How to Use Your Money as a Tool

Money has become a controversial subject in many Christian churches. The reason is because some believe money is a curse and other believe money is a blessing. There are many Christian leaders who teach countless sermons on prosperity. There are also just as many Christians leaders who preach against money and prosperity. So how should a Christian view money?

Well, Christians need to be able to separate money from emotions. It is the love of money that is evil. As stated in 1 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

If Christians can hold a healthy view of money, they would see that money is a tool, given by to them by God to be enjoyed with a respect and appreciation knowing it's ultimate source.

Whether we have wealth and riches or are just getting by, it is not money that decides that for a Christian, but rather God. I have managed to have close to $50,000 a year in income in my household, but because were not doing things God's way, still could not afford rent, received shut off notices, and even had a vehicle repossessed. I have also lived on the opposite side of things, having only around $6,000 dollars a year in income and always had enough to not have to worry about my rent, phone bill or anything else as I was doing things God's way. In a way I was "wealthier" when I made only about $500.00 a month than making substantially more. I just watched God open up all the right doors at the right time, and it would always come together perfectly and for His glory!

In the end it is God's provisions that get us out of difficult times, not the money itself. Yes, God may chose money as His vessel in the blessings He gives us. It is a need, and He has promised that when we seek His Kingdom first that all of our needs shall be met. So of course, what we have is from God Himself, not our hands or any one else's'.

When a Christian takes the view as money is a tool, than they hoard it less. As a matter of fact, if you are not careful in the way you treat your money and use it, than no matter how much you have - it will still not quench the burn in your pocket. To look as money as a tool, is opening the doors of a whole new understanding and respect of money.

For example, have you ever used your money to bless someone in need? There is an amazing feeling you can have of helping people, which is why so many of us volunteer from time to time in different happenings. Some even volunteer their lives as they serve as firefighters and such. They are labeled heroes, and deservingly so. But what if the money God has given you, is given to you because you have to correctly use the tool to help "fix" or "save" someone else.

In my local Penny Power we have a thumbs up and thumbs down section. These are free little posts that the paper routinely publishes. In this past weeks edition, an elderly woman wrote a thumbs up expressing her sincere appreciation to a kindhearted woman who paid for her entire order at the grocery store, after realizing she had left her wallet at home. The generous woman gave the cashier her credit card and paid for the entire amount without revealing any contact information for reimbursement!

This elderly lady who forgot her wallet at home has been touched beyond what we can imagine. So much so, that she submitted that story in the Penny Power just hoping to catch the attention of the generous woman one more time to say thank you. It is also nice to know there are still kind, loving people in today's "all about me" world.

I do not know either of those woman and I have no idea if either of them are Christians or not. But I do know that this certainly should be something that more Christians take part in. Yes, we can look for the latest charity and donate, but there are tons of needs all around us. The woman next door, the man in line at the grocery store, the young mother at church, the neighbors down the street, the man you pass very day on your way to work holding up a sign begging for bread. These are all people who can greatly benefit from your generosity.

Remember, the better you handle your money, the more money God will trust you with. Read Where Do You Stand With Your Money as a Christian - Are You a Master of Your Talents for a more in depth study of the blessing you can receive with better financial decisions.