Oscar Muriu summarizes the important truths drawn from his insightful teaching on what God says about stewarding our personal finances.

>> Money Is A Good Servant
Money is a good servant but a terrible master. Christ warned us that when money becomes a master, it competes against God. When it takes control then you begin trusting more in what the money can do for you than in what God can do. During that time the presence of money gives you more peace than the promises of God. In times of crises you end up being more dependent on money than on prayer; and money seems to hold more promise for your future than God does.

Money can help you accomplish great things. Money is a very useful servant because it can make a positive difference in your life, in others' lives and in the Kingdom of God. Making money your servant rather than your master is good stewardship – which will benefit you in the end.

>> Enslavement By Debt
The easiest way to make money your master instead of your servant is by allowing yourself to fall into debt. When money becomes your master through debt it does not allow you to sleep, it will not allow you peace of mind.

Money related issues will then determine your moods and eventually your behavior. When you are in debt, money seems to order you around, quickly becoming the tyrannical dictator of your life.

>> Dictator: Mr. Greed
Money also becomes your master when you become greedy. A greedy person's focus is on getting more and more in order to spend on himself or herself. When you are not kingdom focused, and become greedy, then your priorities become money driven. As your master money will destroy your faith and Kingdom values.

I Titus 6:6 - 10 comes to mind: But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

* Money can make you lose your faith
* Money can make you lose your family
* Money can make you lose your marriage
* Money can make you lose your integrity
* Money can make you lose your friends

Proverbs 23:4 also says: Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.

>> 10% To The Rescue
God has given us an antidote from the sickness and corruption of greed: It’s called tithing – giving away money so that instead of being greedy it becomes a blessing to you and others.

Matthew 6 :19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Through tithing, instead of being a danger, money becomes an additional investment for you. It is a heavenly investment that you will cash in on later. Many years ago I began to pray that God would give me a love for giving instead of it being so difficult to give. I can say today that God has been faithful, and that while my needs still cry out for attention, I have been able to give away a lot, and to do so with joy. You too can pray this prayer for your life, so that as God blesses you, you can give generously, and in that way store up for yourself a treasure in heaven.

About The Author: Oscar Muriu is senior pastor of the Nairobi Chapel. He holds a M. Div. from the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST).

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