Could you use more money? Do you want to know how to increase your finances? Then read on. Not many people in the world would say that they could not use more money. Most of us realize that what we want to do in life takes money. Money is one of those subjects that most people are the least educated on, so there are many misconceptions about money. One of those misconceptions is money is evil. Money is neither good nor evil; it is a medium of exchange. It is a tool we use in exchange for goods and services. Without money, it would be very difficult to live a comfortable life on earth and fulfill the plan of God for our lives.
The first step to getting our money right is changing how we think about money. The Bible says, as a man thinketh, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). Therefore, our views of money must align with God's view. The Bible says in 3 John 2 that God wishes above all things that we prosper and be in health, even as our souls prosper. From this verse, we see that it is God's will that we prosper, but we also see that our prosperity is linked to our souls prospering. So how do we prosper the soul? We prosper by renewing our minds with the Word of God (Romans 12:2). If you want to increase financially, start with the Word. Find out what God's Word says about money. Meditate on it, and allow it to change how you view money.
The Word of God has a lot to say about money. So let's take a look at two of those things. One, we are not to love or set our affection on money. The Bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). It is true that God wants us to have money, but He does not want money to have us. Whatever controls your heart, have you. If money has your heart, it will influence what you do and don't do. It becomes your god, and you are its servant. Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (money)." Matthew 6:24 KJV
The second thing the Bible tells us about money is that God expects us to be good stewards of the money He has blessed us with. In other words, God expects us to use the money He has blessed us with responsibly. Money has a mission. It is not meant to be hoarded or spent frivolously. As with everything else in our lives, we must get God involved in our handling of money. The Bible says the Holy Spirit's job is to lead us into all truth and show us the things to come (John 16:13). Hence, the need for us to always be prayerful about our spending. Before spending a dime, we should ask Holy Spirit, "Am I making a wise choice with this money, or am I consuming it upon my lust?"
To spend money before giving God what belongs to Him is a grave error in judgment. The Bible tells us to honor the Lord with our substance and the first fruits of our increase and that the tithe is holy unto the Lord (Proverbs 3:9, Leviticus 27:30). It further states in Malachi 3;10-12 that we are to bring all the tithes into the storehouse (local church). If we follow God's plan of tithing, He promises to bless us abundantly. If we don't follow His plan, we will suffer lack (Malachi 3:8-9).
Now let's discuss the second and final step to getting our money right: have a written financial plan. If you are not living by a budget, you are not in a position to build wealth and are most likely living above your means. When we do not have a written financial plan, it is easy to overspend or make poor choices with our money. Develop a written plan for your money. Many financial websites on the internet have free downloadable budget templates that you can use to develop a good financial budget.
In closing, I want to give you a few tips that will help you get your money, become debt-free, and put you in a good place to obey God:
Give regularly to the Lord (Tithes and Offering) – Malachi 3:8-12
Have a written financial plan and stick to it (A Monthly Budget) – Habbakuk 2:2-3, Luke 14:28
Stop accumulating debt – Romans 13:8
Make purchases with cash – Proverbs 21:5
Have a savings account (with at least 6 to 9 months of income) – Proverbs 6:6-8
Have a separate bank account for your emergency fund: save a minimum of $1,000 for emergencies – Proverbs 27:12, 21:20, 20:4
Make a plan to pay off your debt and stick to it – Proverbs 21:5
Do not make any new debt (this includes co-signing for another person's debt) – Proverbs 22:7, 26-27
Use your faith for the things you need (have faith projects) – Philippians 4:6
Make no major purchases before praying about it and discussing it with your spouse – Proverbs 3:5-7; Amos 3:3
Make finances a family matter: Discuss finances as a family – Proverbs 15:22
If you have been managing your finance without consulting God, repent – 1 John 1:9
- Minister Linda Burdette
Want to know more practical tips about managing your finances?
God's BeYOUties Book Club is reading The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. Join us online Saturday, October 29th at noon for great conversation and a lively discussion about money!