Archive: Is Money Important? (2020)

Have Wisdom

(Reference: Proverbs 16:8)

Money could be a circumstantial problem that could hinder us from purchasing essential human resources such as food and clothing. Or even from travelling the world and doing what we love. Individuals who experience poverty do not always have much wisdom. Individuals with plenty of wealth sometimes fall into the same category and cannot always display knowledge.

On the other hand, individuals who experience poverty may display huge amounts of wisdom and have integrity (Proverbs 19:1). A wealthy person could have a full storehouse and be guided by the right principles. Despite all of this, when we work hard, God helps us look after ourselves. He always provides for our needs, even in times of trouble.

The Bible emphasises the importance of achieving closeness with God. It suggests that we must seek the kingdom of God, and He will supply all of our hearts' desires (Matthew 6:33). So, it is imperative to ensure that we stay connected to Him and attempt to have a deeper relationship with Him every day. When increasing our faith in God, we understand certain revelations that we may not have comprehendedtreasury on the surface level. There is a meaning behind every insight, no matter how cliché it may sound. Sometimes, it gets watered down so that everyone can understand it clearly and access the information. However, when we apply wisdom and context, we begin to interpret deeper spiritual meanings intended for our good. We can use it to nurture growth and further understanding. What is wisdom anyway? The Oxford dictionary describes wisdom as:

“The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise”. - Oxford Dictionary 

Here, I will discuss two topic areas, the way they meet, and how God uses them to bless certain individuals, about money:

1. Money

2. Wisdom

1. Money

   
   

The Bible clearly expresses the value that is placed on money within society. We require it to provide nourishment for ourselves and our families. Where there is a lack of necessary supplies, individuals begin to fall into famine (Genesis 12:10). It is further essential since it facilitates the church’s growth and supports people using our facilities. Overall, money is a beautiful gift that we can use to provide for our own needs and the needs of our families - there are plenty of things we can achieve when we have the financial capability to bring them to fruition.

The first time I got a job (besides placement) was in school when I was 16 - I worked as a paid door-to-door fundraiser for Barnardo’s, the British Heart Foundation, and Marie Curie. I have always been interested in fundraising. As a further example, I was responsible for encouraging young individuals within my youth group in the church to sell baked goods to raise money for our ministry. This responsibility involved delegating roles, encouraging people to bake, and treasury - I took my part very seriously. When I started university, I searched for a spreadsheet online that I could use to determine my monthly and weekly expenditure—I also had a student loan from the government. It isn’t easy to be in full control of finances with other factors involved, including education. My student loan did not cover all my financial requirements during university. I had to work part-time (sometimes full-time) during my education. With further support from my student overdraft and my parents, I gained more control over my financial situation whilst being a full-time Psychology student. They told me not to worry about my financial situation and not to overwork myself. I do not always enjoy asking for help, and people cannot always offer support. I have to remind myself that it is okay to receive support from another person.

2. Wisdom

The bible has many examples of wisdom and good judgment. Some decisions are made for a better society or an organisation. This process happens when faced with a difficult challenge or a dispute between two persons (1 Kings 3:16-28).

A leader is a brilliant communicator and finds the time to listen to individuals they are working with or provide a service to. They administer advice and negotiate for the betterment of the family, community, or organisation. For example, King Solomon advised two women to determine the owner of the baby they presented. He encouraged them to cut the baby in half to identify the mother. When woman 1 agreed, the king confirmed that the baby belonged to woman 2. It is imperative to facilitate a conclusion in sensitive situations.

The bible suggests the importance of wisdom. Proverbs' entire book indicates the requirement of knowledge in our everyday lives, as God does not want us to suffer, as I mentioned in my previous post. Furthermore, God used Joseph to supply food to Egypt's surrounding areas as they were experiencing famine. He got chosen because he demonstrated the attributes to serve in that capacity. God lifted him to be a blessing to other individuals within his community and the surrounding areas.

• Matthew 6:25-34  (NLT)

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25 "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."

Finally, I believe that God will take care of our needs if we depend on Him. He is always looking out for us (Matthew 6:25-34). So, we should not worry about money.