DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: Every year about this time, our church board presents the new budget to the congregation, and our preacher takes several weeks to preach about money and tithing and all that. In my opinion, he ought to be dealing with spiritual things, not with money. — H.C.

DEAR H.C.: How we handle our money is of great concern to God because it indicates what’s really important to us. If our goal is to put ourselves first and provide just for our comfort and security, then that’s how we’ll spend our money.

But if God is at the center of our lives, we’ll want to use our money for his glory. We’ll want to use it to bless others and extend God’s kingdom. This is undoubtedly your pastor’s concern — and it should be yours, as well.