Money and mouth are synonymous.  What is this unique relationship that equates cash, commitment and communication?  Is it related to Biblical references regarding “treasure” and the motivations of the heart?  Why does what I do with my money so closely define and reveal the true alignment of my faith and belief?  Does true belief require a willingness or propensity to align treasure with pursuit, affinity and inclination?  Is investment or donation of our monetary instruments active representation regarding the depth of our faith in a particular ideology or person?  Would I ever give money to someone or toward some movement without adequate belief in the righteousness or purpose of that person or passion?  If your experience is similar to mine you will find the greatest arguments, especially with Christians who don’t tithe, surrounding the dispensation of funds toward the church, the needy or to protect the defenseless.

Self is the most powerful tool that the enemy possesses, perhaps providing the most complicated irony for man, that we actually are our greatest enemy.  Whenever there is a conflict between what God has told me is righteous living and what my heart/mind says is right I should be extremely concerned and diligently cautious.  One cannot both say that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and also disagree with how that Word applies to the responsibilities in my own life.  This is a direct conflict with God and remains, the “slippery slope” toward backsliding into renewed conflict with the Almighty.  If I believe that God is sovereign over all things, “including my own life” then my financial actions will substantiate that reality.

The Bible says that I should be open to the motivations of giving freely of my abundance, then any argument I present to the contrary, as to why I shouldn’t give to a particular person, thing or cause is frankly an obstacle to my relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.  For example, Christians give me significant flack each time I give to a homeless person, who may or may not be an alcoholic or drug addict, because they believe that I should question the motivations in this needy persons request.  Two things; God told me to be cautious about judgment and I believe that He owns everything that I have.  I believe that giving them money gives me the opportunity to speak with them about Jesus while demonstrating an authentic desire to love them the way that I would like to be loved.  I cannot help to remember that when I was homeless, disenfranchised or downtrodden, I really hoped and prayed that someone would care enough to tell me I was valuable.  How then can I remain clear of conscience in “not giving” my tunic/jacket when someone asks for my shirt.  Should I remain secure in the knowledge, “that the Lord will provide for all of my needs according to His riches and Glory through Christ Jesus?”  The real question is “what do I believe and do my subsequent actions demonstrate a correlation with that belief?”  If my actions don’t match the proper answer to that question then I really should be cautious to avoid conflict with Almighty God through serving my own understanding.

Lord teach me to be an excellent steward of all that you’ve given.  Please do not allow my own selfish desires to bring me dangerously into conflict with Your Word.  Let me give freely and joyously to the things that benefit Your Glory and Exalt the name of Jesus above every name.