When God blesses us financially, the first thing that should come to mind is gratitude and stewardship. We should remember that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17, WEB), and that God entrusts us with resources to manage as His stewards.
The first thing to do is to give thanks and praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Next, we honor God with our finances. The first use of the money should be to tithe and give offerings. Tithing is the returning of a tenth of our income to God and giving offerings are further donations towards the work of the ministry and helping others.
We read in Proverbs 3:9-10 (WEB), Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase: so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
Next, we should use the money wisely to meet our needs and the needs of our families. 1 Timothy 5:8 (WEB) says, But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
It is also important to use God's financial blessings to help others, especially those in need. Proverbs 19:17 (WEB) tells us, He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him.
Lastly, we should avoid the love of money, remembering that it is a root of all kinds of evil which will lead us away from God. 1 Timothy 6:10 (WEB), For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Let us pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your financial blessings in our lives. Help us to always put You first in our finances, remembering to tithe and give offerings. Guide us to use our money wisely to meet our needs and the needs of our families. Open our hearts to help others, and keep us from the love of money. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
In our use of finances, we should always glorify God, remembering that our actions and handling of money should be led by Jesus Christ. Romans 8:14 (WEB), For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God.