I want to make you rich! But not in the North American new SUV, house with 15 bedrooms, 16 guitars, 10 credit cards kind of way. Rich in contentment because you are able to manage your life in such a way that honours God and what God is calling you to do.
Over the last 13 years in youth and young adult ministry and now transitioning into a new role in church planting, we have met as a couple with dozens and dozens of couples. Each counselling session has a theme to it. That theme is stress, stress in communication, stress in family and stress in finance. Usually the key source is the later of the three. Financial stress is a massive problem for anyone either planning their future or already operating in their present adventure.
Here are two simple tips to help alleviate that stress for you, especially sitting in November… that’s right Christmas is coming and the social pressure of giving above your means is ready to be applied. This is also the advice that has been able to help countless people get back on track.
1. Remember God! Everything we have is essentially borrowed from God. God in turn gives that to us with a request to be generous in our time and in our finances. Most churches call this tithing. Where ever you sit on the tithing topic, its about the heart behind it. If you do not remember God in your giving … why would he remember you in his? That might sound kind of cruel but its true. I have not always been rich but God has always looked after what needed to be looked after.
2. There is a really haunting verse in 2 Thessalonians 3 that says “Don’t you remember the rule we had when we lived with you? “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.” And now we’re getting reports that a bunch of lazy good-for-nothings are taking advantage of you. This must not be tolerated. We command them to get to work immediately—no excuses, no arguments—and earn their own keep. Friends, don’t slack off in doing your duty.”
This is pretty simple, if you’re not making enough money… either get a better job or work more hours. Again that sounds harsh but its true. It works into the balance in the home. If you are spending more money than you are bringing in… you either need to spend less money or you need to bring in more income. I have had many times when this has had to be adjusted in my life… the adjustment only hurts at first, its worth it in the end.
3. Here is the last and most practical of the points! Make your budget with your accountability partner and then take out cash! If you don’t have your debit and credit cards in hand you are way less likely to go to McDonalds or get a pair of jeans. Nothing wrong with packing a lunch!
There are my two cents. Tithe, be responsible and go cash! Ok so that won’t make you rich with enough money to be a hip hop artist, but at least you can be happy when you’re not living in stress.
michaelfischer.co 