Dwight Fletcher | Money Matters Pt 2

Last week we started a new series on finances and Kingdom living. You see, if you are a believer, you shouldn’t live constantly stressed out about money or under extreme financial burden and pressure. As a member of God’s Kingdom, you have access to God’s freedom and abundance and this applies to every area of your life, including money. Now that doesn’t mean you should expect to become a millionaire or own the latest everything, but it does mean that you should be at peace about your finances because money matters in God’s Kingdom.

When you’re a part of God’s Kingdom, you must approach finances differently, according to His Kingdom constitutions. It’s not enough to be a believer but make your own decisions about how you live your life. You won’t get the blessings of God if you’re picking selectively when to obey the commands of God. So, how do we approach finances differently? I’m glad you asked.

Let’s consider Matthew 6:31-33 (NKJV), “ Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Have you ever noticed that this scripture is a comparison of how people in the world differ from those of the Kingdom of God when it comes to money and possessions? In this passage, Jesus was addressing those everyday needs that persons are naturally concerned about. Those things that drive priorities, occupy thoughts and, sometimes, control lives. However, Jesus said that the people who don’t know God eagerly seek after those things. He is juxtaposing those who don’t know God with those who do.

Essentially, Jesus is saying that the people who know God should operate differently because they know God is on their side. God knows you need these things, and He is a good Father. Why wouldn’t He provide?

UNSHAKABLE PEACE

For Kingdom citizens, our priority should be the reverse or opposite of those who don’t know God. “ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV). Don’t let the material things become your priority but let your priority be understanding how to live as a citizen of the Kingdom.

When Jesus says seek the Kingdom, He is inviting us to learn the ways of the Kingdom and the King who is kind and benevolent. Your heavenly Father’s priority is to take care of you. He is willing, He is able, and He is watching over you. We must learn to trust Him by getting to know Him. Then, after we learn the ways, our responsibility is to do according to what the Kingdom requires – this is righteousness. What we want most must become God’s kingdom and doing what he wants us to do. When we concern ourselves with what matters to God, we stop stressing over the trivial things that matter to us. We get to live in peace, because the things of this world aren’t as important to us anymore. We stop worrying.

There’s no other way around it. If we don’t make God our first priority and trust Him to handle all the things we need, we will live in constant worry. But if we do His will and daily strive to know Him better, we will have an unshakable peace no matter our financial situation.

However, sometimes it’s hard to live in peace when we have created disastrous situations with our finances. If that’s you, then join me for the rest of this series as we talk practically about how to get out of debt, honour God and experience His blessings.