Category Archives: Money

Advice, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Money, Parenting, Scripture

A BAD FALL

1 TIMOTHY 6:9

“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.” 

Let me say up front that there is nothing wrong with money. We have to have it to buy food, pay our mortgage or rent and live in this world. What you can’t tell from the English translation is the phrase “want to get” is written to imply that it is their decision to do this. No one is forcing them. This Greek word means to aggressively plan to get something. In other words, those who do this think about nothing but getting more.

But look at the result. It is not a good one. They fall into temptation. They are caught as if in a snare. And they pursue foolish and harmful desires. All this leads to ruin and destruction. Do you think those who pursue wealth like that ever think it will end badly? Not hardly.

APPLICATION

Teaching your little Johnny or Susie about money is so important. They need to understand the value of earning a dollar, but they also need to know how to handle the money once they get it. Some kids blow through money fast. They constantly beg to go to Walmart to spend it. Other kids save every penny. There is a balance.

Sit your children down when you think they can handle it and help them make a plan for their money. Don’t forget to talk about giving to the Lord. Most importantly, talk to them about how you manage the household finances. Read them this verse and explain how money can corrupt you if you only focus on it. They will learn best by watching you, so make sure you aren’t living for wealth.

Are you? Are you striving to “get ahead” so hard that you have lost your priorities? Again, money isn’t bad. Our motives about money can be. Ask the Lord to guide you in your spending. Ask the Lord to guide you in your savings. The Lord may choose to bless you financially, or He may not. Trust Him to provide. He always does.

I am so thankful for all You have blessed me with. You have proven once again to be caring and loving. Help me manage Your resources wisely.

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Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Encouragement, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Money, Obedience

NO MUZZLE

1 TIMOTHY 5:18

“For the Scripture says, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING,’ and ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.’”

In the context of this passage in 1 Timothy we can understand what Paul was telling Timothy. The church has the responsibility to take care of their Pastor financially. His job is to teach and preach, not fund raise. The church should not keep its Pastor humble and hungry (I have actually heard a church member say a church should do that to keep him under control). 

Have you ever seen a muzzle? It’s placed over the mouth of animal to prevent it from feeding or biting. In this case, it was to prevent an ox from feeding on what he was threshing. How cruel would that be? In the same way, the funds of the church should support the Pastor.

APPLICATION

Why don’t you teach this principle to your kids by muzzling them? Just kidding. That would be cruel and inhumane. But you could make a muzzle or find one to show them. Kids need visuals. If you have a dog, get a dog muzzle and put on it to show what the verse is talking about. Let them see how restrictive it is for their little pooch.

Teach them the importance of giving to the church. Part of that gift goes to support the church staff. The next time you write that check to the church or put your money in the offering plate, lead them in prayer for the church staff. They may have a favorite Pastor. Let your children pray for them by name, specifically thanking God that your family can give to support them in their ministry.

Do you bless your Pastor financially by giving to your church? If not, you need to. Don’t muzzle your ox. Give so they are free to do what God has called them to do – care for you. Feed them so they can feed you.

Thank you, Lord, that I can give to support my church. I thank You for each and every person who serves to lead me and my family spiritually.

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Advice, Alone, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Commands, Death, Encouragement, Modeling, Money, Parenting

DEAD WOMAN WALKING

1 TIMOTHY 5:6

“But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives.”

Have you heard the expression “Dead Man Walking”? It implies someone who is alive but living and acting as if he is dead. He has a careless disregard for life. Death is just all over him and is ready to snatch him away. Well, today’s verse says the same thing about this widow, the one who chooses “wanton pleasure.”

Now, what is wanton pleasure and how do we help the widows we know not live like that? “Wanton pleasure” means to live extravagantly or luxuriously. It’s the widow who has no regard for the cost of things. She spends money like it grows on trees. Paul is not saying it’s bad to have money. He is saying it is sin to live with that mindset. 

APPLICATION

Teach your children the value of money now. If you begin early, they will understand when you say, “Honey, we just can’t afford that right now.” Some parents don’t want to ever tell their little Johnny or Susie no, so they give them anything they want. That will lead them to live like the widow in today’s verse.

Instead, help them earn some money through extra chores or small jobs around your house. When they are old enough help them get a job in the neighborhood mowing grass or babysitting. As they get older, they will be ready for that first part-time job in the community. However you do it, teach them that money is simply a tool God has given us to live. It’s not what we live for.

How do you see wealth? Did you know that money is mentioned over 2,000 times in the Scriptures? It must be important for the Lord to spend so much time talking about it. He wants us to understand why He blesses us with the resources to live. Take some time and do a word study on money. You may just learn something. I know I did.

I know all I have belongs to You. Thank You, Lord, for blessing me with the means to care for my family. Help me be more generous with the resources You have given me.

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