Money Is Not the Problem

I often hear of churches, families and individuals having money problems. They tell me what they need and why they can't have it. My issue with this is that money problems fly in the face of a theology which says that God will supply all our needs. If He is the God who provides, why hasn't He done so? How can there be money problems?

Let's consider this: if God is faithful (and if He is  not then even heaven can't help us) we should always have what we need unless there is greater reason for denying what we consider to be our need. This means that one of the following applies:

1. God is increasing our faith. He will eventually supply exactly what we need but not until we need it. He wants us to draw close to Him in prayer. He wants us to proclaim His provision to the world. He wants us to have the confidence that He will supply when there is nothing in the bank.

2. We are not spending what He has given us correctly. We do not have a lack of money. We have a lack of faithfulness. We have failed to use what He has given us correctly. Therefore, we do not have what we need because we have misused what we have received.

3. Others have been unfaithful in their use of money. God has told someone to supply our needs but this person or these people have not done what God has asked. God is waiting on them to be faithful. His patience and mercy are being exercised so that they will know the joy of what they should be doing.

4. God already knows we will abuse His supply. He has given us what we needed in the past but we have failed to use it correctly. He knows we will not use His provision for what He wants. He, therefore, refuses to give it.

5. We have used human means of supplying our needs so frequently that we no longer come to Him for needs. The preacher is so charismatic that he can charm the money from the people. The rest is borrowed. The result is a manmade provision which God is asked to endorse. It seems great but it is minor in comparison with what God would really like to do. God has no part in it.

6. What we are calling a need is not really a need. It is just a want. It appears to honor God but it is not something He is asking for. Remember that Samuel told Saul that God wasn't looking for his sacrifice but his obedience. God is not looking for great things to be created for Him. He is seeking His creation to do great things. This always comes as acts of obedience.

7. We are full of pride. The Bible clearly says that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. We are seeking God's grace anytime we are asking for His provision. He will not support our pride. That is why so many formerly great churches are struggling to hold their own today. They became prideful.

Therefore, money is not the problem. It is the symptom of things out of order.

Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.