This is the second in our financial life series. I explained why you should not follow materialism but to go for the one that will make all grace abound to you so that you can really work for God.
I started by saying, “Know where you are.” It is very important to know where you are financially. This means you should know your net worth, know how much you tithe regularly. Tithing helps you to overcome greed. Anyone who has overcome greed earns God’s trust when it comes to money.
There are so many blessing God is willing to give to people who he can trust. So, remember that giving is important to God. He says in Luke:
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.””
Luke 6:38 NLT
Also, if you give sparingly, you will reap sparingly:
“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NLT
If you want to increase in your finances, learn to give to the needy and to your church. Do not let anyone deceive you out of your blessing. If you give a lot, you will get a lot back.
Also, I suggested that you should educate yourself financially. Look for blogs or videos that help educate people financially and follow to your advantage.
Pic insert: The person who give bountifully will never lack.
Where do I want to be next year?
House:
How much am I going to save towards the house? This means you need to know the kind of house, and how much you need to save towards getting it. So, write it down.
This month I will save ___________ towards my house. This is what we call a smart goal.
Remember, it is worth having your own house.
Money:
How much am I going to save this year? Clear every debt before starting to save. Do not start saving yet if you have not cleared your debt. This is because the Bible says that “the borrower is a slave of the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). If you are owing, you are under a curse. Being under a curse means that you are under the power of failure. So, do well to clear whatever loan you have before you begin saving.
So, ask yourself how much debt you have, and save towards clearing it. And then, when you get to zero in owing, start saving toward your goal.
Financial Education:
How many financial books do I want to read or follow this year? There are certain courses you need to take in order to increase your financial intelligence. Dave Ramsey’s financial University is a good place to start. Also, medium.com has some paid articles to help you financial issues.
Tithe:
“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”
Luke 16:11 NIV
How many times do I want to pay my tithe?
Prove to God he can trust you by paying your tithe. You must be faithful with handling mammon so that God can bless you with more.
Give your tithe in your church where you are fed spiritually. Also, do well to be consistent with it.
Why do I want to be there?
Write down the 4 whys. Are you just interested in becoming financially free or you are committed to becoming financially free? This is a question you must ask yourself. It is very important to know why you give your tithes. Go as for as asking why you need to change your financial life. Know your whys.
SMART?
Are they Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound goals. Put down specific amounts and times where you are going to save them. How much do you want to save? For what purpose? Will it be monthly?
Who is my accountability partner?
There should be somebody in your life who you can talk to about what you want to save. This person should be able to push you to do what you say you’ll do when you go off purpose on transforming your financial life. Proverbs 27:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Catch up with the other lessons in this series here:
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