Moneywalk 154: A Budget is Essential

When prosperity is preached many peoples' eyes get real big and their hearts start racing, similar to what happens when they read an article about someone who has made millions. For many, the reason they want riches is to spend it upon their own lusts believing the greatest priority is to live in ease with the finest material trappings. Others simply don't know what God's purpose is for them and thus what they should pursue and love.

Scripture tells us not to love money or have our eyes set on the pleasures of this earth as the highest priority. Yet, it lets us know through many stories and instructions that money, bartering, and resources are necessary mediums of exchange that everyone will deal with to some extent, great or small and that faithful followers should make efforts to increase our resources for furtherance of the gospel in the earth. In fact, the bible clearly shows that, even in the midst of persecution, God blessed many believers with great material riches and they were able to live in some level of comfort while partnering with Him to minister in the earth.

Though most people want the lifestyle that comes with riches, many don't want the responsibility of doing what God requires and don't want to hear about good stewardship because they might be convicted by not doing it. Yet, in order for your riches to have any meaning and benefit beyond this temporal life on earth, you must do the things that make your life fruitful regardless of whether riches have yet come your way. Walking in such principles while you have little allows the windows of heaven to be opened to you so God's treasures can be poured out upon you. Continuing to walk in them when you become rich keeps the windows open and heavenly treasures poured upon you.

Biblically speaking, rich men are supposed to honor God, give abundantly to spread the gospel and do good works in proportion to the riches with which they've been blessed. So, if you truly dream of being rich understand your responsibilities in Christ and begin to perform them now without excuse because it's very unlikely that you would perform them if at once you come into riches. Begin your wealth-building plan by consistently giving one tenth of your gross income plus an offering to your local church and continue throughout your life by giving as abundantly to ministry as you desire to lavish upon yourself.

No matter what your current status in life, true fulfillment comes only from relationship with God and the best financial growth comes only by employing His system of managing money and resources. Remember only what you do for Christ will produce rewards that last throughout eternity!

Please pray for this ministry and email any questions. May God bless you richly as you follow His plan!!!