MY ANSWER

My wife and I have been going through some hard times, but our families won't help us.
Billy Graham writes, "Even if they aren't able to help, they should at least show concern—especially if they claim to be Christians."

MY ANSWER

Is having lots of money a sign of God's blessing?
Billy Graham writes, "No, wealth isn't necessarily a sign of God's blessing—and in fact money will become a curse to us if we worship it and allow it to take over our lives."

MY ANSWER

My husband and I ar so far in debt from credit cards that I don't see how we'll ever get out.
Billy Graham writes, "How we use (or misuse) our money actually is a spiritual issue, and the Bible has a great deal to say about money and how we should handle it."

MY ANSWER

My business partner, who stole a lot of money from our company, says I should drop the charges because Christians should forgive.
Billy Graham writes, "Forgiving someone doesn't necessarily mean we approve of what they did or act as if it didn't happen."

MY ANSWER

What did Jesus mean when He said the last would become first?
Billy Graham writes, "Jesus' words are a solemn warning to us that earthly success will not get us into heaven. In fact, it can get in the way by blinding us to our own sin."

MY ANSWER

I stole money from my company years ago. Now that I'm a Christian, I'm wondering if I need to make this right.
Billy Graham writes, "What you did was wrong, and the only way to make it right is to go to your employer, tell him what you did, and repay what you stole (with interest)."

MY ANSWER

Is it wrong for a Christian to make a lot of money?
Billy Graham writes, "The Bible condemns greed—but it doesn't condemn financial success, if it is gained legitimately and with the right motives."

MY ANSWER

It seems to us that our church is spending far too much on our new building, and not enough to help people. Are we just being critical?
Billy Graham writes, "Too much debt can be a trap—for us as individuals, and even for a church. You may want to speak privately with one of the church officers to find out more about your church's decision."

MY ANSWER

Since my retirement last year, we now live on a limited income, and we can't keep up our financial giving to our church and other organizations. Will God understand our problem?
Billy Graham writes, "Yes, God understands your situation, and He knows what you can and cannot do at this stage of your life."

MY ANSWER

I want to serve God, but we have five children and lots of debts.
Billy Graham writes, "God calls most Christians to serve Him in their daily lives—at home with the family; at school; on the job; in their neighborhood; in their church."

MY ANSWER

I'm one of those "baby boomers" you read about who's almost 60, and I have to admit I don't like it.
Billy Graham writes, "The real question you face is this: What will you do with the future? Will you frantically spend your days pursuing more good times—or will you invest the remaining years God gives you in something of eternal significance?"

MY ANSWER

Our neighbors love to go gambling on weekends, and they keep inviting us. Should we go with them occasionally?
Billy Graham writes, "Let them know you appreciate their invitation, but tell them honestly that this is not the kind of entertainment you wish to pursue."

MY ANSWER

Is it wrong to pray for money for our medical expenses?
Billy Graham writes, "God not only cares about our needs but He is also delighted when we bring them to Him in prayer."

MY ANSWER

I wish my pastor wouldn't spend so much time talking about money. What do you think about this?
Billy Graham writes, "Ask God to help you see these few weeks as an opportunity—an opportunity to find out what your church is doing for Christ, and to share in it."

MY ANSWER

I have prayed for God to help us get out of debt. Why doesn't God do something? Is He punishing us?
Billy Graham writes, "No, God isn't necessarily punishing you for something you did wrong. We live in a fallen, sin-scarred world, and, because of this, life isn't always the way we wish it were."

MY ANSWER

Last year, I was put on probation for financial fraud. I'm so embarrassed because everyone knows. Should I move and start over?
Billy Graham writes, "Seek the forgiveness of those you hurt. This won't be easy, and not everyone may forgive you—but they still need to know you're sorry for what you did, and you've learned from your wrongdoing."

MY ANSWER

We're putting in a swimming pool, and the only reason is to keep up with our neighbors. We do this kind of thing all the time, but we can't seem to stop.
Billy Graham writes, "You have taken the first step by being honest about your motives. Countless people fall into the same trap you have of trying to "keep up with the Joneses"—but don't even realize what they're doing."

MY ANSWER

I feel guilty because I get letters from Christian organizations that need money, but I can't afford to give more. What do you think about this?
Billy Graham writes, "You shouldn't feel guilty because you can't give more. God knows your limitations—and most of all, He knows your heart."

MY ANSWER

Is it wrong in God's eyes for someone to be successful in life?
Billy Graham writes, "Success and wealth aren't necessarily wrong in God's eyes—not if you have the right motivation. Some of God's choicest servants in the Bible were people who had great wealth (such as Abraham and Job)—although others had very little."

MY ANSWER

I work in our county's tax collection office, and I don't understand why Jesus condemned tax collectors so much. Am I doing something wrong?
Billy Graham writes, "No, not at all; you have an important responsibility, and the Bible encourages us to support good government by our taxes. The Bible says, 'Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue' (Romans 13:7).