KEY VERSE: “Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore; he shall be a haven for ships, and his border shall extend toward Sidon.” (Genesis 49:13)

So far, we have established that money is good but can be corrupted. It is the people who use it that determine whether it will be good or bad. Let us therefore examine some uses of money.

First, money can be used to provide for your needs and those of your family. The Word of God commands us to take care of our own needs as well as those of our families. The Apostle writes to Timothy:
“If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.“ (1 Timothy 5:8)
A person who refuses to work to provide for their family is worse than someone who has never known Christ. Therefore, when we use money to meet our needs and those of our family, it is a very good thing.

Secondly, money can be used as a safety net against misfortunes. Solomon says:
“The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.“ (Proverbs 10:15, LSG)
In ancient times, cities were surrounded by high walls that provided protection for their inhabitants. Money, Solomon says, is a wall of protection for those who have it.

Thirdly, money cannot bring lasting joy, but it can provide temporary happiness. The Word says:
“A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything.“ (Ecclesiastes 10:19, LSG)
What Solomon is saying is that money plays a role in everything in life. Without it, your happiness will be limited. Money cannot bring eternal happiness, but when you have food on your table, your rent is paid, all your bills are up to date, and you have some left over, you even worship better.

Money can put a smile on your face! Let’s be honest.

Fourthly, money helps you glorify God better. Jesus says:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.“ (Matthew 5:16)
The Lord says that when men see your “good works,” they glorify your Father in heaven. Paul, however, goes on to explain that some good works cost money. He writes:

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.“ (2 Corinthians 9:8)

The Bible makes it clear that to do certain good works, mere sufficiency is not enough; you must have abundance.

Finally, money can help you lead a more sanctified life. We often talk about how money can lead a person to sin—and we all know this. However, we do not talk enough about the fact that poverty can do the same. A wise man once prayed:
“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; 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?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.“ (Proverbs 30:7-9, LSG)

It is true that money can be an instrument in Satan’s hand to destroy people spiritually.
May money be a good servant in your hands.

PRAYER
Father God, I promise to be a good steward of the money You bless me with. In my hands, money is a blessing. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

APPLICATION
Is money a good servant in your hands? Make a list of all its uses in your life and make changes to ensure it remains a good servant…

This text is an excerpt from the book “BUILDING A HOLY NATION: THE ROLE OF COMMERCE” written by Pastor Gregory Toussaint.

We invite you to read the next article: “DO NOT LOVE IT, BUT RESPECT IT.”

THE PROPER USES OF MONEY. THE PROPER USES OF MONEY.