Put Your Principles Where Your Money Is

If you’re tired of living paycheck-to-paycheck…you can make a decision today that will change your life.All you have to do is practice God’s financial principles and then wait to see what happens. You’ll be amazed at the results.Admitting the ProblemLike most things, the first step in making financial changes is admitting that you have a problem and then identifying what you’re doing wrong. So, what’s not right with the way you’re handling money?Maybe you worry about bouncing a check, or you fear the phone ringing because it might be a bill collector, or you’re dealing with the gas or electricity being turned off for non-payment. Maybe you argue with your spouse about money. Or you’ve stopped giving to your church because you’re afraid you won’t have enough.Those are all signs that something needs to change. And you shouldn’t fear that change. It might be a little scary initially…but it’s nowhere near as scary as living paycheck to paycheck. Following God’s principles will give you welcome relief from worrying about money.Embracing Change Through FaithIsaiah 43:18-19 tells us, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”So, how do you begin to bring about this change? First, dispelling the notion that God’s Word doesn’t contain everything you need to transform how you handle money.Hebrews 4:12 reads, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”Understanding and believing in biblical truth is essential. The first principle you need to grasp is that God owns everything.Recognizing God's OwnershipPsalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who live in it.” When you fully embrace that principle…everything else can fall into place.You won’t be consumed with thoughts about how you’re handling your money…because it’s not yours. Instead, you’ll begin to think about managing God’s money…because you’re simply His steward…or manager…of the resources He’s temporarily entrusted to you.And as His steward…God will never abandon you to fend for yourself. He’s always with you, and He’s promised to provide. Luke 12:24 reads, “Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap…they have neither storehouse nor barn…yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!”Applying Biblical PrinciplesOnce you believe that God will provide…Scripture becomes your guide for changing the way you think and act about money. Instead of running away from God’s financial principles, you’ll run to them. The Bible says a lot about spending, saving, investing, and getting out of debt, along with contentment and generosity—everything you need to know for wise money management.Take just one principle to start. Pray earnestly about it. Ask God for strength, discipline, and the desire to carry it out. Maybe that’s setting aside a few dollars from your paycheck, paying more than the minimum on your credit card, or setting aside a little more to give to your church. Pick one and stick with it. Then, when it’s part of your life…you can go on to the next…and the next.Practical Tools for ChangeThis is putting the principle into practice. You do that with tools and structure…a budget, a will, a long-term financial plan, and so on.If you’re not living on a budget…you need to develop a spending plan now. Proverbs 27:23 teaches, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” These days, our “herds and flocks” are our bank accounts and other financial assets.There’s no better tool for developing a spending plan than the FaithFi app. With three money management options, you can easily find one that fits your unique needs and preferences.Seeking AccountabilityNow, many people find it difficult to change by themselves. As our friend Howard Dayton says, they need someone to encourage them and hold them accountable “to hold their fuzzy feet to the fire.”You may need someone to keep you on track. It could be a spouse, another family member, or a friend—but someone to hold you accountable for staying on budget.So, those are the tools you need to start putting God’s financial principles into practice. When you do, you’ll see significant changes in your life—not right away, but be patient—it’ll happen.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:Would building a new home be a good use of my money at 74, or would that be greedy? I have enjoyed the home-building process before and still feel energetic. I also have a trusted contractor who has already made plans for the new home.I have a question about options for an unwanted timeshare I purchased years ago. I'm tired of paying the high annual maintenance fees, but I need help finding a helpful property. Could I donate the timeshare to charity or otherwise get rid of it?I was recently approached about transferring the money to an insurance company that claimed they could add 30% to the amount and guarantee an 8% annual return over ten years. Is this a good idea? Do you have any other recommendations for what to do with my 401k funds? I also wanted to know what questions I should ask the insurance company to ensure the opportunity wasn't too good to be true.Resources Mentioned:Timeshare Users GroupRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.