Read Time 3-4 minutes

It was an amazing Christmas and the New Year is here!  Unfortunately, the coming of January can also mean the coming of credit card bills from that amazing Christmas.

It is not uncommon for us to struggle at times with our finances. However, here is the thing, just like the other areas of our lives, the Bible can give us direction on having a healthy financial lifestyle as well.

What Does the Bible Say About Debt?

The Bible talks about debt a lot and—spoiler alert—none of it is good.

While Scripture certainly does not teach that going into debt is a sin, it is clear about one thing: Borrowing money is a bad idea. Probably the most well-known scripture about money management that deals with debt is Proverbs 22:7, which says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Translation: If you owe someone money, they will control your life until you pay it back.

In fact, the Apostle Paul teaches in Romans 13:8 that we should not owe anything to anyone aside from love. He wrote, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Here’s the thing about our money: It isn’t really ours. Psalm 24:1 tells us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” That “fullness” includes money.

The money in our wallets, purses and bank accounts isn’t ours—it’s God’s. He is just letting us be a steward, which is the Bible’s way of saying God lets us manage, not own, His money. That’s why it’s so important for us to follow God’s ways of handling money. 

When we do follow God’s ways by avoiding debt, saving, and building wealth, we are being good stewards of His blessings.  

So how do we become good stewards?  Here are three suggestions:

      1.    Make a Budget and Stick to it.  

Jesus talked about the importance of making a budget while teaching his followers in Luke 14:28a. He asked, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it…?”

Getting to the end of the month without enough money to cover basic expenses is just like the person who goes out to build a tower, lays a foundation, and can’t finish because he’s out of money. But when you sit down first and count the cost by making a budget before every month begins, that won’t happen anymore.

      2.  Live on Less Than You Make and Save

When you make your budget, you need to think beyond today’s needs and the month ahead. You’ll want to think about the future too. That means living on less than you make—so you’ll have money left over to save.

       3. Invest and Build Wealth

Follow the biblical plan for building wealth. Make a budget and stick to it. Live on less than you make. Save. Invest over time in plans with a proven track record. Repeat those behaviors over and over again, and you will build wealth. 

But how do I put all of this into action?  

Let us help!  Beginning Tuesday, January 23rd, Church on the Hill is offering a short term small group called, “I Was Broke.  Now I’m Not.”  This is a 6-week class meeting on campus that focuses on the very principles and tools that will allow you to take life-altering steps to better manage your finances, all from a biblical perspective.  Register now at https://churchonthehill1.typeform.com/to/QqU7ShXM.

Share