The Scriptures on Finances - Financial issues creating mature believers in Christ

This week we will conclude our look at some of the information presented by Howard Dayton in his book “Money and Marriage God’s Way.”

Proverbs 21:20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.

One of my Bible heroes is Joseph. He saved during seven years of great abundance in order to survive seven years of famine. Saving is not spending today so that you will have something to spend in the future.

The Bible teaches us that the borrower is servant to the lender and that we are to let no debt remain outstanding. If we save some money on a regular basis we can begin to insulate ourselves against some future financial challenges.

Advertisers sometimes offer us a lifestyle that we cannot afford at the present time. The Bible encourages us to be content whether we have much or little. Luke stated, “For not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” The key is that in God’s presence there is fullness of joy.

We cannot prevent every problem but we can prepare to survive trials by building a solid relationship with the Lord, healthy marriages and stable finances. Proverbs tells us that the prudent see danger and take refuge. We know that God can take our situations and turn them for good. We need to recognize that God can take us through trials and bring us out safely on the other side.

Financial issues are one way that God can grow us up into mature believers in Christ. When we are in tough situations we need to remember to be kind and not quarrel. When we get through challenging circumstances we should not bring up the past with our spouse if we have worked through the issue.

James instructs us to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. What good counsel that is for us as we discuss financial issues. When a financial issue arises we should remember that a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Playing the blame game will typically not solve problems. Listening to advice given under the unction of the Holy Spirit and accepting solid Biblical instruction will help us resolve conflicts over finances.

Albert Schweitzer said, “Adults teach children in three important ways. The first is by example, the second is by example, and the third is by example.” As our children and grandchildren observe us as we work through financial challenges they will hopefully begin to see a healthy way to resolve issues. As we age we recognize that we need to put our house in order because if Jesus tarries we will die and our children and grandchildren will have to deal with the issues that we left unresolved.

As we mentor others we can teach them that steady plodding brings prosperity but hasty speculation brings poverty. God’s plan is for us to be conformed to the image of His Son. Jesus fully cooperated with the Holy Spirit and did not take shortcuts in His walk with God. Some of us want to win the lottery but we would probably be better off if we did not put all of our eggs in one basket but listened to Solomon and divided our portion to seven, or even eight, because we do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.

Titus instructs us to encourage the young women to love their husbands and children, to be sensible, pure, and workers at home. Money management flowing from a heart of love with Holy Spirit wisdom is a beautiful strategy for financial and relational success in God’s eyes.

Hopefully each Christian couple will submit themselves to God and one another while implementing Biblical precepts as they work to be the church and expand the kingdom. May God bless you big.

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This is the 10th column in a series by Kevin Barsotti, pastor at Ark Church in Havre, about financial matters and their treatment in the Christian faith.