There it is again. That sickening feeling because you have to pay your mortgage late…again. Your wife stares at you, wondering what to do. Your kids, oblivious to your stress and anxiety, continue to play in the living room floor. The world is closing in around you—the credit card payments, the loans, the fights with your wife about spending, the nights you stay awake staring at the ceiling, fighting back the tears. You’re ready to break. Surely there’s more to life than this.
Good news. There’s hope! Jesus talked more about money in the New Testament than any other subject. There are a few principles about money that will save your life and sanity.
Learn “The Law of Rightful Ownership.” This law states that everything we own belongs to God. Everything. Our house, cars, money, clothes, spouse, children—even our bodies—all belong to Him. This concept is revolutionary. Money-related stress has its root in the “mine” mentality. Guess what? You don’t own anything. You are simply a steward of the things He has chosen to bless you with. A steward, by definition, does not own anything His Master has given Him. The dictionary defines steward as: “a person who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others.” Yet the steward cares for the Master’s things as if they were his own. We are all stewards, but somehow in our Western capitalistic mindset, we forget that the Lord has given us what we have.
Instead of allowing money to control you, learn to meditate on the Word of God. “If you are a worrier, then you already know how to meditate! You just need to change the subject matter.” – Rick Warren
Here are a couple of verses to get you started. Put these on index cards, post them on your refrigerator, and commit them to memory. Jesus says some powerful and comforting words about money and possession in Luke chapter 12:
“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. […] Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”
Luke 12:6-7, 21-32 (NLT)
There are some other practical things you can do, after your mind has been renewed by God’s Word. The first thing you need to do is prioritize God in your finances by tithing. This is foundational to God’s blessing. Malachi 4:10 invites you to even test God in this area, to see if He doesn’t open up the windows of heaven and pour out enough blessing that you won’t even have room enough to receive it.
The second thing to do is to get in the habit of saving. This is good stewardship.
The third thing to do is to establish a working budget. The following resources can help in these areas:
1) The 33 Laws of Stewardship, by Dave Sutherland and Kirk Nowery
2) My Total Money Makeover and Financial Peace, by Dave Ramsey
3) Money Matters by Larry Burkett
Ready to take the next step?
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Financial Stress
