5 Principles of Financial Wisdom:
- God owns it all. Psalm 24:1
- Set Long Term Goals. Proverbs 16:9
- Spend less than you earn. Proverbs 13:11
- Avoid the use of debt. Proverbs 22:7
- Avoid a consumptive lifestyle. Ecclesiastes 5:10
Why? Why? Why? Why?….Why do all this financial stuff? Well, it’s how the world works today and money is a way we can exhibit God’s principles to ourselves and others. The Prince of Peace gives us a Piece of His kingdom so we can manage for Peace through those pieces. Where’s ET and why do I want some Reese’s Pieces? Hey, it’s nice that whoever Reese is, that he shares his pieces with us..share might not be the correct word since we pay a price for them.
We as believers pay a price daily by dying to self and our sinful nature to be models for Christ. We hope we are just as tasty, salty and sweet as those delicious peanutty, crunchy bit size nuggets of deliciousness. (For those of you with Peanut allergy’s. I totally feel for you). Why is that so important and what’s one way to show without being pretentious? Well, it is important the walk out life like Jesus so we can fill the great commandment and great commission. (Matthew 22:36-40 and Matthew 28: 16-20)
One of the best ways is giving. Giving of our time, talent and treasure. If we have our own financial house in order, meaning we acknowledge God owns it all, set those long term goals, spend less than we earn, avoid the use of debt and avoid a consumptive lifestyle. This helps with workplace happiness due to hopefully you get to enjoy your gfts and talents you have been given.
Time: Time freedom allows you to be the literal hands of feet of Christ. This is where you can have solid impact on someone’s life through time. Investing in others will reap rewards that you may never see in your lifetime and that’s okay.
Talent: Using your gifts and talents in the service of others is frankly an EASY way to serve. Heck, I admit I get a case of the lazy every once in a while so when someone asks to help from my giftedness it’s easier and I enjoy doing it more than say…drywall. If you like drywall, I have a job for you J
Treasure: This is what the world mostly thinks of in the way of giving and sure, writing a check can be rewarding. I have seen it the most rewarding when you tie all three together. When you build into someone or organizations purpose with your time, talent and treasure is where the best ROI resides. (return on investment for you English majors..Hey I am an Engrish major J)
So, daily know it’s not about you; what blessings (time, talent and treasure) you have are to be used for HIS glory and know that it’s sweet just like Reese’s Pieces.