Dependence on God Builds a Firm Financial Foundation
A FaithFi article by Carolyn Calupca
Christian Author Lynn Cowell reminds us that, “When we build our lives upon Jesus, even when the most severe trials come our way, we will stand.”
Jesus is the firm foundation for the Christian life, including finances, and dependence on God helps us stand firm through any financial storms.
In Matthew 7, Jesus tells the parable of two builders – a foolish one, and a wise one. The wise builder builds his house on a rock, and the storm can’t destroy it, but the foolish builder builds his house on the sand, and when a storm comes, it all gets blown away. Jesus tells his disciples that “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
As with all of Jesus’s parables, there’s an underlying message about God’s kingdom and how we should live. This parable about the wise and foolish builders can also apply to our financial choices.
Here are three things we can learn:
The first lesson is pretty obvious: it’s better to be wise than foolish. Depending on God is the wise thing to do. If we follow God’s principles in our finances, listening to the words of our Savior and doing what he says, we will be like that wise builder, and our efforts will have eternal value. The foolish man, who ignores and disobeys God’s word, will end up with nothing to show for all his hard work.
The second lesson we learn from the parable of the wise and foolish builders is that a firm foundation can protect you from the storms of life. The key is to choose a firm foundation, instead of a weak one. Worldly promises and desires are made from human weakness, and have no power to protect or save us. Jesus, the son of God himself, is a solid rock. Place your trust and obedience in him, and the storms of life won’t destroy you.
The third lesson might also seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating. Storms happen to everyone. Both the wise and the foolish builder had to live through the bad weather. But in the end, the wise man was the only one left standing.
Inspect your financial foundation for a moment. Are you really depending on God for everything?
It’s tempting to think you can** go it alone financially, but the “Do-it-Yourself” philosophy of life is a blueprint for financial and spiritual disaster. Only the Lord is strong enough to provide, protect, and rescue you. Christ provides salvation and the forgiveness of our sins. We desperately need Jesus, “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Ephesians 5:15 admonishes us, as believers, to “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Wisdom like this isn’t something we can muster by ourselves, because it comes from God. No matter how smart, or successful, or hardworking you are, you still need God.
Depending on God for everything takes practice. It’s also a matter of daily discipline. Here are a few actions you can take to stand firm in Christ in your finances.
First, study God’s word, and follow biblical principles. God cares about the details of your life, because he loves you. That’s why there’s so much in the Bible about how to be wise with money and possessions.
Next, stick to your faith when temptation and opposition come— and they will come. Satan does not want you to depend on God. That’s why Paul warns his readers in 1 Corinthians 16:13 to “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”
Another action you can take to stand firm is to practice discernment. Romans 12:2 teaches, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The wise person chooses a foundation of truth instead of the shifting sands of worldliness.
Finally, keep praying. Test every financial opportunity with prayer. Seek godly advice and ask the Lord for the wisdom you need.
We hope you’ll build your spiritual house on the rock of Christ today. Continue to depend on the Lord for everything you need, and make your financial choices with the wisdom found in God’s word.
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