Applying Bible Principles

Many people — including Christians — sometimes end up in financial difficulty because they ignore this basic principle from God's Word: God wants us to know the state of our finances. Proverbs 27:23-24 instructs us, "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations."

In Old Testament times, livestock were one of the primary measures of wealth. Today, we might be admonished, as Proverbs 24:3-4 says, "Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts."

Why is this so important? We are responsible for what God has entrusted to us. Part of that responsibility includes monitoring the status of our possessions and making wise investments.

One of the best investments we can make is by giving to the Lord's work here at New Life. When we do that, we not only exercise good stewardship, but we earn God's approval. There's no better return on an investment than that!

As you think about your life today, do you have a good picture of where you are financially? Are you keeping the commitments concerning giving which you have made to God?

Think about it: A dollar spent for lunch lasts about five hours. A dollar spent for a necktie lasts about five weeks. A dollar spent for an automobile lasts about five years. A dollar spent in the service of God lasts for eternity.