Christianity is more than just going to church on Sunday and joining a ministry. It is a lifestyle that has to be evident, including the way we manage our bank account. The Bible plays a significant role on how we can be financially stable and eventually be worry-free about drowning in debt. It is important to not just know what the Bible has to say about our finances, but applying the principles to achieving financial freedom.
We have here the seven biblical principles that would help us secure financial breakthrough and help us live life to the fullest.
- Savings: It is only wise that we know how to save for the rainy days. In Proverbs 21:20 it says, “The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.” The passage speaks about the importance of having a savings account. If you have a savings bank account, then you have something to pull out in an emergency.
- Investment: Having a savings account is good, but investing in something that leads us to profits in the future is even better. Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 says, “Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you. But divide your investments among many places, or you do not know what risks might lie ahead.” The verse talks about diversification and calculated risk and how to deploy money and other assets in different investment instruments that help you grow your wealth.
- Debt: This is the common problem of people these days and Romans 13:8 pretty much solved it. The verse says, “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.” Perhaps we all agree that owing someone anything, especially money, usually complicates things.
- Contentment: This generation wants more and more. 1 Timothy 6:6-7 says, “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.” The verse tells us to live within our means. One must learn to appreciate what was given in order to experience contentment. Without contentment, greed takes over. This is why it is important to keep your heart in check when it comes to motives in gaining financial freedom.
- Stewardship: God wants us to learn how to handle our finances here on earth. Luke 16:11 says, “And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?” Money must always be put to good use, before breakthrough happens. Being a good steward makes you see the fruits of your faithfulness and not only benefit from it now but for all time.
- Avoiding scams: These days, you hear people being scammed. This is the result of the love of money and of financial illiteracy. Proverbs 28:20 says, “The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.” As tempting as it may sound we must learn to resist shady investments and fly-by-night companies that offer “get-rich-quick schemes.” Research and consulting the right financial planner is important before investing your hard-earned money. It is also noble to earn your wealth through hard work. The material richness of this world is nothing compared to the wealth that awaits us in heaven.
- Tithing: For those who are not aware of it, the Bible tells us that we must give 10 percent of what we earn, according to Malachi 3:10. The question many ask is why would God need 10 percent of one’s income when God owns everything? God simply wants everyone to be faithful. Luke 6:38 says, “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 be more than the amount you will receive.” He wants us to be reminded how blessed we are in good times and how much we can trust Him during the hard times. God loves a cheerful giver.
The Bible has a lot more to say about finance. I would advise you to dig deeper. It is also important that you get to meditate and talk to God about what He wants us to do with our wealth.
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Richard Thaddeus Carvajal is a Registered Financial Planner of RFP Philippines and CEO of Philgems Realty Corp. To learn more personal-financial planning, attend the 54th Registered Financial Planner program on May 28-July 16. To inquire, e-mail info@rfp.ph or text <name><e-mail> <RFP> at 0917-9689774.)
3 comments
Yes, God owns everything, but it is also true that He only accepted HOLY tithes from food from inside His HOLY land. Though money as gold and silver existed, money was never tithed. You twist God’s Word. All Christians are priests and priests did not tithe. Also, OT tithe recipients could not own or inherit land in Israel or amass wealth. Teach it all. See Should the Church Teach Tithing.
Christianity was the first word used, and then there’s the discussion on tithes, well, tithing is no longer mandated in the Christian era, it’s just for israelites
We have to give more than the tithe in the New Testament. least we can give is 15% in the church. Don`t lower your standard of giving through the tithes in the Old Testament. Most people who were critical in tithing, there giving in the church are ranged in 1%-2% or some only coins, it only manifested their real spiritual condition before God.