“If therefore you have not been faithful in the use of worldly wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you” (Luke 16:1).
1. Finances are an arena of spiritual discipline
There are two basic economies in the world: God’s economy and man’s economy. Sometimes these are in conflict!
2. God is accountable for His part. We are responsible for our part.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains” (Psalm 24:1).
“For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills…everything that moves in the field is Mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and all it contains” (Psalm 50:10-12).
3. If God owns everything, this means our money and possessions as well. Settling the ownership question helps us get God’s perspective on finance.
“So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions” (Luke 14:33).
4. God’s part is meeting our needs, not our wants
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches” (Philippians 4:19).
5. Our part is learning to be faithful and to be content
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:22-23).
“It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful” (I Corinthians 4:2).
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12).
God’s promise: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you…For my yoke is easy, and My load light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
With this foundation in mind, here are 10 principles regarding finances that will serve us well throughout time:
- God is the owner of everything in my life
- I am responsible to do my best as a steward of what He has entrusted to me
- I need to be faithful in my income and in my expenses
- I need to give to God in accordance with the Scriptures
- Set goals that reflect God’s heart and wise stewardship (Examples: Giving Goals, Debt Repayment Goals, Educational Goals, Lifestyle Goals, Savings & Investment Goals...“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” - II Corinthians 9:8).
- Live by a spending plan that flows out of your Godly goals
- Reduce and eliminate debt. “The borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7).Key idea: Snowball debt reduction. Use chart, listing debts in order. Pay off smallest first, regardless of interest rate. Take extra income and put it towards debt—get mad and get even! Is debt ever o.k.? Many opinions on this subject; some would advocate debt free as the only way to be. It certainly gives maximum freedom. Crown Ministries offers a helpful guide
- Make a covenant commitment with your spouse to monitor your financial lives
- Consider sharing your financial goals with others as a step of accountability
- Practice “Whole Life Stewardship” with your income, assets, time, talents
