“THE WORLD’S WISEST MAN ONCE SAID,
‘A FEAST IS MADE FOR LAUGHTER, AND WINE MAKES MERRY, 
bUT MONEY ANSWERS EVERYTHING!’”[i]

 I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the World, the Word & You! Broadcast and in a moment we’ll talk about MONEY AND THE CHRISTIAN…

… Now the World, the Word & You! Comes to you each week on this fine station, sponsored by our friends and listeners of these programs. From churches to individuals, their cares and prayers enable us to be on the air and the Internet www.wwy.org reaching out worldwide to listeners of virtually every walk of life. Indeed how wonderful it is, and for this we thank God and you who hear and support this evangelistic Christian outreach. Well it’s that time again in our programming to pause right now and listen to some enjoyable music. We try to have a mix of our favorite traditional Christian music and of course selective contemporary songs of praise to brighten your day. We hope you enjoy them and will right now too. So don’t go away I’ll be right back with today message entitled: IT’S ALL ABOUT MONEY…

…It has been said that, “a man’s money is the man himself!” Without a doubt our society glories in the self-made, self-sufficient person who has achieved financial success and security. As a result, most are obsessed these days with getting ahead financially to get a hold of the “good life.” And, when one reached a measure of this, they naturally feel it’s their right because they’ve earned it by their own ability and initiative. Yes, from a human perspective King Solomon of old was right when he said,

Eccl 10:19 (NKJV)  A feast is made for laughter, And wine makes merry; But money answers everything.

However, in the Bible we are told some other truths about money you need to know about, for Scripture is full of evidence that all we have and amass, regardless of our ability and hard work, in reality is but a “gift” from God. But before we get down to today’s teaching from the Word of God, let’s pause one more time and listen to this musical interlude, then I’ll return with my message: IT’S ALL ABOUT MONEY...

…Financial worries are rampant nowadays for personal debt is at an all time high. What is America doing these days about money? Well statistics from the secular and sacred world are not pretty. For instance do you know that, “Myvesta,” a nonprofit debt and financial management company estimates that the average credit card debt for Americans has jumped 35 percent this year alone, to a whopping $3,250 per person on an average of 2.5 credit cards.  Indeed, the temptation to overspend is hard to resist with so many fancy toys and gadgets one can easily purchase on long term credit. Yes, credit organizations estimate that U.S. consumers typically overspend their annual budgets by 15 percent to 30 percent, especially at holiday time. In fact, more than half of shoppers plan to use a credit card for holiday purchases this year, according to a survey by the Consumer Federation of America and the Credit Union National Association. Then, after such spending sprees, about 60 percent of card holders will be unable to pay off their balances when their bill comes due, according to CardWeb.com, a Maryland firm that tracks the payment-card industry, and hence incur high interest charges and incurring further debt.

With average credit card debt risen to $ 3,250 per person; on average, Americans owe about $8,000 per household on all credit cards. What’s worse, in spite of today’s low interest rates, the average annual interest rate on credit cards in the USA is still 14.71%.  More shockingly, the highest known interest rate charged these days is through a company called “CompuCredit,” which charges rates as high as 41%! Can you imagine that?[ii] It isn’t good for America, and worse for any family that is saddled with credit debt and finds itself unable to pay the incredibly high interest rates, fees and payments.

However what’s it like for the religious world? In particular, how well are congregations funded by its members? Well further studies estimate that the total revenue of religious congregations was $81.2 billion back in 1996. Three-fourths, (79%) of all such revenue came from charitable contributions by individuals. Collections made during religious services were the source of 58% of individuals' contributions to congregations. Other sources of revenue to religious congregations came from "earned income," such as dues and program fees (12%) and school tuition (4%). The remaining 5% is from a variety of sources such as denominational funding and foundation support. Less than 0.03% ($20 million) of congregational revenue came from government sources. All in all, the nation's 353,000 religious congregations represent nearly one-fourth of all nonprofit organizations.

Connie Kang, reporter for the Seattle Times, wrote in a June 2003 article, that tithing among church members has become a rare thing. As such, church revenues fell during the past 12 months. George Barna of the Barna Research Group agrees and says, (1) the proportion of adults who tithe dropped by 62 percent in the past year. (2) Just 6 percent of born-again households tithed to their churches in 2002. (3) Tithing, when it occurs, is generally among Protestants: 5 percent of adults who attend Protestant churches tithed last year, compared to less than one-tenth of one percent among Catholics. (4) Among the groups most likely to tithe are people over 55, college graduates, evangelicals, Republicans, conservatives, and residents of the South—but there was no segment among which at least 10 percent tithed.[iii]

These discouraging statistics compiled by Barna Research Group on giving to churches and giving by evangelical Christians, who are generally considered “generous” by many are troubling to say the least. But what is the main reason for it all? The answer is what the bible identifies as the sin of MATERIALISM that consumes Christians and non-Christians alike. Materialism is “the inordinate pursuit of material things simply for the sake and pleasure of having it.” Yes most Americans live for spending whatever they can get from assets owned or borrowed upon.

