For those of you new to Free Money Finance, I post on The Bible and Money every Sunday. Here's why.
Crosswalk suggests that we manage our money for the glory of God. What does this mean? Here is a summary of their thoughts:
Your financial decisions have the potential for life-changing blessings and eternal impact — for you, your loved ones, and those you minister to through your giving. Make better decisions and, like the faithful stewards in the parable of the talents, your efforts will bring a smile to the Master. Make indifferent or undisciplined decisions and you'll have wasted a lifetime of opportunities.
What kind of decisions am I talking about? Here's a starter list of common failures among young families:
- Failure to develop a spending plan that assures they end up with a monthly surplus rather than spending more than they earn.
- Failure to assign a high priority to giving generously to the Lord and His kingdom work.
- Failure to be responsible in the use of credit.
- Failure to drive a car or live in a home that's within their means.
- Failure to build a contingency fund.
- Failure to contribute strategically to an IRA or 401(k).
- Failure to learn the basics so you they invest wisely.
None of these tasks is particularly difficult, but all require self-discipline. They take effort and a degree of sacrifice. But the end result is worth it — not only because you will enjoy greater success in money matters, but more importantly, living up to your potential brings glory to our gracious God.
My take on this:
1, Agree with the over-riding conclusion -- how we handle the money God has entrusted to us can make a HUGE difference in many different ways and for many different people.
2. Back to the concept of "simple but not easy" huh? And, unfortunately for many, the d-word appears again.
3. Just knowing and applying the basics can make a tremendous in our finances -- the basics like spending less than we earn, budgeting, saving for the future, managing debt and so on. The consistent application of just a few basics can mean the difference between a successful financial life and one where you're just getting by.
And the longer we wait to set a budget or exercise self-discipline, the harder it is to turn things around.
Posted by: rocketc | February 23, 2009 at 10:44 AM