The Divine Dollar: Understanding How God Cares About How You Handle Your Money

I wrote this eBook about the divine dollar. Money is an essential part of life. It helps us buy food, pay bills, take care of our families, and enjoy some of the blessings God provides. But have you ever stopped to think about how God feels about how you handle your money? The Bible teaches that everything we have, including money, comes from God. He wants us to be responsible stewards of the resources He gives us.

The Problem with Stuff

Many people shop like there is no tomorrow. They buy things they do not need, spend money they do not have, and fill their homes with stuff that ends up in garages or donation boxes. I have observed this behavior time and time again. When we are bored, we shop. When we want to feel better, we shop. But does this bring lasting joy? No. Many of the things we buy only satisfy us temporarily. Soon, we are looking for the next thing to fill the emptiness we feel inside.

God cares about how we use our money. He does not want us to waste it on things that do not matter. When we buy things without thinking, we are not honoring God. Instead, we are letting money control us. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). If our hearts are focused on buying stuff, we are not focused on God.

God Gave You Everything

Do you remember that promotion at work? The raise you received? The money you earned from a successful project? All of these blessings came from God. He gave you the ability, the strength, and the opportunities to succeed. But how often do we forget to thank Him?

Many people use their money for everything except God. They go clubbing, buy expensive gadgets, and treat themselves to luxuries. But when it comes to tithing or giving to those in need, they claim they do not have enough money. This is not what God wants. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” This means we should give to God first, not last.

When we forget to tithe or give, we are telling God that He is not our priority. We are saying that our desires are more important than His will. But when we give to God, we show our love and trust in Him. We acknowledge that everything we have belongs to Him.

Remembering God in Good Times and Bad

It is easy to forget about God when life is going well. When we have money in our pockets, food on the table, and everything we need, we might think we do not need God. But what happens when trouble comes? When we lose our job, face unexpected bills, or struggle to make ends meet, we remember God. We pray and ask Him for help. We turn to Him because we know He is the only one who can save us.

God does not want us to treat Him like an emergency button that we only press in times of trouble. He wants us to rely on Him every day. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” God is the source of our blessings, and we should honor Him in both good times and bad.

Practical Ways to Honor God with Your Money

So, how can we honor God with our money? Here are some simple steps:

1. Tithe Faithfully: The Bible teaches us to give the first 10% of our income to God. This is called tithing. It is a way of showing gratitude and trust in Him. When you tithe, you are putting God first in your finances.

2. Spend Wisely: Before you buy something, ask yourself if it is necessary. Do you really need it? Will it bring lasting value? Remember, just because you can afford something does not mean you should buy it.

3. Save for the Future: Proverbs 21:20 says, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” Saving is a way of preparing for the future and being a good steward of God’s blessings.

4. Help Others: God wants us to be generous. When you see someone in need, do not hesitate to help. Whether it is giving to a charity, supporting a friend, or helping a stranger, your generosity honors God.

5. Avoid Debt: Debt can be a heavy burden. It limits your freedom and can cause stress. Try to live within your means and avoid borrowing money unnecessarily.

The Blessing of Generosity

When we honor God with our money, He blesses us in many ways. Malachi 3:10 says, “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 throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” God promises to bless those who are faithful in giving.

But the blessings are not just financial. When we give, we experience joy, peace, and satisfaction. We feel closer to God and know that we are doing His will. Generosity also strengthens our faith. It teaches us to trust God to provide for our needs.

Conclusion: A Heart for God

Handling money is not just about budgets and spending. It is a matter of the heart. God wants us to use our money in ways that honor Him and reflect His love. When we focus on Him instead of material things, we find true happiness and purpose.

Let us remember that every dollar we have is a gift from God. Let us use it wisely, give generously, and always put God first. By doing so, we show our gratitude and love for the One who provides everything we need. Let us honor God not just with our words, but with our wallets too.