The following is a bit of wisdom from my octogenarian uncle who is both a
very spiritual man and a very successful man. He has managed his own money very
well and helps others do the same as part of his ministry for God.
THE BIBLE AND MONEY MANAGEMENT FOR YOUNG MARRIEDS AND SINGLES
By: O.K.Roger
This article is from 45 years of study, teaching, and mentoring in personal
money management. ("Money" is a proxy for material possessions.) I am
firmly convinced that success in this vital activity of life is rooted in one's
attitude toward wealth, its accumulation, and its use in every day life.
Therefore, I find that the first step in successful money management is a
journey of the heart to acquire the necessary attitude.
The needed attitude is being convinced that:
1. God is the source of wealth.
2. God is the authority on its uses.
3. We are stewards of wealth, accountable to God.
Certain simple rules will satisfy the above three beliefs, and will satisfy
those who adhere to the rules.
I know from these many years of experience in managing money, teaching people on
the subject, consulting with those who need help, and writing on the subject,
that God's way works. Not that He will always make us rich, but we will have
relative abundance. I believe we should pray that we do not become so rich as to
make us poor stewards.
Nor does this mean that everyone is guaranteed riches. Illness, disability, and
other things may even cause one to be in need for a time. Of course, we are to
help the needy ones while they grow able to be a helper to others.
"The poor are with us always," (Mk. 14:7). "Give to the poor, and
you will have treasures in heaven," (Mk.
10:21). "Remember the poor," (Gal. 2:10). Most of us, however, are not
the poor. This is for us as well: "Seek first his kingdom and his
righteousness and all these things will be added to you," (Mt. 6:33).
Money has power. Therefore, it involves real responsibility to do good in using
money. The Bible warns rich people to not misuse money (Luke 18:25-27; James
5:1-6). Most people don't consider themselves rich, but we have some riches if
we can buy new cars, go skiing, or use other luxuries. We all have the
responsibility to be good stewards of the gifts of God. He gives us the
"talents", and we have stewardship for them while we have them.
We will give an account of how we use the wealth God gives us. We are obligated
to keep our word, pay debts and not be covetous (Ps. 37:21; Prov. 3:27; 22:7;
Luke 12:15-21; Rom. 3:8). Read the following passages about how we should use
our wealth.
Romans 1:29 - Covetousness
Ephesians 5:3 - "
Colossians 3:5 - "
II Peter 2:14 - "
Luke 12:42-48 - Stewardship
I Corinthians 4:1-2 - "
I Peter 4:10 - "
Ephesians 4:28 - Work, so as to give
There is a simple rule that, when followed, will provide financial success.
Please note the word ‘simple.' The rule is simple, not, at first, easy. It
becomes easy after years of practice, and it takes the stress out of money
management. It becomes automatic. This simple rule has three parts: Give 10% of
your income to the Lord's work. Save 10% of your income and invest it wisely.
Live on the 80% left.
I hear someone saying, "You are insane, Roger! I can't get by now on 100%
of my income, and you want me to live on 80%?" Yes, it works. It worked for
me, and for everyone I know who follows it. It is a great joy to me that so many
of my hearers or readers actually do this, and become financially successful.
They begin to honestly record, test, and modify a bit, a family budget. They are
usually astounded at how much money they have been wasting. They become creative
in buying, and they stop indulging selfish impulses and trying to impress other
people with cars, houses, clothes, etc. They learn to use coupons to get
discounts, and they learn to buy only what they really need. They learn that
everyone drives a used car, though some buy new cars and pay a lot of
unnecessary money for them. They learn to postpone the purchase of many things.
They pay debt off and stop paying interest. They begin to receive interest.
They begin to enjoy financial freedom and real discounts. They stop feeling
inferior, but rather intelligent, when they park their used car by the
overpriced and unowned car of a peer. They learn the joy and peace of creative
buying. They find they can save 20% to 40% on most purchases compared to what
they once paid. They find that they can give more than 10% and still prosper.
They quit worrying about end of month bills. They don't even waste a thought on
such things.
Ask your minister, or some other marriage counselor. I believe they will tell
you that the misuse of money is a major factor in almost every divorce. Take
these bits of advice now, and you will be free from worries about money later!
O.K. Roger
