That may seem like an odd title for an article on Christian personal finance, but bear with me, and I think you'll see that it's a valid one. Why is it that so many Christians struggle financially when our Father is the creator of the Universe? He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and he says in His Word that He wants to command blessings on us.
So, why are so many Christians living lives that aren't blessed? Yes, I know that we are blessed spiritually, but I believe that God wants to bless us materially too. In Genesis 12:2 and 3, God promised to bless Abram. Now, before you tell me God was talking about a spiritual blessing, go ahead and turn the Genesis 13.
"And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold."
~ Genesis 13:2
That doesn't sound like he was blessed only spiritually. God also blessed him financially and with material goods.
Now, I know that God is not a respecter of persons. And, I know that if I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior that I am Abraham's seed and heir to the same blessings -- and more.
Again I ask: why are so many Christians struggling instead of enjoying the blessings that God has promised to command upon them?
Could it be that we haven't given God anything to bless?
"The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."
~ Deuteronomy 28:8
God promised to command blessings upon our storehouses, and here is the problem that so many face: they aren't storing anything. Many people have no savings account and live paycheck to paycheck and beg God to bless them every month. Many people get so discouraged they give up on God.
All along, God is waiting on His people to show that they are good stewards of what He has already given them.
Remember the parable of the talents? (Matthew 25:14-30) Many people believe this is talking about abilities. But, if you look up the meaning of the word "talents" it's talking about coins, or money.
The short version of the story is: the Lord gave three of his servants some money. Two of them invested it and made a profit for him. The third was afraid and buried his, making no profit. When the Lord returned, the two who made a profit were rewarded. The one who didn't was called wicked and slothful (or lazy), the talent was taken from him and given to the one who had made the most profit, and the wicked servant was cast out.
The moral of the story according to Jesus is:
"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath."
~Matthew 25:29
Are you a "have notter" or a "haver"? I propose that which one you are will determine whether or not you will receive God's blessing of financial abundance in your life. You have to have something for him to bless. You have to have been a good steward with what he has given you.
This is why so many of my articles and so much of my financial advice focuses on paying yourself first. If you don't have a savings account, start one. Start one today. Even if it's with the minimum amount your bank or credit union will allow.
If you consistently spend every penny that comes into your hands, you aren't given God anything to work with. Can he perform miracles? Yes. But, before you count on those, remember the parable of the talents. If God can't trust you to be a good steward of what you have now, why would he work miracles to bless you with abundance?
Make a vow to yourself to never put another paycheck in the bank without putting a portion of it into a savings account. You may not be able to save much, but save something. Start a storehouse today that God can bless.
Believe me, I've been where you are. I've been broke, with creditors calling, writing, and sending court summons. I've had my bank account garnished and wondered how I was going to feed my family. But, I can tell you that you can get out if you remain focused on the end goal instead of wallowing around in a pity pool feeling sorry for yourself.
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