040 Decision Making 101: A Question of Money, Pt. 2
In his book Mastering Your Money, Ron Blue points out that there are really only 5 things you can do with your money.
Spend it.
Repay debt.
Pay taxes.
Save it.
Give it.
This is the order of priority most of us live by.
But Jesus offered an alternative priority system in Matthew 6:25-33. In these verses, it’s clear that Jesus knows we have needs and He promises to meet them. The problem isn’t our needs. The problem is the priorities we live by.
That’s why He ends with these words: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Jesus is essentially offering us a deal. He will take responsibility for our needs if we will prioritize His Kingdom.
In light of Jesus’ words, I would suggest that we consider flipping the list.
1. Give it.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth with the first fruits of your crops…”
2. Save it.
“The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.” Proverbs 21:30
3. Pay taxes.
“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's…” Mark 12:17
4. Repay debt.
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7
5. Spend it.
Is living by the flipped list easy? No. It flies in the face of our culture with its insistent urging for immediate gratification. But for your own peace of mind, for the privilege of God’s partnership, for the difference you can make on earth, and for the rewards that await in heaven, it’s the wise thing to do.
Note – The book “The Best Question Ever” by Andy Stanley served as a major resource for Dave’s study.
Text: Matthew 6:25-33
Originally recorded February 3, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.