How can we apply Abram's integrity in financial dealings to our lives today? Setting the Scene “ …I will accept nothing belonging to you—not even a thread or a strap of a sandal—so that you can never say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ ” (Genesis 14:23) Abram had just defeated four kings, reclaimed Lot, and recovered vast spoils. Yet he refused the offer of the king of Sodom. His integrity shines as a timeless model for handling money. Core Principle: God Alone Gets the Glory for Our Provision • Abram’s refusal protected the testimony that every blessing in his life came from the Lord, not from worldly alliances. • Proverbs 10:22—“The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.” • By declining the riches, Abram kept his reliance fixed on the covenant promise (Genesis 12:2). Guarding Our Witness in Business • 2 Corinthians 8:21—“For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before men.” • Romans 12:17—“Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” • Our credibility as believers can be compromised by even small compromises (“not even a thread or a strap”). Practical Commitments for Today’s Finances • Choose income sources that honor Christ: reject dishonest gain, shady partnerships, or exploitative practices. • Put contracts and agreements in writing, clear and aboveboard, to eliminate misunderstanding. • When offered favors tied to strings, weigh whether accepting would cloud the testimony that God meets your needs. • Pay debts promptly; “the wicked borrow and do not repay” (Psalm 37:21). • Stay content; Proverbs 28:6—“Better a poor man who walks in integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.” • Tithe and give generously, demonstrating that money is servant, not master (Matthew 6:24). Scriptures That Reinforce Integrity • Psalm 15:1-2—Those who “walk blamelessly and practice righteousness…will dwell in Your presence.” • Hebrews 13:18—“Pray for us, for we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.” • 1 Timothy 6:6-8—Contentment with godliness is great gain. Your Next Steps • Review current income streams and investments; eliminate any that would let others say, “I made you rich.” • Establish accountability—invite a trusted believer to audit big financial decisions. • Memorize Genesis 14:23; let it shape reactions to tempting shortcuts. • Celebrate every provision as a gift from the Lord, reinforcing to yourself and to others that He alone sustains you. |
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