‘Though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.’ Psalm 62:10 NIV

Let’s settle it once and for all. If God can trust you with something small, He will trust you with more (see Luke 16:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6–11). But His blessings come with certain conditions, and here are four you need to honour.

(1) Don’t try to claim credit. God told the Israelites, ‘You may say to yourself… “My hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord… for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth… If you ever forget… you will surely be destroyed.’ (Deuteronomy 8:17–19 NIV)

(2) Don’t forget others. The Bible commands: ‘Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share… so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.’ (1 Timothy 6:17–19 NASB)

(3) Don’t become arrogant. Jeremiah admonishes us, ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong… of their strength or the rich… of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know Me, that I am the Lord.’ (Jeremiah 9:23–24 NIV)

(4) Don’t allow anything to take God’s place. ‘Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, “Who is the Lord?”’ (Proverbs 30:8–9 NIV) Remember, you don’t own anything—you’re just a manager of God’s estate and an executor of His will. It’s an awesome responsibility, so make sure you do a good job.

SoulFood: Dan 8–10, Mt 8:18–27, Ps 89:15–37, Prov 2:21–22

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©