April 7, 2011
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More Than Math (Lessons in Finances)
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
When we talk about finances and especially financial independence (debt free living), we have to talk about more than math. We have to consider biblical principles as well. So many times when we run into financial difficulties, tithing is the first thing we stop doing. I have experienced it in my personal life and through others we've counseled. How can we afford to give when we can't afford to pay our bills? Trust me. We can't afford to not give.
When we stop tithing, our finances get worse. In the Book of Malachi, God promises that if you do not rob Him of your tithing, He will rebuke your devourers and protect you. It seems that when we stop tithing we remove ourselves from that protection or favor that we walk in when we follow God's principles.
God clearly does not need our money or our generosity, but He wants our obedience and He wants us to experience all the joys of generosity (Matthew 6:21). We give to God not because He needs it, but because we need it (Philippians 4:17).
Commit to giving and see what God does for your finances!
Comments (6)
the financial peace university course was offered at our church this year. while i think that he has alot of good things to say i'm a little wary of paying money to hear it. i do need to learn a good system though. i have a hard time with setting aside money to give..but i love to give, but i do think that its definately something that we need to do especially when we aren't doing well financially. giving to God in faith tht he is taking care of us.
I am so thankful for the example I grew up with and saw first hand that my parents gave FIRST. It was a way of life and it still is. They now are reaping the benefits of being faithful with what God has given them and still continue to be a good example to us. I remember the day when I was about 12 that we celebrated their final house payment and the faithfulness of God to bring them to a place of being debt free.
And in our first hand experience we have seen God provide what we need time and again as he leads us to a place of being willing to sacrifice temporal stuff in order to make a priority of giving.
Thanks for the encouragement!
such a sweet story! I'm so grateful to have been raised in a home where my parents got out of debt and then have been able to bless others b/c of it. It's hard to be able to give like you should when you're putting your money elsewhere. My parents and I have been going though the Dave Ramsey course and even though none of us were in debt it's great to learn those skills and what to do with the money God gives you.
@mytoesareblue - You can check out his books and video's from your public library for free
LOVE IT!!
Great video. Dave Ramsey's course was offered at our church and if you could not afford it, the church paid for it. We have made great strides to becoming debt free!
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