I have been preparing for a coming couple messages on money. Not giving. But money.
The Bible as we have noted before has a lot to say about money. Jesus talked about money more than anything else. Why? Because it represents the core of what we do with life. Money moves society, families and churches even. We can’t escape it.
Here are a few thoughts that have caught me.
First as John Wesley noted the Proverbs and other passages and Parables encourage us to “make” all the money we can.
Yes, that is true. But we are warned that aiming to get wealthy will get you into trouble. And if you make the money by dishonesty or in a way that harms you spiritually or your family it isn’t good.
I have found in a recession many of us have to ask ourselves is my profession obsolete? There is a realm of being led by the Spirit in retooling. And making sure you make an effort to advance your earning. There is godly ambition.
Then the Bible talks about spending. In a recession this is a big one. First don’t spend more than you make. Credit is never your friend. Sometimes it is the wise thing to do but it still isn’t a friend. I have found that part of thriving in a recession entails making do with what you have. Lori and I have an old big screen T.V. It broke this spring. We checked out new ones and nearly bought one but decided we didn’t want to use credit for a T.V. Instead I had a repairman work on our old one.It cost us 1/8 what a new one would. Use what you have to the max.
Use money with purpose and strategically. Use the 80% rule. Only live when you can on 80% of your income. Now I realize in a recession that can be tough. And I realize when income drops and expenses can’t you can be in a pinch. But this is a time to seek the spirit and have him guide you in your giving and receiving and investing.
Recessions can cause great habits to come online which will help us when things are better.
I find it is also a time to war in the Spirit when money becomes the central issue in our lives. Money does want to take all our attention when its not under God’s power. This hit me this week with the church and at home. Don’t let money raise the noise level so high you can’t find peace in Jesus.
