Finances….
I heard the other day that schools are reinstating “consumer math” into their curriculum….when it was eliminated years ago, I thought, “what a bad idea!”, but of course no one asked my opinion. We use “consumer math” everyday!
In the 1970’s, when we were newly married, we had a lesson on finances by the then popular Larry Burkett and his organization, Christian Financial concepts which later changed to Crown Financial…now we hear more from Dave Ramsey or Ron Blue…
We judiciously studied through the various books, budgeting, and finally teaching and facilitating small groups over time…helping others to get their finances in order or under control…we tried to pass some of that knowledge on to our children to be responsible money managers. Statistics report that in marriage problems and divorce, the cause is 60% due to money management or mismanagement. So it can be a big part of our lives…
The principles taught remain the same from generation to generation and money, it’s use or misuse is addressed in Scriptures a multitude of times…it will continue to play a role in the future…wars are fought over wealth and the love of money….
A few principles we learned over time…
1. You can’t take it (money) with you…
2. For some, there is never enough…
3. True wealth is …19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
4. It all belongs to God…
5. It is a gift…to be stewarded…used wisely…
6. Attitude counts…29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:29-31,34. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:9-10
7. Waiting may be part of the lesson…Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Psalm 37:7
8. Tithing is key…Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; Proverbs 3:9.
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-12
9. Budgeting may be a pain, but it teaches Restraint, self-control….
We made huge mistakes, we didn’t wait at times, we learned, our attitude wasn’t right all the time…we didn’t like budgeting…or reeling in our spending or making a penny by penny accounting of money spent or going out…oh, but the benefits of those lessons were more than I can count…
God comforted, He blessed, He provided, He consoled, He counseled, He loves…thank YOU….
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