By Pastor Mark Hiehle



One of the criticisms that is leveled against the church is that too much attention is given to money.

As soon as the pastor starts talking about money, many people start to stiffen and complain. Someone once told me that there are two things that should never be talked about in church, politics and money. I understand where that sentiment comes from, but, unfortunately, it is not Biblical.

Within scripture God has a lot to say about both. As we continue to gain wisdom from the book of Proverbs during this series articles, chapter 3 addresses our money. In Proverbs 3:9 and 10, Solomon tells his son and us to honor the Lord with our wealth, with the first fruits of all our crops; then our barns will be filled to overflowing, and our vats will brim over with new wine.

During this time period, the culture was primarily agricultural and wealth was amassed through livestock and crops. Despite the medium of our income, the

truth is clear that we are to honor God with our wealth by giving back to Him our first fruits. Does God need our money? Throughout the Bible, we are instructed that God does not need our wealth for it all comes from Him.

Someone once said that they earned all they have, and it belongs to them. In the fourth book of the Bible, Deuteronomy 8:18 , we are told to remember the Lord our God, for it is He who gives us the ability to produce wealth.

The use and giving of our money actually reveals our priorities and the condition of our heart toward God. Our money is simply an indicator of our spiritual condition.

Are you honoring God with your wealth? Are you giving him a portion from the top, your first fruits? If you do, then there is a promise that God has given. God will bless you, and He will show himself as your provider.

In the last book of the Old Testament, God makes this truth even more striking. God literally asks us to accept a challenge. In Malachi 3:10, God tells us to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

What does God want us to know? If we will honor Him by acknowledging that He is the one who is our ultimate provider, and we give back to Him with thanksgiving, He will bless us. He will meet our needs and open new doors of opportunity and blessing. One thing I have observed about people is

that the happiest people I know are those who give. They have the right attitude about money, and understand that what they have came first from their loving Heavenly Father.

As they honor God, He pours out His blessing upon them. May I encourage you to take God at His word and honor Him with your wealth?



Pastor Mark Hiehle is the Senior Pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene at 1300 S. 29th St. in Chickasha, OK. www.chickashanaz.com