|
Finances
 We
talk about it, we sing about it, we think about it daily, we long for it, we work
for it and we need it. We use it to provide for our families and yet it
has broken up families. Many have killed for it, died for it, lived for
it, others have gone to jail for it. It could be a major source of dissension
or it could be a source of reward. Money, money, money, too much, not enough,
unforeseen economic difficulties, poor financial management, unbearable financial
pressures in a world that appears to be in financial chaos. What does the
bible say about managing money, about financial freedom and financial wisdom?
It says plenty!
About half of the parables in the bible address money and finances. The
decisions we make concerning money will affect every area of our lives.
God cannot be separated from the subject of finances. If you really want
financial freedom and financial wisdom, then follow God's principles!
First
The
bible teaches that money is not the problem. It is the love of money that
is the root of all evil. (I Tim 6:10)
Second
| God
owns it all. He didn't create the earth and turn it over to man. He
created it and retained ownership. Our assignment is to manage it, to be
good stewards of God's property. (Psa 24:1-2) The one who is faithful
with little will be faithful with much. The one who is unrighteous in little
is unrighteous in much. (Lk 16:11-13) In other words if you cannot
properly manage $3, why would God provide more? Before God can financially
bless us with more, we have to prove to be good managers of what He has already
provided. |
|
Third
 |
It is God who gives power to make
wealth (Deut 8:18). God not only owns it all, He is the One who provides
the energy, strength, personality, wisdom, knowledge, understanding and skills
to earn it.
Why are so many people struggling financially?
For many it is because they ignore God's principles. They mismanage their
finances and wonder why God does not change the circumstances. |
Four
Reasons for Financial Bondage
- Desire:
We desire things we do not need
- Deception:
We allow ourselves to be deceived by what we think we want instead of what we
need
- Decisions:
We decide to purchase an item we know we will struggle to pay off
- Delay: We find ways to delay or default
on our payments
Want to be Financially Free – 10 Steps
- Conviction: Realize you are in debt and it is not God's will
for your life. Seek God's truth, not cultural standards.
- Confession: Confess your failure to be a good steward, this
means you also make a willful choice to change your spending habits.
- Commitment: Make a commitment not to borrow.
- Confidence: When you are committed, you will have confidence
that God will guide you out of debt.
- Cooperation: Work with God. It took time to get in debt;
it will also take time to get out. Sacrifice.
- Construct: Construct a budget. Write it out, your income,
what you owe, what you want to save.
- Change: Tell God you are willing to try whatever it takes
to get out of debt. (Cut up credit cards, sell assets, spend less whatever
it takes.)
- Counsel: Find someone that will hold you accountable to your
commitment.
- Contribute: Contribute to the work of the Kingdom. Give
and it shall be given. God will supply all your needs. You reap what
you sow…
- Consistency: Make a commitment to God's plan, stick to it
until the financial goal is reached.
You can do it. Financial freedom, financial wisdom! It
all yours! Remember acknowledge God's ownership and apply His principles, and
that's it. |
|
