Getting your financial life in order starts and ends with you.
It’s not about how much money you make, it’s about how you manage the money you have.
Today I want to inspire you in responsible, happy living.
Learn to be content
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6
If you are unhappy or stressed out, chances are you’re not content.
The bible teaches us to be happy whether we have a little or a lot. It’s not about the amount, and it’s not about the race for gain, it’s about the journey.
Paul also addresses the topic of righteous contentment in Philippians:
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 11-13
He understands that it’s not about how much he has, it’s about learning to be content with what he has!
Manage what you have better
We’re instructed not to chase gain for the sake of wealth, but to manage what we have wisely.
The best way to manage what you have is to keep record of it. Do you keep records of the resources God trusts you to manage? If not, it’s time to develop a budget (a.k.a. spending plan).
The solutions that helped me transition into a successful budgeteer were free spreadsheets, Mint.com (also free), and YNAB (You Need A Budget) software.
Start with one of the free solutions and purchase YNAB if you like what it has to offer.
Give in faith
God promises to bless our giving, and I have yet to prove Him wrong.
It’s not about having enough to give, it’s about giving because He commanded us to.
By the way, giving is a gift God gave us! Nothing will increase your contentment like giving.
“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
Trust me – giving is a gift to the giver!
Making more money
It’s worth repeating, the goal is contentment, not gain.
That said, there is nothing wrong with making more money – IF – you’re a wise steward of what you already have and are ready for the extra responsibility of added wealth.
“And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.” Luke 19:17
If God can trust you to manage the little you have now, He may bless you with more.
This is one bible truth that drives me to be a better steward of my resources. If I make $100,000 but can live on $50,000, that means I can use the other $50,000 for God’s glory.
If I prove myself faithful, the scripture teaches God may bless with greater abundance.
And my contentment should come from how I’m using that wealth for His glory, not from the wealth itself.
Start now
If you’re not content where you are, your first step is to start seeking contentment – not gain.
Once you understand that truth, you can move on:
- Start a budget so you can see exactly where your money is going.
- Lower your standard of living to fit your budget.
- Give in faith and trust God to bless.
- Honor God with the increase.
Remember to find joy in obedience to God’s principles, after all, He gave them to help lead us to contentment!
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3
God’s commandments are the recipes for finding joy and contentment. Trust Him and seek Him with all your heart and watch the blessings flow.
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H