Managing Time and Money WiselyПримерок

What God Actually Wants

Yesterday, we talked about the tension we can feel when it comes to managing our resources. And while we mainly looked at the biblical tensions, we know that there are just as many—if not more—factors in our culture and society that contribute to our confusion and stress about managing time and money wisely.

But before we can look at how we use and manage our resources, we need to take a step back and look at why this is even an important thing to talk about.

Here’s the thing: God doesn’t need our resources. He wants our hearts.

And when that’s the foundation we have about managing time and money, we’re off to the right start.

Let’s take a closer look at one of the parables we looked at yesterday—the man who built bigger barns. God wasn’t upset that the man built bigger barns. In the Old Testament, Joseph did something similar. God told Joseph there would be a famine, so in response, Joseph stored up resources to ensure all the people would have enough to eat.

God was upset with the man who built bigger barns because he was building them for himself instead of using his resources to serve others. It was a heart issue.

Ultimately, the man’s heart reflected the belief that God wasn’t enough, or that He wouldn’t provide. As a result, the man trusted in his own abilities and resources instead of putting his trust in God.

And the same thing was true for the wicked and lazy servant we learned about yesterday. His scarcity mindset and fear of losing resources ultimately prevented him from being obedient, so his heart also revealed disbelief that God could provide.

So when we start feeling the tension of how we’re supposed to use our time and money, we can start by going to God. Then, we can spend some time thinking about why we’re feeling tension.

Are you, like the man from the parable, storing up resources for your own sense of security instead of trusting God to provide? Or are you, like Joseph, storing up resources to serve and bless others around you?

And when you think about serving others, remember that God loves a cheerful giver, not a reluctant one (see 2 Corinthians 9:7). So, are you giving and serving cheerfully or guiltily?

God ultimately wants us to do His will, so when we ask Him for His guidance, He will make His desires clear to us.

Pray: God, I want my life to reflect You. And this includes my resources like time and money. Please show me how I can use my resources in the way You want me to. And when I feel stuck, make my next step clear. In Jesus’ name.

Challenge: When was the last time you felt tension when it came to managing your resources? Talk with someone you trust about the feelings you experienced.