2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NET) "My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work."
Talking about money is an interesting, and sometimes, a complicated conversation. It seems to get even more difficult when you add God to the conversation. But this shouldn't be true. Knowing what God says should make things clearer, not more complicated. (NOTE: knowing and doing are two different things). I think the Bible is clear. God expects you to be generous. God expects you to be a good manager of what He has given you. God expect a return on his investment in you. And, I believe He gives you a lot of room to figure out what this specifically means for you within your context.
Here's the rub. Most people don't know, or don't want to know, or simply ignore what God says concerning their money. This frustrates me. Do you know the #1 reason for divorce? Yeah, money issues. And the issue is rarely that there's too much of it. For this reason alone, for the sake of your marriage, don't you think it wise to understand and apply what God has to say for your money?
I believe God's ways are best. In all areas of life, including money. If my statement is true, that "God's ways are best," it means that your ways are not best. There can't be two best. Here's another truth for you. I think it makes little sense to go in a direction opposite of God and then ask God to bless your efforts. "Hey God. I know what you say, but it seems too hard and I really don't want to do that so I'm going to do this instead. So, will you bless my effort?" If you're curious to what God's response might be let me help you out, "Ummm, No."
So you get to choose. You can't do both. "No person can walk in two directions at the same time. You will either take steps towards God or away from him." - J. Piper
God will not make you nor force you to put his financial plan into place. However, when you're ready, if/when the pain gets to be too much God's way is ready to go to work on your behalf. So, read or re-read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. What is God saying to you? What will you do about it.
Blessings,
Pastor Matt