Do You Have the Right Perspective on Money?

I have an Excel spreadsheet and have to say I’m pretty good at doing math. I know where and when our money goes and how much money is in each category in our budgeting system. But most months, the savings don’t add up the way we wanted them to. It seems like we have control over our family’s finances, but the fact is that we have almost no control at all. Preparation only goes so far.

Medical bills from months ago can surprise us in the mail or we accidentally go over budget on a birthday present. Of course we would all like to beef up our savings account so we can have a big cushion to boost our confidence. Paying bills is frustrating and stressful, but it’s important in the midst of financial stress to remember that God will provide. Of course you work very hard to earn money, but who gave you that job? Who made you to do that particular job?

Did God not feed over five thousand people with two fish and five loaves of bread? Did he not provide for his people in the midst of drought and famine?

In Deuteronomy 11:14 (NIV) he says:

then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil.

So he will provide us food so we can eat, but what about the other things? It’s very easy to confuse what we need from what we want. “I want a new computer,” but you can go without one. “We need a bigger place . . . ” or do you need to get rid of some stuff? We live in a country where cable, eating out and shopping are parts of our budget. In other places around the world those things can only be afforded by the richest of the rich.

I don’t get stressed about money very often, but when I do I make myself think of the worst-case scenario. My worst-case scenario includes no money and no job, followed by moving in with family who loves us and receiving government support. It would be a humbling experience, but how comforting to have family that would support us and take care of us. If that’s my worst-case scenario then my husband and I are very fortunate. Perhaps your worst-case scenario looks a little different than mine, but no doubt there is someone there that loves you and would do anything to help you.

Seek out church support if you need it; there are hospitality ministries that bring hot meals to families going through tough times. The church body is meant to support each other through anything. Someone in the body may be able to provide you with additional work as well.

Whether you’re simply mad about having to pay one bill or you’re really struggling to keep food on the table, we are all rich in the Kingdom of God. Christians have a hope offered by no other religion. Our treasures are not stored here because they’re waiting for us in Heaven (Matthew 6:20). Try not to be discouraged, because money is simply math. I’d choose an eternity with Him over a million iPads any day.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? – Matthew 6:26 NIV

Do you feel you have the right perspective on money? Leave a comment and let us know!