Good Stewards

Scripture: Luke 16: 14-15
Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

Observation:
The Pharisees don't like Jesus stories because he is talking about them. They have been greedy and wasteful of the money they have. They haven't been managing things properly. They are very irritated and then Jesus tells them that they can justify what they are doing to men but God is the one who sees their hearts.

Application:
This got me thinking about the money that God has given me. Do I spend it wisely or foolishly? I may not have a lot, but what I do have I need to manage properly. When I go to the store, do I buy whatever catches my eye or do I plan for my trip and buy what is needed? I will admit that many times I have spent way more than I should have because I was impulse buying. It was not good then and it's not good now, especially with the cost of goods these days. I could easily go over budget and then we have to cut something because of it. You know what I discovered? God holds me accountable for how I manage the money he has given me. I will have to answer to Him for my spending habits. Now when I am shopping and thinking of purchasing an item, I ask myself- "Would God be happy with what I am about to purchase?" If the answer is no, then it goes right back on the shelf. It's actually a real money saving technique.

Prayer:
Dear Lord help me to manage the funds you have given me. Help me to live with less. Help me to teach my family to be good stewards of all you have entrusted to our care. In Jesus Name Amen.