There’s an old Japanese proverb that says, “Getting money is like digging with a needle; spending it is like water soaking into sand.” We all nod in agreement. Who hasn’t known the struggle of financial frustrations? And even those who have plenty become disillusioned because money does not satisfy. As Seneca the Roman once stated, “Money has never yet made anyone rich.” But on we go, pushing and striving, planning and struggling to earn more so we can have more, then invest more and enjoy more. Fat chance! The more time we spend earning more money to buy more stuff, the less time we have to enjoy our stuff.
“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly, not under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). “Cheerful” in Greek actually translated “hilarious.” God loves a hilarious giver—you give because you want to laugh out loud, because your heart is light.
The world’s idea of success is fortune, fame, and power. But the forgotten side of success is lasting satisfaction, contentment, and peace found through helping others. People remain the essential ingredient in life.
There are some trials in life you just can’t find reasons for. They hit you hard and you’re left wondering. But it’s often during these times of testing that God deposits some of His best lessons into your life.
There is more than one kind of stealing. Sometimes we have to confront one another but be careful of how you do this because you may be guilty of the same thing! Pay people what you owe them. If you don't, you are stealing—that's how it works!
While money and wealth are not evil, the love of money leads to emptiness and disaster because you’ll always strive for more.
The story of wrestler Yussif teaches us an important lesson about priorities. Are you telling yourself the truth about possessions? Are you hearing God’s warning about priorities?
Those who hasten after wealth don’t find satisfaction. Instead they discover loneliness, emptiness, and broken relationships.
Teaching your children how to deal with finances covers four areas: giving, earning, spending, and saving.
It’s difficult to make sacrifices and give others our time, possessions, and money. But it’s in the giving we learn to rely on God instead of ourselves and it’s in the process we learn faith.
People believe there’s an attachment between a good God and a prosperous income. And they pay a lot of money to hear the prosperity gospel preached. But it’s a false gospel, and it’s a trap. God and greed are poles apart.
Sign up to receive Chuck Swindoll’s Daily Devotional in your inbox seven days per week.
Insight for Living is committed to excellence in communicating the truths of Scripture and the Person of Jesus Christ in an accurate, clear, and practical manner so that people will come to an understanding of God’s plan for their lives, as well as their significant role as authentic Christians in a needy, hostile, and desperate world.
1-30445 Progressive Way • Abbotsford, BC • V2T 6W3
info@insightforliving.ca
1.800.663.7639