The Bible has been life’s manual for my husband and I. The Bible is truth and wisdom. Any area of marriage you can think of, the Bible can encourage you in and provide the wisdom you need to navigate it.
There are four specific verses that have shaped our hearts and perspectives about finances that I want to share with you today. I pray these verses encourage you and shine light about God’s heart in regard’s to stewarding finances. I will also share how my husband and I stand on these verses and steward what we have with conviction.
Live Debt-Free
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” – Romans 13:8
We have been debt-free since February 2011. It was difficult getting out of debt, but we did it together. We worked hard as a team and we sacrificed our other desires to reach the goal of being debt-free. We both worked full-time jobs and had second jobs on the weekend so that we could pay off school loans as fast as we could. Since being debt-free, when we feel it is important to make a purchase, we save for it. Period.
Wisdom in Spending
The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,
But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5
When we do make a purchase, we think about it. When we desire something, we plan for it. We consider the pros and cons. We see if letting a little time pass, kills or increases our desire for it. When we are hasty in our purchasing, we feel the pain of our decision quickly. When we desire to make a purchase we communicate with each other on whether it is really necessary. We ask each other for permission. We communicate over our budget.
Giving Generously
I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35
We love to give. We let God guide our hearts on where and when to give. We also take a percentage of what we make and set it aside for those random moments God wants us to support someone in need. We acknowledge that our money is the Lord’s and we make it available to Him. We give generously.
Serve God NOT Money
No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” – Matthew 6:24
We serve God, not money. Plain and simple. We love God and we are devoted to Him. Which means that we have a healthy perspective of money. It doesn’t control us or our attitudes. We use it to further God’s Kingdom!
Talking about finances in marriage is important. If you and your spouse are not working together to get out of debt, you need to talk about this today. Please consider setting up a budget you both agree on and get in control of your finances. Steward well all that the Lord gives to you.
