The Scriptures on Finances - Let good deeds shine in praise of the Father

This week we conclude our look at material from the book “Managing God’s Money” by Randy Alcorn.

John Wesley said, “I judge all things only by the price they shall gain in eternity.” Missionary C.T. Studd stated, “Only one life, twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”

These men appear to have had a world view that included the belief that eternity was a lot longer time frame than the short period that we have on this earth. Author Randy Alcorn believes that five minutes after we die we will know exactly how we should have lived. We don’t have to wait until we die to find out how we should live however. We have the Bible, which is the Word of God and as believers in Jesus we have the Holy Spirit living inside us.

As we have studied the topic of Biblical financial concepts, we have been challenged to look at money from God’s perspective. Proverbs instructs us that lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. Hard work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!

When we worship work, money, or success we are making these things gods instead of our Lord Jesus. God is sufficient to meet all of our needs. We must do our part however. When people work for something it is possible that they will appreciate it more than if it were just handed to them. When young people work to earn money for their education, they can develop character and learn financial responsibility.

As parents we can break the bonds of materialism through generous giving and our lifestyle choices. This could be one of the greatest gifts that we could give our children. When we bring our children up in the training and instruction of the Lord we can help them position themselves to be blessed. We can leave our children a legacy of wisdom and generosity. We need to remember that more is caught than taught. In Ezra 7:10 we learn that Ezra “determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people.”

Part of our teaching others should be our example. Only Jesus never sinned. The rest of us as believers are saints who sometimes sin. Matthew instructs us to let our good deeds shine for all to see so that everyone will praise our heavenly Father.

I have noticed that God appears to get maximum value out of some of our gifts. This spring when the Post Office workers collected food for the local food bank those who gave food were blessed because it is better to give than to receive. Those who collected the food, sorted the food, and distributed the food were blessed for their acts of service. Those who received the food were blessed and hopefully thanked God for their provision. Perhaps some who received the food shared the food with others because the Bible instructs us that freely we have received so freely we should give. Hopefully the food drive brought praise to God.

There is a gracious way to talk about good deeds that does not involve self-praise but instead brings praise to God and encouragement to others. Hebrews 10:24 states, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.”

As believers we should excel in faith, speech, knowledge, and in the grace of giving. We need to resist the spirit of entitlement and learn to exchange Earthly treasures for Heavenly ones. Rather than being those who live for treasures on Earth that often end in junkyards we should live for treasures in Heaven that never fade. Faithful stewardship and generous giving can help us position ourselves to hear “Well done” from our Father in heaven. May God bless you big.

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This is the 28th and final column in a series by Kevin Barsotti, pastor at Ark Church in Havre, about financial matters and their treatment in the Christian faith.