and white way, suggesting that if you're simply responsible, you'll always have enough. This is not true, and there are many times we do not have enough and must rely on our community to help us. I share this example to encourage you to think long- term and to emphasize the importance of being a good steward by planning ahead.)
I could go on for hours about what money stuff, but I just want to encourage you to think about the big picture of wealth building/ finance management. Think about it, pray about it, and ask God to help you determine how to be a good steward of the gifts He has lavished upon you.
And if you decide to create a budget and need some help, I'd love to support and assist you in that decision. :-)
