2005-03-12 - Transfer Ownership

Nine Steps to Finacial Freedom, Part 1

Originally Published 2003-05-14

I want to thank everyone for their response to my last devotional. I was not able to return an email to everyone. It is a blessing to see that God uses the devotionals to touch others' lives.

I am beginning a series on how to become financially free. I am not sure about you, but I know that I am in debt to the sum of $2500 dollars. It may not seem like a lot of debt compared to others who may have $10, $20, or $30 thousand dollars of debt, but the principles should be the same, because God's Word never changes.

There are over 700 references to finances in the Bible. With that in mind, we should understand that financial management is important to our God. The way we manage our finances can tell you about your attitude towards God, and it affects everything in our lives because it affects what we believe about God.

It is important for Christians to recognize financial bondage, but it is equally important to know how to achieve freedom. It gives relief from worry and tension about overdue bills, a clear conscience before God and before others, and the absolute assurance that God is in control of our finances.

This does not mean that our lives will be totally without financial difficulties. God may allow the consequences of an earlier action to remain, in order to reinforce the lesson. God did not promise to remove every difficulty from our lives; in fact, he promised that we would experience trials and tribulations.

How can we achieve financial freedom?

What must we do according to God's plan?

Step 1. Transfer Ownership.

A Christian must transfer ownership of every possession to God. This means money, time, family, material possessions, education, earning potential for the future and even one's self. A Christian must realize that there is no substitution for this step. If you believe that you are the owner of even a single possession, then the events affecting that possession are going to affect your attitude. God will not force His will on us. He will not input His perfect will into our lives unless we first submit our will over to Him.

If we make a total transfer of everything to God, He will be our provider and provide every need we have - physical, material, and spiritual means - according to His perfect plan. It is simple to say, "I make total transfer of everything to God," but it's not so simple to do. We will experience some difficulty in consistently seeking God's will in the area of material things, because we are so accustomed to self-management and control. Knowing God is in control is the key to financial freedom.

It is very relieving to turn our burdens over to Him. Then if something happens to your car, house etc… you can say, "Father, You own this car and have provided it for me to use. I have maintained it to the best of my ability, but I don't own it. It belongs to You, so do with it whatever You would like." Then look for the blessing God has in store for you as a result of this attitude.

God Bless You, My Friends,
Rob

rob@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

I want my life to be for the glory of God