Money Matters

Over the last three weeks, our church has been doing a series called "Money Matters." Matt, our pastor, has been talking about finances on Sundays, and we've been discussing it in our community group. It has been powerful and life-changing, without a doubt.

Here are the top 5 main points that I've gotten out of the last few weeks. Some I had known and understood, some things I thought I knew, but now they really make sense, and some were totally new. It's easy to know and understand this stuff on a head-level, but my prayer is that I can really take these truths and live them out. It's easy to sit around and talk about stuff. It's a lot harder to put it into action.

1. Everything I have belongs to the Lord.

2. I couldn't do anything and wouldn't have anything without him giving it to me- intelligence to work, sight, hearing, gifts, talents, ... I couldn't earn money if I didn't have what he gave me.

3. My finances are a heart-issue, not a formula. Giving my tithe at the beginning of each month and then not praying or being active in stewarding my money in other ways is not what the Lord desires from me.

4. I don't need to feel guilt when God blesses me with material things and money. My response should be to give him the praise and the glory for it and steward it well.

5. Where my treasure is, my heart will also be. If my treasure is my things, my heart is in the wrong place.

For some good listenin', check out the Austin Stone Podcasts.