photo by DavidDMuir
One of our goals as a family is to live sensibly, spend our money wisely, and to live within our means. We feel that this is not only a smart move economically, but is in line with God’s standard of living. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus implores his followers to
…not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
What’s the point of hoarding wealth that has no eternal value and that we can’t take with us? It’s a vain pursuit. If we find ourselves in the pursuit of worldly treasures Jesus says our hearts and desires belong more to this world and its kingdom. As a Christian, that should not be so. It’s not safe and, if you belong to Jesus, it’s not who you are.
We still want to be wise with our money. Saving for big purchases, maintain an emergency fund, and the like. It’s not that money is inherently evil and we want no part of it, a lot of good can be accomplished with money, but we know the hindrances that come with debt and just how quickly money can enslave us.
No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other You cannot serve God and wealth. Luke 16:13
Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the LORD?” Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God. Proverbs 30:8-9
photo by eric731
Our pastor concluded a series on money last Sunday and I wanted to share a few things he said that forced me to question my attitude toward money:
- Our perspective on money is as pervasive as oxygen to our lungs.
- Where’s our money going? Are we seeking to send our money on ahead and be apart of the kingdom Jesus has called us to?
- The kingdom of God is the place where what God wants done is done. (Are we seeking to spend our money in a way that works to accomplish God’s will?)
- Ask yourself: In this purchase, am I about to do it to serve God or myself?
- What is more important: God or appearances?
- Ask yourself: What is it that I am ultimately living for?
- If you want to know where your heart is with God, follow the money.
You can hear the message in its entirety here.
We want to be a family that gives away generously to those in need and if we aren’t responsible with the money the Lord has given us, then how can we bless others with what we’ve already been blessed with?
We don’t need a brand new car with an expensive monthly payment, fancy electronics, or even the highest quality food. If we pursued these things at our current income level we’d likely find our way in debt pretty quickly. We’d be keeping up with the Jones’ as it seems many Americans are. It’s estimated that 43% of Americans spend more than they earn and some households carrying around $8,000 in debt or more (see link). And while some may be quick to blame the economy isn’t the acquiring of stuff an American pastime? A way to show our family, neighbors, and community just how well off we are? Even if they don’t have the money to pay for that new toy many people will buy it anyway. But why?
photo by Kenn Wilson
It’s an “I want, I need, I have to have…” attitude that is drowning bank accounts and killing souls.
I don’t want this post to be construed as me saying, “We’ve got it all together. We never make any mistakes with our money. And we’d never do what So-and-so did!” Believe me there are days when I wish I could blow some money on an expensive pair of shoes, buy a ton of clothes for spring, stock up on the cutest scrapbooking embellishments, pick-up Chick-fil-A for dinner, or fill my shopping cart with all those oh-so-adorable items at Target.
We’ve wasted money. Eaten out when we shouldn’t have. Invested in something that wasn’t such a hot idea. (Can we say Mary Kay? Yes, I was once a sales consultant. Never made it off the ground. It was going to make my life better, but it’s still sitting in a box on my bedroom floor. Seriously. Do you want some?) We’ve made mistakes and I can assure you that we’ll make them again.
Joe and I are both blessed to have parents who taught us how to be wise with our money and displayed that in their own lives. Both of our father’s were “money men” in their pre-retirement days–mine a fiscal officer in the Marine Corps and Joe’s spent time as city treasurer. I grew up hearing Dave Ramesy on the radio (my parents even taught Financial Peace classes for awhile) and saw many a young men and women gathered around our kitchen table asking for advice on how to get out of debt and manage their money. I am so very thankful for being raised in an environment where money was not an idol and giving generously was the norm. Shouldn’t that be our goal? To give generously because God was and is so generous to us.
This week I’m going to share how our family lives on less to honor God and bless others. How we budget and spend our money may not be the same way you should, this is just how God has led us. Here’s a few things you can expect:
- How we eat on a budget of $40 a week for a family of 3 (without using coupons).
- How we stay happily entertained without a TV or stereo.
- How we get around on just one car.
- How we stay out of debt.
Come back tomorrow to see the details of how we eat on less.
How has God changed your attitude on money and living for His kingdom?
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I can’t wait to read tomorrow!
I look forward to reading more. Being able to give and bless others brings joy to the recipient, you, and the One from whom it all comes from in the first place. And you can’t give what you don’t have (what you’ve already spent or obligated yourself to). Blessings to you my friend.
OooOOOoooOOO! I am way excited about this series!
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series! Thanks for sharing this!