My Personal Experience:
When Rhoda and I were first married, I had no clue on managing finances. We were both working and had plenty of cash in the bank so bills were getting paid and we would always put a little cash in the offering plate. After all, I was taught to always give something back.
Our first child arrives, and Rhoda became a stay at home Mom. We still wanted to live like we did before children. Credit card debt grew. I was in denial and Rhoda handled the bills. I did not want to know how much debt we were going into. There were many arguments about finances.
We were bailed out by Rhoda’s grandmother; however, we did not really learn anything and now our marriage was on shaky ground. If the marriage was to be saved, we needed to do something different.
I took over the finances and stopped living in denial. I set up all the finances in a computer program to track spending. This was a big deal as I learned where all the spending was going and learned to control it now. Our giving increased but it was still from what was left over after paying all the bills. We were still living in credit card debt, but at least it was not growing.
We were still not controlling spending like we could or should. So, we set up a budget and started to live it out, albeit with starts and failures but never giving up. After many years, our credit card debt was gone and giving increased and cash flow improved.
This was a big deal as we started giving out of a plan (budget) as opposed to what was left. I really wish that it did not take 15-20 years to learn this and that we had started our marriage this way.
Things Learned and Applied:
- It all belongs to God (‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. Haggai 2:8)
This verse brings home to me the fact that no matter how much money I get, or how many things I collect, that it all belongs to God. It isn’t mine, it’s His. Because of that I need to try and remember what God’s priorities for His money are, and what mine should be. This cannot be a head thing, but it must be lived out each day and committed daily.
- God will provide all your needs. (And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19)
This verse tells me that I do not need to fear, as I am confident that no matter our financial condition that my needs will be met. I would note that smart phones and big screen TV’s do not fit in the “need” category
- We are to give from our first fruits. (But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33) (When you come into the land which I give you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest. Leviticus 23:10)
These verses tell me that I do not give from my leftovers. It is the first line in my budget.
- Living to a plan. (For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish. Luke 14:28-30) (Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and attend to your herds. Proverbs 27:23)
These verses tell me planning my finances is not only biblical but essential. Rhoda and I have lived from a household budget for over half of our married lives. We budget on an annual basis and spend time talking about it each year and adjust monthly for surprises or unforeseen things. By doing this we have been able to avoid debt, increase our savings and giving has increased.
By learning these 4 key principals, my walk with God has improved, my marriage is on solid ground, and my finances do not hold me captive!
