Mark 10:21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you and and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
In his recent sermon, "Money Matters", Pastor Wallace informs us that the number one argument couples have is about money.
Whether they have a little or a lot makes no difference. To spend or not to spend? To save or not to save? These are the issues where battle lines are drawn.
With the marriage too often being lost in the war.
I'm so glad my husband, Danny, and I don't fall into this category.
Danny maintains our budget religiously. All the bills are paid on time. Expenditures are made prudently.
And, expensive items are discussed and researched completely before any money is spent.
There is no such thing as going into debt. If we can't afford it, we don't get it.
Period!
Having been in relationships where the "get-it-and-spend-it" mentality thrived, this is a welcome relief for both of us.
We realize, too, that we must be good stewards of the resources with which God has blessed us. Everything earned is a by-product of the talents and abilities given to us by His grace.
To spend recklessly or hoard heedlessly opens the treacherous door to idolatry.
It allows our money to control us. Consume us. Take center stage.
When the only one who should be on that stage is God.
That's what Jesus wants the young man to see in today's scripture.
It is his wealth which stands between him and a true and lasting relationship with the Lord.
He cannot trust enough to let go. To let God.
He turns from the eternal riches promised by Jesus.
And, walks away . . .
Grieving. (Mark 10:22)
~
Are you controlling your finances, or are they controlling you?
Will you pray with me?
Help us to see, Father, that all good things come from You. Let us lay all that we have and all that we are at You feet. Remove the stumbling blocks in our lives which prevent us from living truly and abundantly in relationship with You. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 93, 96 or 34
Genesis 24:50-67
2 Timothy 2:14-21
Mark 10:13-22
Oh thanks for bringing this topic up. A year has passed since I started with my new job, but checking on what I've saved, it took me by surprise, that I got only half of what I worked hard for. That means I spent half of it. This 2012, I started becoming more aware of what I'm spending my money with ~ and if they are worth it.
ReplyDeleteI could buy a lot of things but not respect,dignity, baby, love nor a man (lol)...
So I resolved to share some of it for the kids, for the church's projects and for my family's needs. Sometimes, being single has its own benefits ;)
I pray with you...May we be generous enough to share our talents, gifts and resources to others most esp. to the less fortunate :)
We are both aware of what we spend and what we save...we do control our money.
ReplyDeleteHi, Janu, and thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThat's awesome news! There are so many couples who don't, but so glad to know you are not in their boat. :)
Blessings to you!
Hi, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteThe topic of finances is not one a lot of people want to think about, but it is truly an important consideration when we are planning for the future. Knowing that all we are blessed to have comes from God sets our hearts and minds in the right place to know what to keep and what to spend.
I like what you have resolved here. Seems you really have made some careful calculations and considerations! :)
Blessings to you and thanks for stopping by!
this is timely; an area that needs much work... I either hoard or spend too much -- I must find balance. I am getting better because I am aware of what challenges me. Words for me to live by: "To spend recklessly or hoard heedlessly opens the treacherous door to idolatry." ...doing my part and letting go of the the rest!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you are working on this Amy! Have you heard of the Dave Ramsey Financial University courses? We are hosing one soon at our church - maybe there is one being offered in your neck of the woods. People who have taken this have totally turned their financial world around.
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by today!
Blessings!
I have heard the name but I am not familiar with his teachings. I will research. Thanks for the tip :)
DeleteI'll admit this but you are never to speak of it, again...just teasing. I worked, oddly enough, very successfully, in the financial industry for many years and up until the birth of our first daughter, as a full charge book-keeper. Its not the knowledge part that I lack. Its amazing once I started working on the inside stuff... the less I needed stuff to make me feel better.
Amy, I think I might have gotten the "university" part wrong - think its supposed to be financial "peace".
DeleteYes, when we really start looking within to find what is truly important in life, "stuff" just simply ceases to matter.
Glad you stopped by again!
Blessings!
Money sure doesn't by happiness and we've learned a long time ago the bondage debt can have on our peace and sense of security. Unfortunately even though our habits have improved and changed we are still held captive and struggling to break free from the debt our past mistakes have caused. Well..that's life I suppose..a lesson. Sometimes a hard one.
ReplyDeleteYes, Jessica, debt can be a terrible burden. We can't fix the past, but we can always make good and better decisions going forward.
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by!
Blessings!