Money Management for God’s people
Excerpt from the book; …And the cattle upon a thousand
hills
By Todd A. Williams
The parable of the prodigal son is a fantastic example of the love
of a father for a son, and the love of God for his children.
While many who read the passage can clearly see the premise that
God will rejoice at the return of his children who have gone
astray, there is another interesting idea presented.
In this parable, we see that the father was a man of financial
means. He had hired servants, an estate, and cattle. The son knowing,
that because he is the son of this wealthy man, understands that
he has an inheritance. As a result, he desires to get his share,
and to move out. Once out of his father’s house, he lives
the life of excess and frivolity until he comes to a place of financial
ruin! Once realizes that his father was a fair and just man who
paid his workers well, he decides to go back home to try to get
a job with his father. The father, realizing that his son has come
back, accepts him and restores him to his place of importance.
Our heavenly father, who has all riches and glory, has an inheritance
for his children. God desires for us to be prosperous, to have
our needs met, and to live a life free from want and worries. That
does not mean that we are all to be worth millions and own massive
estates. What it does mean is that our Father freely gives according
to our measure of faith and what we can manage.
Many of us encounter the same challenges as the prodigal son:
We squander the resources given to us by our father. We buy things
we don’t need, get caught up with friends who influence us
negatively, and we try to keep up with the fads of society. We
don’t save for the economic downturns or slow periods, but
we live from paycheck to paycheck hoping and praying to get by.
We fail to see the big picture until we are in the middle of hardship
brought on by a lack of wisdom, humility, and appreciation for
the blessings we have. How many of us ask God to help us financially,
without looking at the resources we already have and determining
if we need the expenses we currently carry? We have adequate resources,
yet the expenses we have are not necessary. Not every one makes
the same amount of money, so how can I say that we have adequate
resources? How many of us truly need 100 cable channels, satellite
dishes on every television in the house, and a cell phone that
is not work or emergency related? The question relative to resources
then becomes, do I have the ability to learn? If I change my lifestyle,
could I meet my obligations and prosper?
Our values are important, and what we value determines how we
allocate our resources. Where our heart is, that is were we lay
our treasure (Matt 6:21). The Prodigal son valued pleasure, frivolous
living, and fun. When he was destitute he came back to his senses.
It was at this point that he realized that he had to change his
attitude and come to grips with his true values.
Assess where you are financially and honestly ask yourself: Am
I acting like the prodigal son? Am I truly aware of who I am, and
the position I have through the grace of The Most High? Am I acting
like a prince, princess, or a pauper?
Maximize
your dreams
Overcome
obstacles by organizing your life
Network
to net-worth
Enjoy
the moment
Yield
abundance
Todd A. Williams is a money coach. He appears regularly on ABC
affiliate "Good morning Cleveland." Todd is an author and
motivational speaker. Visit his site to find out how you can get a
free money tips newsletter at http://www.moneybytodd.com
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