Money and the Bible | Personal Finances From the Perspective of Godமாதிரி

CHANGE OF FINANCIAL MINDSET

When we see the world today, we face something worrying. Many people are enslaved and imprisoned by wrong beliefs about money. Indebtedness, pride, lies, divorces, corruption, deaths, fights, and destruction, can all be tied to a distorted mindset about the real value of money. Linked to this, we see a lack of knowledge. When the Bible says that people are destroyed from lack of knowledge, this also applies to financial matters. Financial ignorance leads us to poverty so we have to align our perspective on money with God's perspective.

Often, the concept and application we have about finance are based on the circumstances and environment we live in, added to our beliefs, culture, and education about money. However, this view may be wrong; not even all certitude is truth. Our flesh perspective is different from God's. Knowing the way God sees finances often requires a change in financial mindset.

God wants us to have freedom and financial independence so that money becomes our slave and not our lord. The Bible tells us that offerings were deposited at the apostles' feet; this shows us some truths about money. Let's analyze the relation to the deposit's place. We see that it was not in the hands, that is, we should not work for money; it was not in the head, we should not make decisions for money; and it was not in our hearts, where we would have money as lord of our lives. The right place was on the feet, which means government, money serving us, not as a final goal, but as a platform for projects to advance. This is the right way to receive the resources God gives us.

So the first step is to question our current perspective about money. What in itself is neutral, has a price. Everything depends on how it is used, the value you put in it, and this directly relates to the results. It all starts with a thought. The words we hear create an idea that determines the action, whether our attitudes change or there is inactivity. So words are not connected to what we do, but how we think. A practical example is in the phrase: "I am either rich or happy." As we question this untruth, change our minds, and understand that real happiness is in Jesus Christ, we begin to have results aligned with God's purpose for our lives. Another practical example: replace "I can't buy this" to "how can I get this?" and start changing your financial mindset today.

Lastly, seek financial knowledge, study, and be interested in the subject. God will only entrust true riches to us when we are genuinely trustworthy in dealing with the world's wealth.

APPLICATION

Analyze the way you deal with money. What is the real value you give it? Question your beliefs, education, and values about money. Start having different thoughts today so the results are aligned with the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.