MONEY MANAGEMENT

Five keys to financial responsibility

A pastor once said, “Living right financially isn’t complicated; it may be difficult, but it isn’t complicated.” It’s difficult because living right financially is more than simply learning financial strategy and management techniques; living right financially has spiritual components as well. It’s important to have a godly view of money and to use it in the correct way.

The Bible verse “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”

1 has often been misconstrued to imply that money is the root of all evil. But it is the love of money that is the root of all evil, and that is certainly true. There is genuine danger if undue importance or a sense of security is attributed to money. As many people have discovered through personal experience, financial security can be fleeting; lasting security is only found in God.

Nonetheless, we need money to live, to care for our loved ones and communities, and to bless others; thus, the topic of finances is relevant to each of our daily lives.

Most experts in this field agree on a handful of points that are key to good money management. If you’re looking for a formula to help you wisely manage your finances, I recommend these five points as a starting place.

When the subject of money comes up, or you hear terms like “financial stability” or “savings,” you might groan, especially if you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of improving your financial situation. Perhaps you’re struggling financially right now. Perhaps you’re in debt. Perhaps you don’t see how you’re ever going to be able to save, or at the rate you want to, due to your current circumstances. Before going further, I want to encourage you with two empowering thoughts.

The first is: With God’s help, nothing is impossible.

The second is: Any God-ordained goal can be reached … one small step at a time.

So if you have a long way to go to reach your financial goals, if you’re struggling with debt, or if you feel discouraged or even in despair when it comes to personal money matters, remember this: God’s power can make your “impossible” possible, finances included.

Through that lens, let’s look at these five practical cornerstone points to financial responsibility.