Stewardship Challenge 2016- Week Two: Money Management

“One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13 NIV
Why is it important for Christians to get out of debt and have financial freedom God’s way?

First of all I think we need to ask ourselves the question, “What is my motivation for being debt free?” Being a Christian, our motivation should be to learn His principles and practice them in order to become debt free. In learning His principles, we build a stronger relationship with Christ and we are better able to serve Him. That being said, we must learn to trust Him and be willing to obey Him when He gives us direction with our funds and our lives.

Trusting and saying are two different things. I know from experience how easy it is to say you trust but how difficult it is to really trust Him with your finances and ALL of the things in your life. At the beginning of the year, it is easy to say we are going to get our finances in order but then things happen and it is not convenient so we begin to relax our commitment to get our finances organized.

I would like to suggest some ideas to help us stick to our decision to get our finances in order:

• Recognize that God owns everything that you have, that includes your family as well as your time and material things. Please know this principle or you will not be able to be financially free. “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” Psalm 24:1

• Learn to live on your income and pay your credit cards off each month. Save so you don’t have to borrow. “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord that great treasure and turmoil with it” Proverbs 15:16

• Trust God for ALL of your provisions. He will provide for all of your needs, weather they are financial, health, emotional or spiritual needs. “Do not worry then, saying, “What will we eat? Or “what will we drink? Or what will we wear for clothing? Matthew 6:31

• Know that the Lord loves you and is on your side, He only wants what is best for you. Be content in your relationship with Him. “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity.” Philippians 4:11
​
Experience God’s love for you each new day and trust Him for that day. We get to experience God’s grace and faithfulness every day. Look for it, expect it!!! “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning: great is His faithfulness” Lamentations 3:22-23