Do You Put People Before Possessions?

Walking in God’s favor: Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. Proverbs 11:4 (NIV)

Some People Use People and Love Money, Instead of Loving People and Using Money

We Christians in America have become so materialistic in our thinking. You have probably heard someone say, ” The one who dies with the most toys wins.” or “The one with the gold makes the rules.”

The things in this world are temporal, but the things of God are eternal.  I believe Jesus Christ is returning for a people – not possessions. So, what are you doing to build intimate relationships with those you love? How are you investing your financial resources to better your relationship with God and meaningful others?

Money Does Not Change People, It Only Exposes Them

When you develop intimate relationships, you do it one-to-one. Your attention is focused on one person. Their needs become your priority. Dr David and Teresa Ferguson, co-authors of Intimate Encounters says, “Intimate relationships take time and communication.”

Ardella and I recently returned from a 10-day camping adventure to the New England states to celebrate 38 years of marriage. We began planning months in advance what we wanted to experience. We planned how much it would cost to fly Ardella to Portland, Maine and for me to drive up with all our camping equipment. We discussed the weather conditions and what would be the ideal time to travel. We mapped out ten different State Parks and KOA’s that we would camp each night during our adventure. We planned what food we would take on the road and what places we would stop for a meal. The idea was for both of us to enjoy one another and create meaningful memories of celebrating our life together.

This includes sharing one’s feelings, putting one another first, sympathetic listening, and caring for one another. Sharing your heart with family and having meaningful relationships with others is what life is truly about. Life is meant to be shared. Sharing the love of  God with those we care about is priority for the Level 4 Steward.

Don’t Expect Loyalty From People Who Will Do Anything For Money

There is nothing like the power of your own life story. Everyone has a story to tell.  How are you being blessed today? Sharing your life experiences with others encourages them and gives them hope.  Tell others how you have overcome life’s struggles; how your faith brings stability in your life; how living by biblical principles gives you the wisdom to look around the corner to prepare for the storms of life. And finally, tell others of your spiritual discovery for your life’s work.

Prayer of blessing: Lord help me to value meaningful relationships.

Michael J. Vance is the co-host of the Better Husband Father Man Podcast a hub for all things; parenting, marriage, and self-improvement. He is a financial & benefit risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency  and founder of Stewardship of Wealth. Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the Pathfinder Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. The Vances have been married well over 3 decades and share their lives with four adult children and ten exceptional grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook “Stewardship of Wealth”.