Over the weekend we attended a conference on managing our finances more effectively. It was based on good solid Biblical teachings. There was much information that we knew, things that we have always done, and then some new ideas that brought a different perspective.
The bottom line for me was simple. First, and foremost, we should be a thankful people with all that God has given to us. We should steward those resources with wisdom and we should be making an impact on the kingdom of God. We are called to be a people that bring the tithes, offerings, and alms into the storehouse where they can do the work of God. For me it really is that simple. Manage what you have, give to God, and give to others.
Accountability is what else comes to mind. We live in a nation of abundance and with all that we have it is easy to fall out of step with personal accountability. By this, I mean that we can spend and actually lose track of where we are spending. The point is not that we can’t do what we know we have the freedom to do, the point is do we realize where we are actually spending.
I am sure that many of you are great in accounting for much of what you spend. For me, I have realized that just pulling through to get a coffee each day can at the end of the month be a significant amount of money, especially if I do it multiple times, and add a bit of food to that order as well.
The question I asked myself was more in line with intention. Did I want to actually be spending that much in this particular area? The answer may be that yes I love my coffee that much, or it may be no, and I will make some changes. Once again it was not about not being able to get coffee. It was about understanding what that coffee was costing me and being accountable for the price I was paying for it. It was about being accountable to the bigger picture.
Psalm 37: 16-17 CSB The little that the righteous person has is better than the abundance of many wicked people. For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord supports the righteous.
Philippians 4:19 CSB And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.