The Haves and the Have Nots
Wednesday, December 3
Philippians 3:7-8 (NIV)
“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ”
Devotion
Each one of us as believers—whether single or having a family, whether running a business or managing a household—has one person who oversees the “ledger, the checkbook. That person, even if it is you, has the responsibility to make sure the books balance.
They have to balance; otherwise, the financial stability of the enterprise falls into errors and arrears, assuming we have something that we do not.
If we could have peered into Paul’s financial business—into his ledger—might we have seen more ‘gains than losses’? In his checkbook, would we have witnessed more black numbers than red?
Much to our disappointment, we would be shocked to look at Paul’s books. They were never neat or orderly. Paul had scribbled all over the columns. There were times when he had plenty, and other times when he didn’t have anything. His books never balanced.
So it seems.
We as Believers put so much worth on our financial gains and losses. We get ecstatic when we have surplus, and equally fall into despair when the losses come.
Paul did not run his tent-making business, nor his ministry, based on the ebbs and flows of the market or on whether people sowed into his ministry. Paul sought the Kingdom of God, and His ways of doing things, and God not only supplied but added to him everything he could ever want. Paul had no need for records.
If Paul could peer into our ledgers and checkbooks today, would he be shocked to see all the “losses and negative figures” we have invested in the Kingdom of God and the bankrolling of the Gospel through our hard work, time, and talents? Far from it, beloved.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
All things I have pale in comparison to knowing You. Whether in abundance or famine, I have everything I need because I have You. Teach me to seek You in all things and to put Your kingdom first. As You entrust me with my finances, I pray that these resources be used wisely for the furthering of Your kingdom. I commit them to You. May You be glorified in everything I do. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
A budget ledger provides a quick snapshot of what we prioritize and what we value. Pray over your monthly budget, commit it to Him, and ask Him whether or not He is pleased with the way you are handling what He gives you. Make adjustments as you are led by Him. A faithful steward can be entrusted with more.
Resources
- Earthly accounting vs. Kingdom accounting: earthly records track losses and gains, while God’s economy rewards faithfulness, obedience, and generosity.