In my last post, I blogged about the current panic that has set in regarding the current US economic downturn and how we as believers do not need to fear. God has promised to take care of our needs!
Unfortunately, though, I think many American Christians have over-extended themselves financially by believing the lies of so-called financial experts (secular and even Christian). We live in a world of instant gratification and a consumer driven society. Instead of a pattern of giving, saving, then spending, the majority of people end up spending more than they earn through debt. Now is the time for believers all over the United States to ask the Lord's forgiveness and turn back to God's Word for His financial wisdom.
Yes, God has promised to take care of our needs, but we play a vital part in controlling, giving away, and multiplying the money and resources He has entrusted to us (see Parable of the Talents post).
It's time in this country to get back to a common sense, Biblically-based approach to home economics. We need to:
- Start acting our wage!
- Budget - track our income, outgo, and net worth.
- Give first to our church and the poor.
- Pay yourself, second (savings).
- Establish an emergency fund. Everyone needs a "cushion of cash" for the unexpected events of life.
- Get out of consumer debt.
- Use cash, debit cards, and checks. Avoid credit cards.
- Shop intelligently, not impulsively!
If most Christ followers would at least follow this simple pattern, our churches and charities would be overflowing with money and our families would have financial peace. There's no better time to begin getting our financial houses in order than now!
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