13 Mar Handling Finances – A Biblical Perspective

Giving

Give, and it will be given to you. . . For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38. Whatever may be your earning do not hesitate to give to the Lord a portion of your earning. This is not meant only for those who earn and have a regular income. It also applies to housewives and children. Never think that when I earn such and such an amount, I will give. Giving should be a part of your nature. For ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’Acts 20:35.When your earning increases your giving to the Lord should increase proportionately. Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you. Deu. 16:17. God is the resource of all our earnings and therefore it is amicable to give to the Lord. The Financial Management at home should begin by giving to the Lord. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Praying

Pray for all your earnings before making any expenditure. Whatever you receive you may commit it in the hands of the Lord just like the 5 loaves and 2 fish which fed the multitudes. It is not the number of digits in your income that will meet your expense, it is the Lord Jesus who will maximize your resources. These days we do not get acheque or cash in hand as our monthly salaries. Our salaries get credited directly to our bank account. As husband and wife make it a point to pray as soon as the salaries are credited. Pray for your expenditures. Ask God to provide you best deal when you go shopping. You will be surprised to find great discounts even without so called ‘Sales Offer’. Pray while making every purchase that the goods you buy may last long and turn out to be of good quality so that your investment pays you for a longer period.Pray while buying your monthly provisions that every food item you consume may be worth the amount spent and that you will be able to provide to those who cannot afford. I have seen my mother provide ration out of her monthly quota to families belonging to economically weaker section of the society. Such a home will never lack food. God will never allow the oil to run out or the jars to be empty.

Saving

There is a difference between hoarding and saving. ‘Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise . . . it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest’, Pro. 6: 6-8. It is wise to save little bit for a rainy day. In situations of unexpected expenditure, it is good to withdraw from your savings rather than borrowing a loan. Housewives learn to set aside something from monthly expenses. It is not necessary to spend all that you receive. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. Proverbs 31:16 Surprise your husbands by buying household items for which you both have been waiting for. Teach your children to put change in their piggy banks. Once it is full buy something for their birthday or some celebration. See how happy they feel for the savings they own.

God enables you to save not just for your need but for His children who are in utmost need using you a channel of blessing. Therefore, if you have some savings and your brother in need wants to borrow from you, do not turn away. God watches over His resources in stored with you. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.Hebrews 6:10. My colleague’s 7 year old child underwent a major surgery. They lost all their savings but God provided them marvelously. They received support from anonymous and were able to pay off huge medical bills. All our savings can be worthless. God is our ultimate provider.

Living

The credit card companies are bombarding with silver, gold and platinum credit cards. They are pushing us to buy more, more and more. In this consumerist world we are easily trapped yielding to temptation. Never buy things that you do not require. Do not covet to own things just because your neighbor has one. Many of our friends are suggesting us to buy a car. But we are two and we can very well manage on a bike. As a family we have decided to place all our desires, needs, wants to the Lord and seek His guidance before we invest in any small or big thing. We need to manage our expenses within our resources. Even when we can afford, we need to pray if God wants us to have it. Every good and perfect gift is from above. . . James 1:17.

While seeking a job, let not monetary benefits be the only reason. Whether you earn Rupees Five Thousand or Rupees Fifty Thousand, it will ever be insufficient when you start splurging. Seek for the benefits that cannot be measured in terms of monetary benefits alone. In our family we always seek a job with Saturdays and Sundays off. So that we the week-ends to be involved in various ministries, attend fellowship meetings, visit orphanages/families. God expects not only our tithes and offerings but also our time.

Choose to spend time with your own family, do not indulge yourself in professional life so much that you miss out on the loving moments of being together in family. What God has put together let not your jobs separate them. Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. Proverbs 15:16

Ultimately Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phillipians 4:6 and our God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19.

Indira Kurapati
The author is a graduate from New Delhi. She is presently working with Christian Medical Association of India as a Manager-Development & Special Projects. She is married to Edwin Kurapati.