What Should We Do with Our Resources?

It is obvious that not all rich people steward what God has entrusted to them for His intended purposes. Most have a bad rap because of the perception that they spend their money on themselves or leave it to future generations in lieu of taking care of God’s kingdom while they have the opportunity. Fortunately, there seems to be a growing number of exceptions—wealthy individuals who are becoming wise (and blessed) stewards.

Since God is the grantor of wisdom and wealth, we must understand His purposes if we hope to have success as stewards in His economy. We become God’s hands and feet as we use wealth for righteous purposes to make the whole society flourish.

The question is, what should a rich person do with their resources? The first chapter of Isaiah gives us an extensive picture of God’s displeasure with our rituals and even our offerings to Him if they are unaccompanied by doing right. God blesses His stewards so that they can be a blessing to others.

Here’s a follow-up question: Who among us is wise for eternity? Those who use their accumulated wealth to honor the Lord in obedience to His direction for the wealth He has entrusted.

Because of our human nature, our hearts are tied to this earth and our money. If we can separate our heart—even for a moment—from our money and possessions, we will see God’s kingdom and eternity more clearly. Nothing obscures the view of eternity more than earthly treasures and distracting possessions.

If we truly believe that we are earthly sojourners awaiting our permanent home in heaven, it will show in how we handle our money. What we treat as important reveals the true love and focus of our heart. If our home is in eternity with Christ, then our focused efforts and resources will promote Christ and His kingdom. Our lifestyle reveals what we value most.

Every man and woman should be on a journey to determine how they are to fulfill God’s design in their own life. I have found that you cannot tell someone how to spend money. Everyone must come to grips with why God endowed them with wealth. Only then can the struggle to find contentment have a good ending: God gives it as part of His design.

Dear Lord, I ask for the wisdom to see why You have blessed me and to use these resources to bless others. Amen.