“Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it: Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day. For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he
promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow, and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.” – Deuteronomy 15: 4-6, KJV

Have you ever heard the saying, “money makes the world go round”? Well, I suppose that God knew our world would come to this. This is unfortunate but this is also why we must put our trust in God and be obedient to his word. There is so much in the word of God that teaches us how to properly handle our finances.

Did you also know that our finances or lack thereof play a part in our mental well-being? Finances are one of the top three reasons marriages end in divorce. Lack of sufficient finances can contribute to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and even suicide. Lack of finances can also contribute to poor physical health due to the inability to
access adequate healthcare.

So what does the Bible say about how we should handle our finances? First and foremost, we should be paying tithes to God in the amount of 10% of all of our increase. This honors God by acknowledging that we would have nothing without him. Everything that we have, has been given by his hand.

“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:   So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” – Proverbs 3: 9-10, KJV

Our tithes should be used to take care of the needs of the church. That may look like taking care of the utilities for the building in which we gather to worship, paying church staff, maintenance, outreach expenses, etc.

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” – Malachi 3: 10, KJV

In Proverbs 3: 9-10 and Malachi 3:10, we also see that if we are faithful in paying our tithes God will pour out great blessings upon us as well. However, we must also be mindful of our spirit when we give. We may unintentionally block our own blessings if we are grudgingly giving or just giving out of obligation.

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9: 7, KJV

On the opposite side of the spectrum, this is what could happen if we choose not to take care of the house of the Lord. Meaning, we have the ability to pay tithes, offerings and alms but we do nothing. Malachi 3:8, KJV, asks us this question.

“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.”

As a result of this behavior, one might find themselves in a peculiar position as described in Haggai 1: 6, 9, KJV.

“ Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.”

“ Ye looked for much, and, lo it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.”

Is this you? Only you and God know your true financials. However, let us consider. If God makes us a priority shouldn’t we do the same for him?

“ Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.” – Haggai 1: 5, KJV

Not only should we consider our ways in tithing, offerings, and alms but we should also consider our ways in how we manage our money. We should be good stewards of our finances. Being cautious to not get caught up in the vanities of this world.

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” – Luke 12:15, KJV

When we do so, we essentially reduce and/or avoid symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress related to finances. Ultimately improving overall health and potentially preventing the desire to turn to substances, unhealthy addictions, or suicide for relief.

So, what are some ways we can begin to be good stewards of our finances?

● Avoid debt: Cash advances, renting to own, title pawns and credit cards (one major credit card for emergencies only, if needed)
● Create greater awareness: How much money is coming in the home versus what is going out in bills.
● Create a budget: Figure out where your money is going
● Live within your means: Purchase only what your budget can handle and save for higher-priced items.
● Cut back: Instead of eating out three times a week, eat out once and cook. Pack a lunch. Instead of daily coffee shop purchases, try twice a week.

● Create a savings account: Even if it’s only $5.00 a week. That’s roughly $20.00 a month and $260.00 a year. Enough to start investing.
● Invest: It doesn’t take much. There are platforms that allow someone to begin investing with as little as $5.
● Intentional shopping: Check clearance and sale items first. Write a grocery list so you only buy the items you need. Coordinate your purchase with the weekly sales.
● Obtain professional credit counseling or a financial advisor

Here are a few resources that might be helpful:
Books

1. Your Money Map: A Proven 7-Step Guide to True Financial Freedom by: Howard Dayton
2. Money Making Mom by: Crystal Paine
   Games
3. Monopoly
4. Life
5. Act Your Wage
   Financial Repair Agencies
6. https://debtorsanonymous.org/ This is a 12-step recovery program designed for
   individuals experiencing overwhelming debt. Services are offered across the U.S. both
   face-to-face and virtually.
7. https://www.nfcc.org/ The National Foundation for Credit Counseling is a national
   directory of nonprofit credit counselors. It provides financial resources to individuals and
   small businesses including debt advisors who can help perform financial reviews,
   establish budgets and create personalized financial action plans.

Being financially responsible sets the stage for financial security. Financial security often leads to a sense of peace, fulfillment, accomplishment, joy, and satisfaction, which in turn helps to enhance our mental and physical well-being.

Unfortunately, there may be times when life throws us a curve ball and we find ourselves financially challenged. This is ok too. It is a part of life. Stay hopeful and keep in mind that God knows what we need and He will provide.

“…Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27  Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28  And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” – Matthew 6:26-34, KJV.

Money matters here on Earth but not in the grand scheme of things. We are in this world but should live in the spirit. Let us do our due diligence with the money God has provided us, knowing he will take care of the rest. Let our minds be at ease, peaceful and sound as to not create any unnecessary stress. Find joy in what we do have. Give when we can.
Consider our ways. Change the things we can, when needed. You can do this!