Have you ever wondered, “What does the Bible say about money?” Have you ever wondered why the Bible would even care about money; isn’t it supposed to be about prayer, heaven and Jesus? Yes to all three. Would you be surprised to know the Bible
When you think of financial planning, who or what do you think of? Dave Ramsey
We cannot live an abundant life if we are being crushed by debt, chased by collection companies and fighting over finances.
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So what does the Bible say about money? Well, Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Worrying about money will steal your peace, kill you joy and destroy your hope. Dave and Crystal encourage financial freedom because they want a life that is abundant…and not only monetarily abundant.
Being out of debt and having a savings account allows us to live abundantly and give abundantly. Instead of focusing on ourselves and our financial straits, we can look outward and see the needs of others and have the ability to give. We can give time that we’re not spening crunching numbers, kiting checks and fighting over money. We can give goods that we have purchased without the fear of the bill or buyers remorse. We can give money that, instead of paying large interest payments, or spending on junk we can’t afford and do not need, can fill in the gap for someone just trying to get by.
The book of Sirach contains some sound financial advice.
Wakefulness over wealth wastes away one’s flesh, and anxiety about it drives away sleep.
†Sirach 31:1
Remember that a greedy eye is a bad thing. What has been created more greedy than the eye? Therefore it sheds tears for any reason.
†Sirach 31:13
And one of my favorites, echoed by St Paul the Apostle
So what does being content with little or much mean? It means getting our finances in order so we can live an abundant life that looks outward instead of inward. Being content with little or much means we don’t have to wander the “Dollar Spot” at Target just because we’re there and they have it. Being content with little or much means saying no right now, so we can freely say yes later.
I’m blogging for 31 Days reading the book of Sirach
Another great 31 day post!
Right back at cha! I’m enjoying your 31 Days of Must Read Cookbooks.
Amen! Debt sure does weigh a person down!!
Debt changes everything. It clouds every part of our lives.
I agree with all of this. But it’s darn hard to build up a savings when you are living paycheck to paycheck and are starting to accumulate debt. Not for *extras* mind you…unexpected car repairs, house repairs, medical bills and helping the college kids when they are in a *pinch*. We are down to the bare essentials. I forget how old our furniture is. We support our church and charities by tithing. I shop at thrift shops and accept happily hand me ups from my sister and her daughter. We eat healthy and don’t stock up on junk snacks (which actually can be more expensive sometimes). We are down to one car since our accident in July. *sigh*
I am ranting here. I am praying. I don’t think working more is the answer and psychologically…it would be my end.
I have to lay this at Jesus’ feet every.single.night. Each day I trust more. He has always taken care of us.
Thanks for sharing much needed wisdom.
Ah Theresa, yes to everything you’ve just mentioned. Two months worth of all eight of us being sick and visiting the dr 2-3 times a week for those eight weeks…well, the bills are starting to come in. granted we have insurance so it’s a little here, a little there, but it all adds up.
The point of this post, my friend, is not a lesson on financial planning–all of that is good mind you. The lesson here is to take St Paul’s words, to take the words of Sirach, and to be content with little or much. There is a verse in Sirach, “Never say I have enough.” I know it is easy for me to think, “Once I pay this off, or achieve this financial goal–then…” The answer lies in contentment…the answer lies in doing well, doing what we can do with what we have. Which I believe you do, so you say “rant” I say explanation of your life’s circumstances. Peace my friend.
Thanks Jenny…I needed to hear that. You know discontent is my *friend* sometimes. This is where I need to keep trusting and doing the best we can with what we got.
You are a fine example my friend. And discontent is your arch enemy. Start kicking that bad boy out at the first sign!
Ouch. Ouch, and ouch, but in a good way. Thanks Jenny. I have to run to Walmart today and it’s so easy for all of the, “Wow, this is only $3!” to add up to $203. 🙁
Michelle…one of my fellow Carmelites (very wise) said she prays before she goes into a store to only purchase what is needed and for the discernment to do that. I need to remember that more too~!
Awesome prayer. I need to remember that.
It’s amazing how one little thing here and there can get you me at the checkout. Let me tell you though, having one of my older girls with me cuts down on that. They urge me along, “Nope, we don’t need anything down that aisle. Keep moving.”