STRENGTHEN YOUR GRIP ON MONEY

Money plays an enormous role in all our lives...even when we keep our perspective and steer clear of greed. The battle is to keep the balance between obtaining money for the right reasons and spending it for the right reasons.

What the Bible teaches about money: (Read Paul's advice to Timothy: I Tim. 6:6-19.)

God never condemns the rich for being rich. He hates false gain, wrong motives for getting rich, and lack of compassionate generosity among the wealthy. Some Bible heroes were prosperous: Job, Abraham, Joseph, David, Solomon, Barnabas, and Lydia, to name a few.

Know what is important. A consistent, authentic walk with God, regardless of finances, added to a peace within, will give you real wealth.

That which constitutes great wealth is not related to money. It is an attitude of satisfaction (enough is enough) plus a day-by-day, moment-by-moment walk with God.

Keep a perspective on eternity. You brought nothing into the world and will take the same amount out of the world. Read the eternal dimension into today's situation in order to keep grounded in what's important.

Have a simple acceptance of essentials. If you have food and clothing you can be content. Simplify your lifestyle, not only for peace of mind but as a way to get your purchases in check.

Reject society's plan of attack to create dissatisfaction in your life, convincing you to be in constant pursuit for something "out there" that is sure to bring you happiness. Contentment is possible when you stop striving for more. Contentment never comes from externals.

Don't want for money. "The love of money is a root of all sorts of evil." This is a person who is possessed with the constant thought of getting rich. Materialism is a killer; fight against it as you would a hungry pack of wolves.

Having money is not a sin. You know if you acquired your wealth legally or illegally. If it has come from hard work, honest dealings, and wise planning, you have absolutely nothing of which to be ashamed. Ministries all over the world have been financed by the generosity of these people.

Don't be conceited (proud, snobbish, or arrogant). Remember that everything you have has come from your heavenly Father, and that Christ rescued you - and everyone - from the same deep pit.

Don't trust in your wealth for security. Money can buy medicine, but not health; a house, but not a home; companionship, but not friends; a bed, but not sleep; a good life, but not an eternal life.

Become a generous person. Give, give, give. Let generosity become your trademark. Be generous with your time, your efforts, your energy, your encouragement, and, your money.

Dr. Charles R. Swindoll serves as president of Dallas Theological Seminary and host of Insight for Living, a radio broadcast that is aired daily worldwide. He has authored more than 25 books, including The Grace Awakening and Laugh Again. Dr. Swindoll and his wife reside in Dallas, Texas.

From Strengthening Your Grip: How To Live Confidently by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright (c) 1982, 1998 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of Word Publishing, a Thomas Nelson Company, Nashville, Tenn., 1-800-933-9673. All rights reserved.

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