Now the Bible has a lot to say about money matters while here on earth. God understands that we have to provide for food and shelter for our families, and ourselves and for this reason God has given us some money management advice that is timeless and true for all generations. Let’s put it into perspective and may we who do, get a handle on the overspending and lusting to have that consumes Americans everywhere. Let’s catalog some principles God wants us never to forget, for in doing so it will help us to receive His blessings on our lives and families now and for eternity too. Let’s begin by stating the following facts everyone should heed.

I.  THE BIBLE TEACHES EVERYTHING YOU HAVE BELONGS TO GOD – Yes, since man is created by God along with everything in the universe, it stands to reason, God owns it all! I know many will cry out, “But I earned it, I own it, and I deserve it for the hard work I  did!” Indeed, you may have toiled long and hard for what you have, but the truth still stands, God is the owner of all, for He created all things including you. Imagine if you will you inviting an employee to work for you and in time, he along with all the other employees helps your company do well, and then turns around and claims all the profits, and assets for himself, forgetting that it was your company and your assets that enable him to earn a living. Well in the same way since God owns it all, we must acknowledge the fact that we then are “stewards” of God’s possessions and anything we earn or amass, really belongs to God. This God of the Bible reminds us,

Ezek 18:4 (NIV)  For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son—both alike belong to me…”

Psa 50:10-11 (NIV)  for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.

Therefore all our spending we carry out, needs to be thought of not just as a personal decision, but a “spiritual” decision, actually needing God’s permission. Now I realize some teach that God is a killjoy and wants us all to live in poverty scraping along and giving all we have to their religious kingdoms and programs. But let me tell you the one true God of the Bible is not like that at all! Friend, it’s not wrong to dine out if we have the funds, nor take a vacation or holiday, or to have a nice home where possible, nor anything else for that matter. The point is for the Christian, we must be willing to consult with the Lord through prayer when we make purchasing decisions. Man is not the possessor of his life, time, gifts or wealth, but rather the manager of it all. As such this brings us to the second truth we need to understand in rightly handling money.

II. MAN IS ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD FOR ALL HE HAS AND DOES WITH IT – This theme runs throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and its teaching is inescapable. One day every human being will stand before God to give an account of what he or she has done with life’s abilities God has given us to produce wealth. The Bible states,

Rom 14:7-12 (NIV) For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. 8 If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord… 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

2 Cor 5:10 (NIV) For we [Christians] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Now how can we honor God with our lives and spending? The answer begins with what we first do with the wealth and earnings God enable us to have. In God’s money management program we discover that we should,

III. FIRST OF ALL, GIVE BACK TO GOD A MEASURED PORTION OF ALL OUR INCOME – Indeed, this is a biblical “prime directive,” concerning assets and money we amass. Most of us are conscientious about paying our bills on time, yet many forget to pay the greatest bill and debt, a debt of love owed to God who created us and all things to enjoy. Indeed, God wants us to enjoy our lives and the abundant things He grants us to have. The Bible says,

Isa 3:10 (NIV)  Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.

But in the process of enjoying the good things God give us, we are to remember God gives us these things and more, so we will in turn look up to heaven and give thanks. One of the ways God expects us to be thankful, is to give back to Him a portion of our abundance for His kingdom work. Now under the Old Testament law, tithing was the principle means of funding God’s kingdom work. Tithing or 10% was assessed of the ancient Israelite to fund the theocratic government, and ministry of the Temple for worship. This tithe in totality amounted to 23 ½% of all assets gained by the Israeli worshipper and citizen. Now I know some teach that we must give 10% today to the church of all our income; but in reality, the Old Testament standard of tithing was not 10%  but 23 ½%! To arbitrarily set it at the low figure and demand God’s children to give this to the church, finds no support in the New Testament. Now, does this mean God has freed us from responsible stewardship and support of His kingdom work? On the contrary, God expect us to do more than the Old Testament saint who was to give under law. Listen to God’s New Testament Word,

2 Cor 9:7-11 (NIV)  Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

So, this principle still stands – GIVE BACK TO GOD GENEROUSLY, AND GIVE FIRST BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE! If you follow this, my friend, you will find your spending habits under control, and best of all God promises to meet your every need.

Phil 4:19 (NIV)  “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

Now why is it so many Christians find this hard to do? The answer is they really don’t believe God loves them that much. Now I’m not suggesting the “Health and Wealth gospel” going around the church these days that says “give to God to get…” On the contrary, the principle is by acknowledging God’s right of ownership before our own, we will have a right perspective on the purpose of money and assets, and accordingly will not abuse or misuse them.

But now there are a couple of more secondary principles found in Scripture on our amassing and use of money and assets. We would do well to hear and heed them too. For instance, the bible tells us to…

1.     Make every effort to avoid getting into DEBT – Is debt wrong then? The answer is yes and no. Wrong debt is anything we must pay that has been contracted for without existing assets to pay it off if an emergency comes. You may borrow if you have the asset behind you to balance it. That’s not only good advice it’s biblical advice too.

