In Matthew Chapter 7, Jesus tells the parable of two builders – a foolish one, and a wise one. The wise builder builds his house on a rock, and the storm can’t destroy it, but the foolish builder builds his house on the sand, and when a storm comes, it all gets blown away. Jesus tells his disciples that “everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice” is like the wise builder.
As with all of Jesus’s parables, there’s an underlying message for us here about God’s kingdom and how we should live. This parable about the wise and foolish builders can also apply to our financial choices.
3 THINGS WE CAN LEARN
1. It’s better to be wise than foolish. Depending on God is the wise thing to do. If we follow God’s principles in our finances, listening to the words of our Savior and doing what he says, we will be like that wise builder, and our efforts will have eternal value.
The foolish man who ignores and disobeys God’s word … will end up with nothing to show for all his hard work.
2. A firm foundation can protect you from the storms of life. The key is to choose a firm foundation instead of a weak one. Worldly promises and desires are made from human weakness and have no power to protect or save us. Jesus, the son of God himself, is a solid rock. Place your trust and obedience in him, and the storms of life won’t destroy you.
3. Storms happen, to everyone. Both the wise and the foolish builder had to live through the bad weather. But in the end, the wise man was the only one left standing.
So, let’s inspect your financial foundation for a moment. Are you really depending on God for everything?
It's tempting to think you can go it alone financially, but the “Do-it-Yourself” philosophy of life is a blueprint for financial — and spiritual — disaster. Only the Lord is strong enough to provide, protect, and rescue you. In Christ, he provides salvation and the forgiveness of our sins. We desperately need Jesus, “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Ephesians 5:15 admonishes us, as believers, to “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Wisdom like this isn’t something we can muster by ourselves, because it comes from God. No matter how smart, or successful, or hardworking you are, you still need God.
Depending on God for everything takes practice. It’s also a matter of daily discipline.
HOW TO STAND FIRM IN CHRIST IN YOUR FINANCES
1. Study God’s word, and follow biblical principles. God cares about the details of your life, because he loves you. That’s why there’s so much in the Bible about how to be wise with money and possessions.
2. Stick to your faith when temptation and opposition come. And they will come. Satan does not want you to depend on God. That’s why Paul warns his readers in 1 Corinthians 16:13 to “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”
3. Practice discernment. We love the truth in Romans 12:2. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The wise person chooses a foundation of truth instead of the shifting sands of worldliness.
4. Keep praying. Test every financial opportunity with prayer, seek godly advice, and ask the Lord for the wisdom you need.
If we can help you address some of your financial concerns, visit us at faithfi.com and click on the Community tab. You’re not alone, and we have many wise financial contributors available to answer your questions.
On today’s program, Rob also answers listener questions:
- Is there an app that can help you with budgeting, tracking money, etc?
- How do you dig out of credit card debt on a fixed income?
- How do you determine the best way to invest a monthly surplus?
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.
