SUCCESSFUL MONEY MANAGEMENT FOR CHRISTIANS
             MONEY...Evil or Good? People often confuse money with the Biblical injunction not to love money (1 Timothy 6:10). One of the early struggles I remember having as a young preacher was the question about whether it was right to have a lot of money or make a lot of money. For years, I didn't have much to worry about personally, but did struggle with how and what to preach about money. Upon one occasion I got myself into a tight with what I was teaching. In talking to an older preacher on what to do, he said, "You got yourself into this mess, now get yourself out!" My esteem for him lessened a little with that retort.
             What brought on this dilemma were the many passages that seem to de-emphasize money and put "having a lot of money" into a bad category. Such passages as: Luke 18:22, "Go sell all you have"; Luke 18:24, "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!"; Matthew 6:19, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth"; etc.
             Through the years I have tried to find a solution to the many questions and doubts on this subject. It is obvious that the Bible has much to say about money and the grave dangers it can bring spiritually; yet, it also has given much to help us learn how to deal with money successfully. God is all-wise, knows our needs, has richly provided for us, and knows we have needs to be satisfied on earth; and thus, has given us instructions in His Word that will give us the guidance needed.
             At this point in my life, I still do not feel that I have all the answers on this subject, but I do feel that I have a better grasp than ever before. The approach taken in these lessons is an attempt to explain from a Biblical and practical standpoint where I am in my understanding of this all-important subject. (1999) --Paul E. Cantrell
             "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not u...