Inflation, stock markets, job security, housing prices, rising interest rates, consumer confidence, political turmoil, racial tension, Covid fallout, abundant wealth, and many other life-impacting factors are in a constant state of change, high volatility and even chaos. The question needs asking, “How are these factors impacting our daily thought life, our actions, and our walk with God?” A personal self-analysis may reveal deep spiritual insights!
Whatever our honest answers are to the above question, volatile times provide everyone excellent opportunities for soul-searching, corrective steps of action, and a renewed pursuit of excellence and godliness.
Following are questions that the Holy Spirit can use to draw us closer to our risen Savior, Jesus Christ. If these questions are truthfully addressed and acted upon, everyone benefits; i.e. self, spouse, family, church, business, community, nation and the world around us.
As we examine our own current attitudes and actions in light of current economic, political, social, and religious trends:
1. Are we spending more or less time in prayer, reading God’s Word, and memorizing scripture?
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” (Eph. 6:18)
“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4; see also Joshua 1:8)
"Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against thee.” (Ps. 119:11)
2. Are we making financial decisions based upon the fact that God is the owner of everything, and we are His stewards?
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and all those who dwell in it.” (Ps 24:1)
“And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?” (Luke 12:42)
3. Have we unconsciously slipped into trying to serve two masters, both God and money, and doing both at the same time?
“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Luke 16:13)
4. Are we focusing more on temporal things (investments, accumulation, lifestyle, etc.) than on spiritual growth, evangelism, ministry involvement, or serving others?
“And if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil...” (I Tim. 6:9-10)
5. Are we giving more or less money and resources to God’s work (based upon percentages of total annual income, rather than dollars given)? Are we “begging” to give to the work of the saints, even beyond our ability?
“For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability they gave of their own accord, begging us with much entreaty for the favor of participating in the support of the saints.” (I Cor. 8:3-4)
6. Are we actively seeking ways to be involved in our local church, non-profit Christian ministries, worthwhile organizations, and our own community?
“Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” (Col. 4:17)
Well, how did you fare in thinking through these questions? What action steps is the Holy Spirit prompting you to begin or renew?
If we have faltered or drifted a little, then humbly confess it to God and ask His forgiveness. He loves us and will pour out His mercy and grace. Yes, we may have to work through the consequences of our prior actions, but He will be at our side, helping and encouraging us every step of the way.
If you need assistance or training, then attend one of our seminars, workshops, or a small-group study. If one isn’t scheduled in your area, contact our office or talk with your pastor. You may be the catalyst to scheduling a seminar at your church, and in the process help many others address and resolve these same issues and challenges.
If you have stayed the course, is God calling you to financial ministry work in your own church or community? Keep in mind that you don’t need to have “arrived” financially; no one has! You simply need to be working at applying His biblical principles and have a heart to serve others.
God desires that each of us experience His true financial freedom. He is our rock; unchanging, and the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. When we demonstrate our love for Him and live by biblical principles, regardless of volatile economic, political, or social conditions, we are free to serve Him, fellow Believers, our next-door neighbors, and all the people throughout the world who may perish without a Savior.
Serving Together With You,
David and Debbie Bragonier
P.S. Look for our upcoming "Loose Change" YouTube programs featuring our interviews with Brad Jack. God used us to help train Brad years ago. Now he has his own Texas based ministry (Maximizing Stewardship), which is assisting many churches in the establishment and maintaining of vibrant stewardship ministry work. God is multiplying both our efforts.