According to most studies, finances are one of the top causes for conflicts in families. The subject of tithing, savings, and spending does come up in our family. I’m a tither and Scott likes to give offerings. He also likes to budget and I rather not. Since he is the head of the household, I defer most decisions to him. I tend to prefer peace over conflict so we don’t usually argue. It also helps that we study the same instruction book.
As we learned in the last post, ”Wealth Wise,” being wealthy is not a sin. The love of money is the root of all evil, not money itself. It is harder for a rich person to enter heaven but nothing is impossible with God.
Besides the instructions to rich people, Paul also gave Timothy warnings for those that want to be rich. They fall into temptation. They fall into a trap, and into foolish and harmful desires that drown them into ruin and destruction. Not good. Wanting to be rich may cause some to wander from the faith and to inflict themselves with wounds. I would not want that to happen. I’m a pain wimp.
Jesus talked a lot about money. He knew we needed help with this responsibility. When a family comes together, there are going to be some differences on how to manage money. I grew up with the importance of tithing. I’m also a bit legalistic so tithe meant at least 10%. Scott says tithing is a tradition. He budgets a portion of his income as offerings to God which could go to our church, to a charity, or to other people.
Scott is a better manager of our money because he budgets. I like to think that God will provide what we need when we need them. So we balance each other’s styles of stewardship. We try to balance our savings with our giving. Though with this economy and with medical bills, it is hard to save. It is difficult for us but with God’s help, it is possible.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being so generous to us when we don’t deserve it. Help us to use what you give to further Your kingdom and to help others in need. Give us wisdom to manage money in a way that pleases You.
In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.
Verses
Ephesians 5:22-24
Romans 12:18
2 Timothy 3:16-17
1 Timothy 6:10
Matthew 7:7-11; 19:23-24
2 Corinthians 9:7
Luke 14:28-30
Song
“A Generous Heart” by Mark Altrogge
Call to action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then read the Parable of the Rich Fool found in Luke 12:13-21 and tell us your thoughts about it.