Managing Time and Money WiselyПримерок

Fuel for Relationships

Part of managing our time and money wisely involves looking for opportunities to use what we have to bless others and build relationships. God values our relationships, not just with Him, but with the people around us, too. And because our resources are a tool from God, He can use what we have to fuel relationships.

Everyone has different resources—gifts, talents, time, money, and more—that can fill in gaps that others might have. It could be meeting a financial need for someone, but it could also be taking the time to listen and pray with someone who’s hurting.

We can also use our experiences to connect with and guide others. Maybe you’ve overcome obstacles and hardships in your finances. It’s likely there’s someone in your life who is currently experiencing similar hurdles. You can share your wisdom and story with them so that they have someone to walk with.

This is also a good time to consider your relationship with God. How you view Him is going to influence how and why you’re managing your resources. If you view God as a strict parent who is waiting for you fail, you’ll be walking on eggshells and second-guessing every decision you make.

But if you view God as the loving and abundant Provider that He is, you’ll be filled with confidence as you steward your resources, and you’ll experience grace in the moments when you don’t get it all right.

In the Parable of the Talents, the servant who was called “wicked and lazy” didn’t have a good perception of the master. He buried the money he was entrusted with out of fear.

Meanwhile, the two servants who were called “good and faithful” trusted their master. We don’t know exactly how they viewed him, but we know that they invested their resources, meaning they weren’t afraid of what might happen to them if they failed.

If we believe God is generous, abundant, and kind, the way we spend our time and money is going to reflect that. But if we don’t believe that, our time and money will also reflect that.

So as you think about your resources, think about these questions: What do your budget and calendar say you believe about God? Do you like that answer? What’s one way you could make a positive change?

Pray: God, thank You for caring about relationships and people. Remind me that You are kind and generous with me, which is why I can be kind and generous to others. Give me a more accurate view of Your character, especially Your kindness, and please show me how I can use what I have to love others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: How can you use what you have to love others?