Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
This passage of scripture teaches us that we must be found faithful in the management of the material blessings that have been entrusted to us by God, not merely for the development of character, but also for the very real responsibilities that will be laid upon us in the earth made new. The "Unrighteous Mammon" referred to here is money and material blessings that are lent to us by God, to be used in ways that are commensurate with the principles contained in the scriptures, and as it pertains to family finances, the Bible offers much very instruction. The reason why we must be found faithful in that which will one day perish is given in the passage above, for if we cannot manage well that which will pass away, how then will we manage the true riches that endure forever? In other words, if we cannot take care of a ford Taurus, how will we handle a Maserati?
One of the fundamental principles that are essential to the smooth running of the family as it pertains to finances is the necessity for us to live within our means. In other words we should avoid the pitfall of having our spending exceed our income for any reason, for if this basic principle is not put in place, we will often find ourselves in embarrassing situations which will then force us to depend upon predatory lenders for our sustenance. This in turn will place us in financial bondage, which satan delights to have us in, for then we will have to work constantly night and day to pay bills that never seem to go away. And when we are thus consumed with making ends meet, then we will have no time to serve God or man in any meaningful ways, and our service, devotions, and missionary endeavors will all be made subject to that one central theme of making our daily bread. But this is contrary to sound doctrine. Let's read:
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Proverbs 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Those of us who are currently swallowed up with credit card debt will achieve a very great victory in our lives and in our families, if by the grace of God, coupled together with steady, well-directed effort, we can free ourselves from the financial shackles with which we are now bound. And if this is ever accomplished, we should then pledge that by the grace of God we will learn and implement the basic principle of living within our means. Whenever money is earned, the first thing that should be done before any bills are paid is that we should set aside our tithes, offerings, and other monetary commitments to God. And then we should address our current, recurring financial responsibilities, restricting our wants and desires if necessary so that we can honor our obligations in a timely manner.
But for us to run out and do hair, nails, and facials, while our electric bill is still due, is not a scriptural method of doing things, and should be resolutely overcome and uprooted. Then again the need to put aside something for the rainy day is a must, no matter how little our income is, for there will be times when real emergencies will take place, and no one wants to go bankrupt after one visit to a medical facility. Budgeting and staying within our limits will help stave off problems such as these, and if the necessary disciplines are implemented, we will find that we will be able to stand on our own two feet in the strength of God when those unexpected things occur, as they certainly will. Let's read:
Proverbs 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
One of the dangers associated with frequent window shopping is that it invokes imaginary wants which suddenly become urgent needs which we can't do without. One method by which this snare can be avoided, if it becomes necessary to window shop, is to leave our money and credit cards at home, so that if an irresistible dress, shoe, or food item beckons to us from between the shelves, we would be unable to finance the momentary urge to spend wantonly on the spur of the moment.
God is very practical in His instructions to us, and if we cooperate with Him in implementing sound financial and Biblical principles on a consistent basis, He will help us to gain the victory in every area of our lives, for it is not His will that any of His people should be shackled with a heavy burden of debt. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reiterates this very point, and it is the will of God that the needed changes and reforms be adopted and put in place immediately, so that He can be honored in our lives. Let's read:
Deuteronomy 15:5 Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day. 6 For the Lord thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!