Financial Freedom

noreply@blogger.com (ML) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:00:00 +0000

by: Mary Keenan
The parable of the talents clearly reveals that God owns it all. God, as the owner, has rights and we as the manager have responsibilities. As an example, if you own your own home, take a walk around your property. Reflect on how long that dirt has been there and how long it will continue to be there. Then ask yourself if you really own it or merely possess it. You may have title to it, but that title reflects your right to possess it temporarily, not forever. Only God literally owns it forever. Believing this frees us to give generously to God’s purposes.

Not only is every giving decision a spiritual decision, but every spending decision is a spiritual decision. There is nothing more spiritual than buying a car, or food, paying taxes, taking a vacation or paying off debt or saving for the future. These are all uses of His resources. The Bible reveals many specific guidelines as to how God wants His resources used. As a manager or steward, we have a great deal of latitude in our spending decisions, however we are responsible to the Owner. Someday we will give an accounting of how we used His resources.

Take a look at your checkbook, credit card statements and cash spending. What do they reflect? What do they say about your goals, priorities, convictions, relationships, and even the use of your time? Are you being a good manager of His resources?

True financial freedom comes from applying biblical principles to your finances, adopting a non-consumptive lifestyle, avoiding the use of debt and setting long-term financial goals. The formula is very simple – spend less than you earn and do it for a very long time. Living by this principle will create financial margin in your life. When you have financial margin in your life, you are free to answer God’s call on your life to go somewhere, do something or give more of your resources. There is no greater joy.

So, I challenge you to do whatever it takes to get your finances in order so that for every dollar that comes into your world, you first give, then save, then spend. It will serve you well for a lifetime and God will honor it.

Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (ML) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:42:00 +0000

Welcome to the new Beachpoint Church blog.