Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.

Proverbs 27:23, NIV (1978)

Of all the challenges of life that are given to us by God, perhaps one of the most challenging is the relationship between our spiritual duties and our physical. There can be no question in the minds of the daily Bible reader that God places the spiritual responsibilities over the physical, but we also know that we still have been placed in a physical world that has physical obligations. So, let us acknowledge at the outset that our first priority is making certain that we and our loved ones are in a saved condition, and that we are doing everything we can, by God's grace, to maintain that condition. It will take Bible study, much prayer, and a daily determination to do the things that God requires of his servants, but if we love Him we will do these things.

Having made sure that the spiritual duties have first been taken care of, we can then turn our attention to our physical obligations. As the old saying goes, "God feeds the birds of the air, but He does not bring the worms to their nest." Since we know this is so, it behooves us to give the necessary attention to the physical tasks that are a necessary part of this life that God has so richly blessed us with. In the Old Testament times of the writing of Proverbs, the people were keepers of livestock. Their herds of sheep and goats fed their families. If they had excess livestock, they could sell or trade them for other necessities. The building of the flock was often their primary source of savings, so they were careful to grow their herds, keeping the best for the purpose of breeding.

But, as in all things, the first and the best of their flocks and herds went to God. Part of their sacrifices went to the priests who were given completely to the service of God in their duties. While the goats and lambs were given as burnt offerings, it must be understood that God nearly always allowed the priests and their families to eat from these offerings. God did not waste the people's tithes, but made sure that they were given for a specific purpose that was both practical and compassionate. Free will offerings were often eaten by the very ones who made the offering, but it was always done with the lesson of the necessity to shed blood for the cleansing of sin.

Understanding all of these things helps us to better understand why God commanded the people to give proper attention to the condition of their herds and flocks. These herds made up their giving, their livelihood and their savings. Fail to give proper attention to these things and a person would find his family in such financial straights that they might even come to the point where they had to become a slave until they paid back any unpaid debts they accumulated through their "borrowing to make ends meet." People were much more cautious about debt in the time prior to the restructuring of one's assets through the bankruptcy courts, so everyone was pretty serious about knowing the condition of their flocks.

Which brings us to our times. Part of the test God has given for mankind is one of a physical nature. Unless we  find ourselves under the pleasant protection of a benevolent caretaker, we must all make some provision to take care of our physical needs. Like the people of Israel, we must work. We have to have food, shelter, clothing and all sorts of physical items that all cost money. Those who are wise will have some sort of savings for the future and for items that they would like to purchase that cost more than we might have available now. As was true for the Israelite people, we are required to give our first and our best to God. While we do not have a set percentage of our incomes predetermined for us as the Jewish tithe specified, we are commanded to give cheerfully, purposefully, and in keeping with our incomes. Whether this is more or less than the tithing commanded under the Law of Moses is left up to the wisdom and the conscience of the Christian.

I have started up a new series of podcasts and Youtube videos that are intended to help with the balance between the spiritual and physical obligations given to us by God. They will just be suggestions, but I thought they might be helpful in getting our thoughts stirred towards this balance that we need to maintain while here on this earth. Like you, I have had to give a lot of thought to this subject over the years. My background in preaching, combined with my education in business have led me to see that God's Word really is the best book on finance and economics that was ever written. As one who has suffered through the reading of many books in my obtaining a Master's Degree in Finance and Economics, I have not come to that conclusion lightly.

I have found that the One who gave the best instruction for the business of herds and flocks in the olden days has just as timely advice for those of us who live in modern times. It's good to remember that our modern times will be the "olden days" of the future, should our Lord not return soon, and it is just as important to remember that God's instruction in the ways of finance is still the best ever given. 

Our present world seems to be getting more and more expensive to live in, doesn't it? Many of us are finding that our incomes are no longer keeping up with the pace of these rising costs, and many are getting overwhelmed with the economic times we find ourselves in. God's word is filled with the best advice as to how to handle these problems, and it is through that instruction (and God's help) that we will get through these times. I am convinced that God wants us not only to survive, but to do so in a way that can be an example for others. That example will open the door to our helping others come to Christ, so our motivation in getting our financial house in order goes far beyond just putting food on the table and a roof over our heads. That is my primary incentive in providing this new series of videos and podcasts, and my hope is that it might provide an idea or two that might help you in your specific situation.

So, let us first and foremost keep our spiritual obligations clearly in focus, but then let us do our best to keep our financial house in order so that we might most effectively serve God. If you are interested in a more detailed discussion on specific strategies for this critical balance between the spiritual and physical, you can go to my Common Sense Christian podcasts and videos on Youtube and other platforms. They are designed to discuss specifics on the Christian life, both spiritual and financial, and are made from 40 years of experience and a lot of mistakes. The access to these channels is free, and you won't hurt my feelings if you find they are not for you. But, if you are interested in getting more information, be sure and check out these channels on the Common Sense Christian platforms.

More than anything else, be sure you know the "condition of your flocks". By doing so, you will become the best servant you can be for our Lord and Savior. And then, there will be Heaven!