In God We Trust

Before you can do anything else with money, you have to earn it. Today on MoneyWise, scriptural counsel and practical advice about earning. Every so often on Monday, we review the five basic things you can do with money. You can earn it, live on it, give it away, you can owe it to someone, and you can grow it for the future. Earn / Live / Give / Owe / Grow. Today, our focus is earning. EARNING IS A BLESSING Generally speaking, working a job that pays you a wage or owning a business that produces a profit is good. These are God-given means by which we support ourselves and our loved ones and give to churches and other ministries. But earning money is not simply a means to various other ends. The work we do to make our way in the world has value in and of itself. It is through our work that God does a lot of his work of molding our character, building our perseverance, and sparking the creativity he has put within us. As my friend Howard Dayton likes to say, As the carpenter builds the house, the house builds the carpenter. What we do to earn money shapes us day after day after day. And therefore it is appropriate to ask God to guide our money-making tasks and use them to his glory. THE DANGERS OF EARNING Now, there are downsides to making money both if you make a lot of it and if your earnings are modest. Let me focus first on those who make a good salary or own a profitable business. Watch out! Never forget Deuteronomy 8:18, which reads: You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth. It is so easy, when making good money, to think you’ve accomplished it all yourself. If you start to feel that way, here’s a suggestion. Pull a dollar bill out of your wallet or a 10 or a 20 or whatever and look for the place where it says these words: In God We Trust. The only reason you have that money is because the very God who is mentioned on all your money has given you the power the creativity, the skills, the network of contacts, and so much more to make wealth. So humbly thank him for your success. For those whose earnings are modest, I want you to do the same thing. Pull out a dollar, or a coin, and find those same words: In God We Trust. And you can pray this prayer or something like it: Lord, it’s tough making ends meet sometimes, but I am trusting you. I believe you are the Lord of all, and you will make a way for me. Now, I can’t tell you why some godly people prosper financially and other godly people don’t. That is all wrapped up in the mystery of God’s providence. But I can remind you of the words of the Apostle Paul. He writes this: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!... Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And then he goes on to says this: I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Now, don’t misunderstand. There is nothing wrong with asking God to provide a better-paying job, or asking him to help your business succeed if it is struggling. But the size of a paycheck can never be the true source of joy and contentment. That source is Jesus alone. So remember: God knows your needs. He knows you need money to live on and he will make a way. And he knows all about the inflationary environment we’re in too! His ability to provide is not hampered by the inflation rate. Now if you’re one of those people who earns a good living, ask the Lord how he wants you to make use of what he’s entrusted to you. It’s his money. You’re a steward, a manager. Ask the Lord how to use what you earn to advance his purposes in the world. You might not hear an answer right away, but if you ask in obedient faith, God will open your eyes over time to needs that you can help meet. Again, whether you have modest earnings or a well-paying situation, always remember what’s written on the money: In God We Trust. On today’s program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● What are structured notes and how do they work within your investment portfolio? ● Can you claim home improvement costs against capital gains? ● How do you go about activating a special needs trust? RESOURCES MENTIONED: ● Xx Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to [email protected]. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29