Better Together by Duane Sheriff

Author:Duane Sheriff
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781680317718
Publisher: Harrison House Publishers

Chapter Four

Finances

Each person handles money differently. Some view money as an investment, a way to build wealth. Others view money as a tool, a means to help others. And still others view money as a luxury, something that can make life easier. Chances are, you and your spouse each have a unique and differing view of money—and chances are, it’s caused more than a few arguments in the past. While Sue and I have never argued over money, we have had to navigate through differences and rather arduous discussions and debates (okay, we argued!).

Money talks a lot, and how you handle your money says a lot about you and your life. Jesus taught in Matthew that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21 NIV). So we know from Scripture that there is a delicate balance and connection between money and the condition of our hearts. All you have to do is look at where the money goes and you’ll know where the heart is. “Show me the money” and I’ll “show you the heart.”

This is why Scripture teaches so much about stewardship and finances. Money has a profound effect on the heart. It can turn someone toward God just as easily as it can turn someone away from God. This is why the anchor line of finances is so very important in your marriage relationship. As you seek God together and direct your heart to Him, you will find that He might change the way you view your finances.

As I’ve stated earlier, this subject requires hours and hours of searching the Scriptures and learning to trust God with your finances. Scripture teaches us that finances are not just natural, but very spiritual (Luke 16 and 19). Faithfulness with money is a test that affects other areas of our lives. Nothing stirs people up for or against God more than money.

In Luke 16:10, Jesus said, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities” (NLT). He was talking about handling money and stewardship. He called that a little thing, but to most individuals it’s the biggest. If we can’t handle money and the temptations that come with money, how will we ever handle the true riches of the Kingdom? Let me just cover some simple basics, but I encourage you as a couple to spend a lifetime growing in wisdom concerning finances.

CREATING AND MAINTAINING A BUDGET

Just as there are differing views on money, there are differing views on budgets. Many people may think they don’t need a budget, while others scrutinize and itemize down to the penny. The Bible, however, teaches that God wants us to be responsible with our money but not be ruled by it (Ecclesiastes 5:10; Luke 14:13–14; 1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5; Proverbs 13:11, 22). Achieving this balance is crucial to having a healthy relationship with God and money.

While

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