Many people are accustomed to plan ahead financially. It is also customary to emphasize long-range planning and not merely short-term. The Lord does want us to plan ahead for the very long-term, even for Judgment Day and eternity. By tithing, almsgiving, having no debt (Rm 13:8), and obeying the Lord in not demanding interest, we let God make us financially secure.
In this world, the Lord in turn will supply our "needs fully, in a way worthy of His magnificent riches in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19). Also, because we are faithful in the small matter of managing our material goods, the Lord will entrust us with greater things (Lk 16:10). Then, after this life on earth, we will be called good and faithful stewards on Judgment Day (Mt 25:21) and have an everlasting dwelling place in heaven (Lk 16:9).
If your financial planning doesn't take account of life after death, it is short-term and inadequate. If you are "set upon the things of this world" (Phil 3:19), you "will end in disaster" (Phil 3:19). Plan ahead. Plan for life, death, judgment, and eternity.
| PRAYER: | Father, I will never be an enemy of the cross by being a friend of the world (Phil 3:18; Jas 4:4). |
| PROMISE: | "For these reasons, my brothers, you whom I so love and long for, you who are my joy and my crown, continue, my dear ones, to stand firm in the Lord." –Phil 4:1 |
| PRAISE: | Terry gave his savings to the poor. Shortly thereafter, his troublesome car began running smoothly. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College