We all dream of riches. We hope to win the lottery. Or perhaps Great Aunt Claire will leave us fabulously wealthy. Maybe we will invent that indispensable tool that everyone has to have. Suddenly we are rolling in financial clover, with more money to spend than we ever dreamed of.
What does God want us to do with our newfound riches?
We can take our example from Numbers 31:25-54. The children of Israel had defeated the kings of Midian, and the spoils of battle were as vast as the lottery is to us, providing them riches beyond their wildest dreams. Yet, God had a say in how he wanted Israel’s newfound wealth distributed.
God’s First Commandment: We are to share our rewards, whether others have earned them or not.
Verse 27 tells us that those who marched into battle were to receive half of the spoils, and those who stayed home were to receive the rest.
When God blesses us with a financial windfall, he gives it to us in order that we may bless others.
God’s Second Commandment: Our labors count as a portion of our tithes.
Verse 28 tells us that those who fought in the battle were to give 1 part in every 500, while those at home owed 1 part in 50 of their windfall.
When we are involved in labor for God, he credits that to us as righteousness, both spiritually and materially.
God’s Third Commandment: We are to thank God for our success with the best of what he gives us.
Twelve thousand men went to battle, and twelve thousand men returned. Not one was lost. Each man gave to God 100% of his own personal spoils collected after the battles.
When God makes our success especially sweet, we should return to God the greater portion of what he has given us.
God is not tightfisted with his blessings unto us, and he expects us to be generous with what we have received.
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