I saw a story recently about ex-Redskins star Clinton Portis being broke and bankrupt. Portis amassed an income of over $43 million dollars during his nine-year career in the NFL. Recently it was reported that Portis was filing for bankruptcy protection. Apparently, Portis invested $11 million dollars of his money into a fund that was later found out to be a Ponzi scheme. Even with this $11 million dollar loss, how does one person spend $32 million in nine years?
Proverbs 21:20 NASB There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.
Are we good stewards of the money that God has blessed us with? We don't have to make millions to be entrusted with money by God. Proverbs 21:20 insinuates that we will be broke and bankrupt if we do not spend our money wisely. What constitutes as wise spending? I know that everyone has their definition of what a wise use of money is. One thing is for sure when we spend outside of our means; we are headed for financial disaster.
Selfishly spending money leads us to be broke and bankrupt.
Luke 12:21 NASB So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
Do you find yourself storing up treasure for your selfish interests? The Bible talks quite a bit on the topic of money. When we spend our money in a way that honors God's kingdom, we will be fulfilled. Wastefully spending money will leave us broke and bankrupt inside as well. The Bible calls for us to provide for our family and meet the everyday needs we encounter such as housing, food, clothing, etc. Getting caught up in extravagant spending is where we get into trouble.
Don't spend what you don't have.
The advice of don't spend what you don't have is from my grandmother. This piece of advice is coming from a lady who re-used bread ties and foam meat trays. My grandmother always told me that the interest I pay out is better in my pocket than in the creditors pocket. I wish I would have heeded this advice a long time ago. I would have saved myself lots of money in the process. Getting older has shown me to slow down and focus on what is important in my life. I get more satisfaction doing something to further God's Kingdom than I do buying something for myself. Don't end up broke and bankrupt. Anything that you do for the Kingdom will leave you completely fulfilled.