Finances

Deep Unity is often hindered by differing views on money, Financial disagreement can be overcome and deep unity can be achieved. We need to focus on what the Bible teaches about money and listen to God's advice. We must always keep in mind that God's purpose in marriage is that the two should become one according to Genesis 2:24.

Take a moment to think about your views of money. Do you think you ought to save for the future or spend what you have and trust God to provide for your needs? DO you look at your job primarily with respect to your salary or are there other issues involved, such as doing things for others? It is very unlikely that any couple will escape disagreement concerning money. It seems that no two people think exactly alike.

The foundation of financial unity in marriage is a mutual, secure commitment to a biblical philosphy of money. We should not only accept this biblical philosophy because it works, or that it produces unity, but because unity is what God wants. So what is this philosophy? God is the one who gives a man the ability to make money. In Deuteronomy 8:18 God says "But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth. " This is one of many similar verses. Proverbs 10:22 or 1 Corinthians 4:7 are other examples. Everyhting we have belongs to God. God created everything. He has given us responsibility over some of what He has created. We are to take care of the best we can.

There are things more valuable than gold. In Matthew 16:26 we read "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" And in Proverbs 16:16 we read "How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!." Wisdom, understadning and our soul are of much more value than anything made of gold, silver or precious stones. Covetousness, discontent and worry about material things are sin according to Exodus 20:17 "ou shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." and Matthew 6:31 "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?"

God expects us to use fully the strength and abilities He has given us to work hard and honestly. This is the way that God has chosen to supply our needs. God rewards honest, hard work with prosperity. But we must not forget that giving to the Lord and the needy is a privaledge and an investment and our responsibility. We read in Proverbs 22:9 "A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." It can seem strange when we are short on money that God asks us to give ti Him and to others. When we do He blesses us by providing for our needs. This is the exact opposit of what we think, but it is the way that God has chosen. His ways are not our ways.

We need to plan how we will make money and spend moeny. That is the basis of a budget. We need to live within our means and not get into debt beyond what we can pay back. This again seems contrary to the American way. In proverbs 20:18 God says "Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance." and Proverbs 22:7 He says "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."

How do we do this practically? Start by realistically determining your income. Take a look at your pay stubs for the past 3 months. Add them up and divide by 3. This should give you a good idea. Next figure out where your money should be spent. Look at your checkbook to see what you have been spending on what. Is the first thing a donation to your church? If not you should adjust this first. Set aside moeny to pay for any taxes for the year. Make a breakdown of your family needs for the year such as rent, food, untilities, clothing. You should be able to get a clear picture of your money flow at this point. If your income is not higher than you out go, you will need to adjust one of the other. Either spend less or make more. If you find that things are just too difficult, there are many places to go for help. Start with Crown Financial. They are an excellent source of training and resources You can find them at crown.org