The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
—Proverbs 10:22

How does money affect you? Money affects everything in our lives. It’s a big part of us. It’s so important that the New Testament talks about finances over 2,500 times. So if God talks a lot about it, it’s significant in our lives.

When you realize that money has a mission, you can use it purposely. Money without purpose is materialism. Money is meant to be a means through which you accomplish God’s purpose for your life. I define success as having enough resources to do what God has called you to do in life. It’s not having or not having money that makes you spiritual. God’s purpose is for you to have money so that it can be channeled through your life as a blessing, whether that is for your home, college tuition, or a missionary.

Your checkbook is a book of revelation, because it shows where your heart is. What you do with your money is really a heart issue. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). Balance your investment in the Kingdom of God with your other financial priorities. Constantly plant treasure in the saints of God.

The key to your financial future is in your perception of money. The Kingdom of God is God’s way of doing things, and what He says about finances is very different than what the systems of this world teach. Man says to save for a rainy day; God says to bring Him the tithe and first fruits. You must have a value system built upon God’s principles so that you know what to do with money, how to handle money, and how to get and give money.

Operate in God’s system of investment and reward that can also be explained as seed and harvest (Genesis 8:22). You have the authority to plant your seed and determine your own outcome in life. Nothing “just happens.” What you sow is what you will reap (Galatians 6:7). There are spiritual laws that govern the natural realm…one of these is the command to sow generously and obediently. Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom” (Luke 6:38). You will never get into multiplication until you get into sowing. Begin living a lifestyle of faith. Your only limits are in your mind where God is concerned. When you sow generously into God’s work, He will give you success beyond your wildest dreams.

Related Texts: Deuteronomy 15:11; Proverbs 3:9–10; 21:13; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 6:3–4; 25:40; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6–12