The first six principles we have discussed have focused on changing the way you think about your money and building a plan that will help you begin living within your means so you can get out of debt and begin saving money. The final block in building a strong Biblically based financial plan is by design the most rewarding.
- Understand God’s Ownership (Psalms 24:1)
- Learn to Save Money (Proverbs 21:20)
- You Must Live on Less Than You Make (I Timothy 6:7-8)
- There is Life After Debt (Proverbs 22:7)
- Establish an “On-Purpose” Cash Flow Plan (Luke 14:28-30)
- Prioritize Your Plan Around the Four Walls (I Timothy 5:8)
- Giving is the Goal to Financial Freedom (II Corinthians 9:7)
We all know someone that at sometime in their life has needed financial help. Maybe it was your elderly next door neighbor, or the single mom you pass in the grocery store, or maybe you yourself have been that person. There is nothing wrong with needing help, but have you ever been in the position to be the person that helps?
Why Should I Help?
Some feel that helping others will only encourage the bad behavior that got them into the current situation. While that may be true, they still need some help. I feel that we should be discerning in our giving. The first principle we talked about reminded us that everything we have belongs to God. Would you be OK with someone frivolously giving away your money? In the same way, we should not frivolously give away God’s money. We should try to determine why the person needs help. If it is because of bad behavior, the best help you could give them would be to teach them some good behavior. Help comes in various forms – teaching a man to fish is always better than simply giving them a fish.
The Strong Should Help The Weak
If you determine that financial help is warranted you must look at your own situation. Can you afford to help financially? If you find yourself in a position that you have extra money to help others, then you are in a position of strength. The strong can help the weak, but if you are also in the middle of a financial crisis don’t make it worse by giving money you don’t have.
Get Ready For The Change
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” II Corinthians 9:7
One part of your budget should be designed specifically for giving. As Christians, we should desire to align our character with the character of God. God was a giver and as we systematically begin the process of cleaning up our financial life and start giving some wonderful things begin happening in our life.
- We become less selfish.
- We become content with less stuff.
- We see opportunities within others
All of these changes will not only make us a better person, but if we teach our children sound financial principles, we are building a legacy that will continue for generations.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
“The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25
Generosity is a key component to Biblical financial management. God is extremely generous (John 3:16) and He rewards His servants who are likewise liberal toward others.
There is a real freedom here. God will (more than) take care of you as you respond to the needs of others. No only are you furthering the borders of the Kingdom but you have the Divine promise of prosperity.
These uncertain times offer perfect opportunities for reaching out! In fact, if you are strong in your faith, people tend to come to you. Give them the Ultimate Lifeline!
@Cool – Thanks for reminding us to be generous. If we were all more generous we would automatically be more grateful for the things that we have.
I can appreciate the need and ability to give. I learned at a very young age the imortance and difference between tithing AND giving an offering. Offering is anything over and above your tithe. I do have some concerns with the name it and claim it mentality that some churches are orating from the pulpit. God does not promise great financial wealth because you give. He does however promise to give us what we need. One of my favorite songs/hymns is Great is the Faithfulness. The best line in that song is all I hath needed thy hand has provided. There is a big difference between wanting and needing dont you think? The blessings that he bestows are not alway material.