“Wisdom’s Cry” Proverbs 3: 3&4, 9-12 (Part 4 – The Fruit of Wisdom)

Wisdom’s Cry  Proverbs 3: 3&4, 9-12 (Part 5 – The Fruit of Wisdom)

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

 

As we mature in our walk the desire to be pleasing to the Lord  deepens, which is good and very necessary. One of the struggles we have in growing our faith is to overcome parting with “our money.” One of milestones of maturing faith is we realize that it is not “our money.” The money we earn we’ve earned because of the gifts and talents He has given us. Therefore it is only right that a percentage of it goes back to Him. To “Honor — the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:” and to do it cheerfully ( for God loves a cheerful giver 2Corinthians 6:7).

I think we all agree, however it still is a struggle, why?

There can be a multitude of reasons. We were not wise with our finances and got ourselves into debt, or we are putting our kids through college and financially we are tight, or our car broke down or we need a new roof etc. These and many more situations can be reasons for why giving is challenging. However I see these as more superficial reasons, though they do have merit to them. Let me explain. There is a more true reason, one that goes deep into the heart – to its very core. The “DNA of our soul,” in fact of every living creature is basically the same. We all have the need to feel  secure.  I see this need in our pet dogs. When they hear a noise at night it threatens them and so they bark, or when I come home from work they want me to spend time with them. It makes them feel secure. When I tap on the glass of fish aquarium the fish go hiding into the plants. The noise scares them making them feel insecure. Literally all that breathes has the need to feel secure.

And for many of us money represents that. With money we pay our bills, buy our food pay for our home, cloth our family etc., all the basic needs for a secure life. Without money or sufficient money we tend to feel more vulnerable, unable to fully met our needs. And feeling vulnerable is very telling. It reveals to us that are true security or trust is not in the Lord. Though we profess that we trust the Lord, to truly trust the Lord means He is our security and not our money. When He becomes our true security and no longer our finances we have had a major shift in our soul. Our faith now dictates our state of being and no longer our finances. We are now relying on God’s faithfulness to us. And as we begin to really walk with God trusting in Him, we begin to really experience His faithfulness to us.  We stop measuring our security by our bank account.

And as we live faith lead lives this doesn’t necessarily mean that all are needs are going to be met. What living by faith means, especially in hard situations is that we know that God knows and that’s all we need to know. If we go without, it’s not because God forgot about us rather it is for training in righteousness...” — I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.( I have learned that) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phil 4:12&13)”

When we reach this point of maturity then giving takes on a whole different meaning. We are glad to give so that the ministry of the gospel can reach others. That others can find the same help we have found. To know that by our giving we are aiding in the furthering of the gospel is so worth it. Whatever we may have to do without because we gave is small in comparison. The joy alone far outweighs what we do without. Especially knowing that in countries where Christianity is illegal, the believers go with so much less. To go without just a little bit makes us more mindful to pray for our brothers and sisters.

“So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Money can be a trap for the soul that many a Christian falls into. Therefore God is unable to bless them with more. However for the few that truly have found their security in Christ alone, making money an idol is not even an issue. They understand that they are simply conduits that God is using to bless others. They have been entrusted with the stewardship of giving and the greatest desire is not to build for themselves their own castle, but that the Great King of all wealth and treasures  finds them to be faithful stewards. To be found as such, no amount of wealth could ever compare. This is the heart of one who truly trusts and worships God. There are no false idols in his/ her heart. May we understand ourselves and be honest enough to know that if money is our security that we confess this to the Lord and begin to pray that God would help us to make Him our security.

The saying that money cannot buy happiness is true. It can buy things that temporarily make you happy, but it does not help you get along with your spouse or your children, co- workers and or neighbors. And it does not truly make you feel better about yourself. All benefits are mostly superficial. Look at the lives of movie stars. They have millions but cannot remain married. Multitude of divorces and remarries are no way to live life. Money has not brought them happiness. And it’s funny, with all their wealth they are still very insecure, getting face lifts and body part improvements etc. Money is a false foundation for security and the soul seems to know it deep down inside. The only true security is when Christ is Lord in one’s heart. Nothing replaces or assures the heart as the Love of God. When this is your foundation then money and its use is not complicated. You will not want to make decisions that will get you in debt because you want to maintain your giving. Nor do you want any idol to interfere with your relationship with God.  And if Christ is Lord then you will not be deceived into thinking that happiness is found through a thing that has no life. Only Christ has the ability to grant peace and love.

Father God,

Thank you for this insightful study. May this be the cry of our heart to experience your love for us consistently and not to be deceived into thinking that finances could ever replace You. It is but a tool. It can be used for selfish means or to bless and help others. Help us to be found faithful. Thank you and Amen

Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur