Money makes the world go around or does it make us drown in pride, selfishness and debt? Is it just paper or does it reflect more of our past, present and future?
The subject of money seems taboo. We don’t want to talk about it with our aging parents or our friends. Often we don’t make the time to instruct our children. We hold on to it as if our life depends on it, or we squander it, anticipating that someone will ride in on a white horse and pay off all of our irresponsible behavior.
Let’s get real. Money gives us our security, puts our minds at ease and affords a sense of dignity. Why don’t we talk about it or get educated so that we can handle it responsibly? Several factors play into our emotional state around this subject and we have to recognize it’s not just paper.
The Bible tells us to be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6). This should include our financial situation. Since the Bible discusses money frequently, we as believers should be examples for others to follow. Unfortunately, that isn’t necessarily the case.
Poverty is the 4th greatest cause of US deaths. In 2019 (before COVID-19) data showed 183,000 deaths were associated with poverty for those 15 years and older. 295,431 were associated with cumulative poverty. 37.9 million people are living in poverty in 2024 (11.5%).
77% of Americans are in some type of debt; $17.69 trillion at the end of 2024, according to the federal reserve. $1.12 trillion have credit card debt. Americans have $12.44 trillion on mortgages, $1.62 trillion on vehicle loans, and $1.60 trillion in student loans. If 50% of the population declares themselves to be Christian, then at least 27% are in debt. As Christ followers, we need financial wisdom for financial freedom.
It all starts with mindset
The wisdom book tells us to not be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Many are falling prey to the sabotaging system of the world and thereby losing peace.
Abundant living is our destiny if our mindset shifts to following what God’s word proclaims and we also stand on His promises. This means not thinking like the world.
The world’s thoughts look like this:
- I’m afraid I won’t have money in the future, so I hoard what I have. I’m stingy and won’t give.
- I’m entitled to have this and since I want it, I’ll take it today. I’ve worked or my parents have, so I’m owed.
- The world revolves around me. If I’m not happy, then no one should be. I deserve to be happy.
- I have to keep up with everyone on Instagram. My life should match or exceed that of others.
- Whatever it takes for me to have, I’ll do. I’m struggling so integrity and character go out the window.
- I can handle money. I don’t need instructions. I don’t need anyone telling me what to do.
- Well, honestly, you only live once, so I need to enjoy it.
The world’s system has many in modern day slavery trying to make bricks without straw. Struggling single-family households stretch the dollar to pay for necessities but sometimes don’t categorize luxuries accurately. We use the convenience of credit cards and debit cards to buy now what we can’t afford with the false expectation that in the future we will have it covered. Our government continues kicking the can to the future generations as debt continues to mount at a rate we can’t envision. Credit card companies get you to pay at least 20% interest while banking major profits. Business owners pay hefty fees to offer payment options that eat at their bottom line. Most companies have their hand out to collect what seems a small amount monthly, but the bill adds up. High priced coffee, beauty enhancements, technology upgrades, movies on demand and the like have Americans addicted.
So how do we get off the world’s merry-go-round? We look to the wisdom of God! We take control of our money and change our mindset. We become responsible stewards. We make decisions today with our future in mind. We stop competing with others and recognize that God has designed our journey for us, and all that is required is to run our race in our own lane. We get a financial foundation of education so that we see clearly the systems set up so we can avoid the traps. We get a clear understanding of our income and our debt, and we balance our budget. We get a plan to reverse the irresponsibility and get out of debt. We engineer our way to financial freedom.
Remove the struggle of money management…
The result… peace, security and dignity!
The question isn’t whether we need to be educated on what the Bible says about money. The question is when…
- When will enough be enough?
- When will the sleepless nights over finances rob us enough of our peace?
- When will our relationship struggles over money force us into education?
- When will the feeling of being trapped and isolated be enough for us to get our heads out of the sand and seek help?
- When will the cost of anxiety, shame and/or guilt rise above the cost of the price of assistance?
The cost of inaction is too great. The time is now for financial literacy for our health, wellbeing and legacy building.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16). Let’s have our bottom line reflect the profitability God intended.
