Glorifying God & the Economic Stimulus

The first round of auto-deposits for the electronic stimulus went out today. What are we to do with this "free" money? Buy a TV? Put a down payment on a car? Get some new furniture?

Here's my challenge to you all: think first of how you can glorify God, help others, and then see what's left for yourself.

We are given physical resources like money to be stewards of. Everything belongs to God...everything. So the stuff we have is really His, and we're just to manage it well...for His glory, not ours. Here are some suggestions for your "economic stimulus":

1. Tithe off of it. Give God the firstfruits. Since this is not regular income from you job, really make a point to give at least 10%.

2. Help someone in need. There are some in the body of Delta who have been without work, and some going on short-term mission trips this summer...think of how you could bless somebody! There are also many needs in our city in regards to the poor, abused, marginalized, etc.

3. Pay down some of your debt. It's real tempting to go and buy something new, but if you're sitting on some consumer debt that is preventing you from being a better steward, use this opportunity to pay the debt down or eliminate it if possible.

4. Save some. Don't blow all of it! Put some away or invest it. By doing this you'll be able to weather a rough time that may be in your future, or you'll be able to bless somebody when they really need it.

5. Have a little fun with it. There's no harm in using some of this to bless your family, friends, or others with a nice meal out, some small gifts for the kids, or beautifying your home a little. I would encourage you to not just spend it on yourself, though. Whatever fun you may have, include others so it becomes an act of love to build community.

Let's keep our eye on the ball of God's glory and look for ways to be a blessing.