Based on the sermon:

3 Biblical Priorities for Managing God’s Money

In today’s world of financial pressures and consumer culture, many of us struggle with managing our finances wisely. The recent passing of George Foreman reminded me of a powerful story about financial stewardship. After retiring from boxing at 28 to become a preacher, Foreman entrusted his $5 million fortune (equivalent to about $20 million today) to friends who completely squandered it over ten years.

This cautionary tale highlights an important biblical truth: everything we have belongs to God, and we are merely stewards of His resources. As Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains, the world and those who dwell in it.” If God has entrusted us with financial resources—whether abundant or modest—we have a responsibility to manage them faithfully.

So how can we be wise stewards of God’s money? Proverbs 3:5-10 offers powerful guidance for establishing three essential financial priorities.

Priority #1: Honor the Lord from Your Wealth

“Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)

The clear biblical principle is that giving back to God should be our first financial priority—not whatever is left over after everything else. The practice of tithing (giving the first 10% of our income) acknowledges that everything belongs to God. This isn’t about God needing our money; it’s about us needing to give.

The promise attached to this principle is remarkable: when we honor God with our wealth, He honors us in return. As 1 Samuel 2:30 states, “Those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me will be lightly esteemed.”

Many Christians who struggle financially often overlook this fundamental principle. Yet countless testimonies confirm the opposite experience—those who faithfully give, even through difficult seasons, witness God’s provision in remarkable ways.

The tithe is just the starting point. The goal is to grow in generosity beyond that initial 10%. As we experience God’s faithfulness, we can increase our giving incrementally—from 10% to 11%, and beyond.

Priority #2: Pay What You Owe

“Pay all that you owe, whether it is taxes and fees or respect and honor. Let love be your only debt!” (Romans 13:7-8, CEV)

After honoring God with the first portion of our income, our next responsibility is to pay our obligations. This includes:

• Creating a realistic budget that aligns your spending with your income
• Prayerfully considering each expenditure, distinguishing between needs and wants
• Working vigorously to eliminate harmful debt

Not all debt is created equal. “Good debt” might include a reasonable mortgage or education loans that increase your earning potential. “Bad debt” includes high-interest credit cards and loans for depreciating assets like cars.

The average American carries $15,000 in harmful debt. When we allow such financial burdens to accumulate, we become “slaves to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). We must live within our means and work systematically to eliminate debt that keeps us financially bound.

Priority #3: Start Saving for the Future

Financial wisdom includes preparing for both expected and unexpected expenses. Genesis 41 tells how Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and advised saving 20% during seven abundant years to prepare for seven years of famine.

Building savings requires discipline but provides security and options. Financial experts recommend:

1. Establishing an emergency fund with 3-6 months of living expenses
2. Teaching children sound financial principles through practical methods
3. Keeping eternity in mind with all financial decisions

As Christians, we must remember that our citizenship is in heaven. Our earthly resources should be managed with eternal perspective. As 1 Timothy 6:17-19 instructs, we should be “rich in good works, generous and ready to share, storing up for ourselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future.”

Francis Chan illustrates this beautifully with a rope analogy: If a rope represents eternity, and just the first few inches represent our earthly life, how foolish to focus all our resources on those few inches! Yet that’s exactly what we do when we neglect eternal investments.

Conclusion

Are you managing God’s money in a way that will allow you to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” when you stand before Him? The time to establish these priorities is now. Honor God first, pay what you owe, save wisely, and keep eternity in view.

When we align our financial management with biblical wisdom, we experience freedom from worry, increased contentment, and the joy of participating in God’s kingdom work through generous giving.