1 Chronicles 9:26-27
“For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God. And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them.”
Whether it is a church, business, or a home, part of their success is determined by how they protect their finances. When God set the order for the house of God, He set the Levites “over the chambers and treasuries.” God felt the finances of His house were so important that those in charge of them were to live around the house of God so that they would always be protected. God didn't want anything to slip through that would steal away the treasuries of His house.
The importance of protecting your finances can never over-emphasized. Many churches have limited their ability to reach the lost because the finances were so poorly run that they never had the money to facilitate extra programs to reach the lost. Finances are the cause of many marital problems. Many businesses have closed their doors because someone didn't protect the spending. There are some important principles you must learn to keep yourself from financial ruin.
First, treat your finances as a treasure. It is interesting that God uses the word “treasuries” to describe the finances of His house. God was setting the mindset for His people of the importance of taking care of the monies given. I’m always amazed how people will put precious jewels or a treasured asset in a safe or a safety deposit box, but they won’t protect where they spend their money every day. The money you spend every day will eventually be more valuable than your treasured valuables. You should treat every dollar you acquire as a treasure that needs to be protected.
Second, it is important to know the condition of your finances. The Levites were to lodge about the house of God so that they would always know what was in the treasury. Always know the balance in your bank accounts. Guard that balance with your life. Just because you have money doesn't mean you should spend it. You will always be safer to be tight with your finances than to spend them loosely. Be protective of the bank balances, and save rather than spend them.
Third, protect your finances from anything that would destroy them. One of the purposes of the Levites living around the treasuries was to protect them from outside thieves. Thieves are not always humans. The little things you spend money on are stealing your financial future. I’m not against you enjoying some pleasures in life, but you must be careful about those things that steal your finances a little at a time. For instance, eating out regularly, buying candy bars and sodas, and spending a small amount of money on trinkets will eventually steal your finances. Be careful to guard what you spend your money on and be sure it is something you truly need.
Finally, always keep in mind tomorrow’s needs. Be careful about spending tomorrow’s money on today’s whims. Before you spend any money, always be sure that it doesn't take away from something you will have to pay tomorrow. Don't spend with the mindset that you will figure out a way to get the money tomorrow. Tomorrow comes faster than money can be earned. Protect what you have now and you won’t be destitute when tomorrow’s needs arise.