Part of my job involves teaching about financial stewardship, and I often hear Christians who are experiencing financial distress lament, “Why did God let this happen to us?” It’s a question I fully understand asking, because it’s one I’ve asked myself. And while it’s not easy, the answer is simple: God has promised to meet all of our needs, not our greeds. He promises us food, not the ability to eat out in restaurants ten times a week. He promises us shelter, not a fancy house in a prestigious neighborhood. He promises us clothing, not the latest fashions.

At its core, a financial problem is never just inherently a financial problem. Rather, it’s always a symptom of something else. For most of us, financial problems are symptomatic of a life spent following the world’s standard and succumbing to the notion that we “deserve” to have the latest and greatest, and we deserve it now! Like spoiled little children, we waste prayer time pleading for a larger house, a nicer car or whatever is the next bigger and better thing. Then, when the money doesn’t come, we run ahead of God and fund lifestyle improvements with credit that sinks us into a painful financial hole. Credit card in hand, we thank God for His provision. When the bills come, we drop to our knees and ask, “Why, God, why?”

Good stewardship sure isn’t easy, but it is simple: Give first. Save second. Live on the rest. That’s a biblical financial plan that will always yield good results. But it’s not one you’ll find most of your friends, neighbors and co-workers following. When the temptation to make a purchase strikes, pause and practice contentment and thankfulness. Ask yourself if you really need the item or if you already have something that will do. Is this thing going to bless your family or cause more stress? Lastly, look at your bank balance. Do you have the money? I’m not talking about room to charge more on your credit card; do you have the money? You know,the green paper stuff .

God has given us a good gauge by which to plan the lifestyle He wants us to have. It’s called our income. If our spending exceeds our income, it’s not a lack of provision; it’s a lack of good stewardship. If you’re repeatedly battling with financial difficulties, have a talk with God about why.

God does want us to have nice things, and He does admonish us to care for our families. But we have to honor Him first. We have to save for the future, and we have to live within our means on what ever’s left over. If this is an area where you struggle, ask the Holy Spirit to begin working in your heart today. Ask Him for the courage to model a lifestyle of honesty and integrity, in keeping with the income He has blessed you with. And last but not least …remember to act your wage!

When money is sent to me for my own use, I pass it on to God. I do not regard such gifts as belonging to me; they belong to Him, whose I am and whom I serve.
~ George Mueller