What He Said
"I am the Way and the Truth and the Life"
Of all the words which Jesus spoke that were recorded, these ten put together most succinctly and clearly expressed the perfection of our Lord, and why we are to follow Him. As we collectively focus on the birth of our Savior this month, let's take a look at what He said (as you know, the words in red if you have that version of the Bible) regarding finances and what we can do walk in The Life which He mentioned.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). In the preceding verses, Jesus acknowledges we have needs such as clothing and food. What He is trying to capture here is our trust, as He knows and promises to us that as we first place our trust in God, He will show Himself faithful. Because He used the word "given", it states that God is taking the responsibility to supernaturally supply your needs of this promise.
"Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Mark 12:17). Jesus masterfully answered those that tried to trap Him, by expanding their sight beyond taxes to reckon with who God is and all He is worthy to receive. In our finances this can bring instruction to us in by placing Him "first in line" to give tithes and offerings before other things.
"For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?" (Luke 14:28) Jesus was talking of the cost to be His disciple, using a reference grounded in wisdom, which He obviously wants us to follow. Before we accept the next commitment financially - a large purchase with payments, a sizeable purchase without payments, or a monthly subscription, we need to sit down and take the time to review our standing and make sure we can absorb it, ensuring it does not put us into spending more than we make.
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21). This short verse, if we meditate on it... is certainly "sharper than any two-edged sword". Jesus was lovingly calling us to look back on what our spending and possessions have been towards... because it will speak to us in a way that no person in front of us could. Jesus went on to say we cannot serve two masters - God and money.
"Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities" (Luke 19:17) This principle is shown in several other scriptures as well. In your finances, show God you are trustworthy with whatever amount you have. In the areas of tithes and offerings and being generous, seeking to spend less than you made, even making small payments to reduce debt. God is always viewing our hearts, and in the area of paying off debts if we make even a modest effort towards retiring them I believe God will respond on your behalf... I have seen it happen in our household and many others.
"Gather up now the fragments, so that nothing may be lost and wasted." (John 6:12) Likely the intent of Jesus was to show how much more of the loaves now existed than before feeding the 5,000... however we know that God has a purpose for everything created, and that nothing should be lost or wasted. We can apply this in being prudent with our perishable food purchases, mindful to consume them before they expire. We can regard this concept by ending subscriptions or memberships we are not receiving the value for. If you have items not being used, sell them on craigslist or ebay, or donate them.
"But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20). Jesus warned about gathering treasures on earth in the preceding verse to this one. Here, He is bringing the glorious vision to us of what He knows to be the truth we will one day see - that what we have given on earth in tithes, offerings and giving to others will be lasting eternally.
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