2.     REALIZE GOD HAS THE RIGHT TO DETERMINE THE LIFESTYLE HE CHOOSES FOR YOU – That means we must be willing to allow God the right to set the standard of living for us. We don’t know why or understand all things, but God permits some to have more and others to have less. Most often though those who have less is really a result of their own doing. Perhaps by niggardly giving back to God, God has withheld blessings from them. Or God has given opportunity to better themselves through education or other means and through laziness they simply refused seeking to “have it now,” rather than later. But even then God can determine through health, circumstances, and other means to allow His children to go through times of trials and loss, to use these as a means of teaching us lessons for eternity we would never learn in any other way. Also, God may be using us for His special glory, which will pay the highest dividends in eternity. Are you willing to submit to His right to rule and order your life? Now a third principle is this,

3.     BE FRUGAL WITH YOUR SPENDING AND MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO SAVE FOR THE FUTURE – God created us in His own image. That makes us accountable to Him. Now, God is not a spend-thrift, nor a miser either. Yet, we are commanded in the Bible to see to it our earnings grow by savings and investment. Prov 13:11 (NLT)  “Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.” Everyone regardless of who they are can save something. Even if it’s a dollar a week. It’s not the dollar amount, the issue is the condition of your heart, and so it’s a principle God will honor, if we do this. So, by saving and investing responsibly that which God gives us through earnings and gifts, we show God that we are not our own rather we are His stewards or managers. Friend, the Bible warns and promises at the same time,
Gal 6:8 (NIV)  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. If you are a Christian today, God expects you not to live like the unsaved world, which is out of control, but to live responsibly controlled lives. Self-control is not only a virtue but it is the outworking fruit of the Spirit of God in our lives. Gal 5:22-25 (NIV)  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  So commit today to begin living within the means God has given you, and do so by determining what those means are by planning and working a “budget” that honors God. Lastly, I see in the Bible the promise of God to …

4.     PLAN ON KEEPING A PORTION OF YOUR INCOME FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT –Now this is not unbiblical at all! God’s intention to create you was to give you an enjoyable life worth living. Just living within your means though. Everyone can set aside something for personal discretionary spending. Oh, it might be simply $ 10.00 a week, whatever. Yet if you spend or save it responsibly for a special day or purchase, God will bless that. Jesus said,  John 10:10 (NIV)  … I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. He also said, Luke 16:10 (TLB)  … unless you are honest in small matters, you won’t be in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. God will honor those who honor Him. God loves you my friend more than you can imagine or know.

Yes, the Bible tells us that God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, and that whoever reaches out to believe and trust Him alone for their keeping and care in this life for eternity, will inherit the wonders, joy and happiness of eternal life. Say friend have you given your life back to God and your thanks for all the things you enjoy? If not, you will not be the recipient of His blessings in this life or eternity. The whole message of the Bible is we are accountable to God for the lives we have and live. Unless in this life we give a portion back to God in love and gratitude – we will lose it all. The grave accepts no one’s wealth and fame. We leave it all behind. How much better to invest it in this life, in the bank of Heaven, where moth and rust will not consume it. Then, when we reach eternity and have taken Jesus Christ as our God and Savior in this life, we shall inherit it all, for God owns all in this life and eternity!

Now let me ask you a personal question. Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ? If not, it matters not what religion you follow, or church you belong to, or good deeds you do, or money you have, you will in eternity be the poorest and saddest soul that ever lived, for you will be cast out of God’s presence and place of blessing and thrown into the scrap heap of eternity.

Today while you have life, make a fresh commitment to honor God with your life and your wealth, and most precious of all, give back to God through Jesus Christ who died for your sins. Yes, this will always be the best and greatest investment one can make, that definitely bring the highest future reward! Yes, Wise Solomon of old said it all when he spoke,

Eccl 10:19 (NKJV)  A feast is made for laughter, And wine makes merry; But money answers everything.

That is when it is under the control and pleasure of God who has given us all things to enjoy. May you so enjoy it as a faithful steward of God, through His Son Jesus Christ.

Well friends, you’ve been listening to another radio talk by this speaker, Dennis Finnan. I hope and pray it has been helpful and convicting so much as to cause you to commit to align yourself with the principles of God’s money management program found in the Bible. If every believer did this, what a blessing they would be to their families, the church and society around them. Indeed, God is just waiting for you and for me to tests the heavens to see how much He can use us as a channel of His blessings to flow through us to others, and most of all by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Yes, God came and became a man to live and example what an obedient believer can be, and to die, as only God could do for the sins of the world. Best of all, God offers us all, as a free gift, this great salvation simply for us to reach out and take it into our hearts and lives through faith alone. Herein is the greatest story and greatest news anyone can ever receive.

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[i]  King Solomon – The Book of Ecclesiastes 10:19 NKJV

[ii]  Statistics by CARDWEB.COM. Inc;  The U.S. Payment Card Information Network).

[iii]  Barna Research Group Report: “Contributions by Believers Down 19 Percent,” as reported in Leadership Journal, Fall 2001.