A Financial Plan
April 5, 2019
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was one Bible verse about money management that would deliver you from all your financial worries? It seems like it would be great, but it simply doesn’t exist. If we truly needed it, God would have given it. Instead, He gives us principles and wisdom throughout His Word that together show us how to manage our money.
For instance, in his farewell message to his friends before he went to Rome where he felt certain he would face trial and death, Paul shared with his friends a brief overview of his life. He said that he was never jealous of anything anyone else had but was content; that he worked hard to pay his own way in life and not depend on anyone. Then he said, “In addition, by my hard work I not only paid my own way, but I had money to take care of those who were poor and suffering.” He reminded them that Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Hard work is the first step in managing money. As your dad perhaps used to say: “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” To be a good manager, you must work hard enough to not just cover the needs of yourself and your own family but to also have extra to help others.
- You must make a plan. In your plan, you need to answer the following questions: What’s your total income? How much should you tithe and give? How much money do you need to save and invest? What are your monthly expenses and debt repayments?
After you know your income and expenses, here are four more questions you should consider: What costs can you reduce? How much more money can you pay toward your debts? Can you give more money to take care of the needy or to advance God’s kingdom? How can you save more money?
- You must work your plan. You must look in the mirror and realize there’s no one else in your life who can take responsibility for your financial situation. Then do it. Make no excuses. Work your plan. 3 John 1:2 says that God would like our health, finances, and soul to prosper, but we have to follow His way to get there.
Pray that God will convict and challenge you any time you move away from His plan to make you a giver. Giving sets us free, while hoarding entraps us (James 5:2). Giving changes the lives of others (John 3:16). Giving brings blessing back to us (Luke 6:38). Giving allows us to store up treasures in heaven rather than here on earth (Matthew 19:21). Giving really is fun; we need to be in on it.