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APPLYING BIBLE PRINCIPLES
JULY 2010 “ . . . if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away . . . everything has become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). Christians should have a different outlook on life, including money and material possessions. They realize that they own nothing, that everything they have belongs to God, and that they are only managers and stewards of what God has entrusted to them. Because of that, Christians should have a different attitude towards “things.”
That attitude demonstrates itself in many different ways. For example, Christians show mercy and give, in contrast to the those who borrow and do not repay (Psalm 37:21). Christians should hold possessions with an open hand, and “refresh” others with their bounty (Proverbs 11:24-25). They are honest and demonstrate their faith by their work and integrity (1 Thes. 4:11-12). They give to those in need and thereby demonstrate to a watching world the love of God (1 John 3:17).
When this kind of lifestyle is present in our lives, Jesus said that people will see our good works — our different attitude and perspective — and will glorify our heavenly Father (Matt. 5:16). And as we seek His kingdom first and foremost, we have His promise that He will provide what we need (Matt. 6:33).
As others observe you and your lifestyle, do they see any difference because of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? As they observe your relationship to “things,” especially to money, do they realize you are a manager, a steward, and not an owner? Or stated another way, is the manner in which you handle money and material possessions a testimony to your faith in Christ?
