Seven Principle for Financial Peace

     Peace in the areas of finances is an area in which many seek Biblical perspective and direction.  We understand that the peace of God is not just through principles but rather is the gift of God – not given as the world would give…but received by faith and complete obedience to His word.

There are 7 aspects of Biblical ethics that relate to Financial Peace.  This may not be complete but nevertheless is a good place to start.

1.     Debt-free living

2.     Wise investing

3.     Generous giving

4.     Lifestyle of moderation

5.     Diligence and Industry

6.     Caring for the family

7.     Honouring God in finances

As we permit the word of God and the interpreter – the Holy Spirit, to guide our ways on these issues – we may or may not appear on Forbes list of the world’s wealthiest…but will know a peace that is alien to the world.

Debt free living

Proverbs 22.  The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.  Be not one of those who strike hands and pledge themselves, or of those who become security for another’s debts. (Amp)  The one who saves is the lender…purpose to pay off existing mortgages ASAP.  Do not borrow especially for consumables or for status. Get rid of credit cards. Save…Save…Save. 

Wise Investing

Invest for retirement and for the future conservatively on instruments in which you understand the risk profile.  “Conservative” means investment for stability sometimes at the expense of promised gains. The Bible in saying we shall lend to nations seems to imply that stability of investments is preferred to promise of returns with added risk. Defer expenditure and let the power of compound interest work for you. Seek expert advice (beware of ungodly counsel) and compare counsel from different sources.  Pray for final direction.

Generous giving

Proverbs 11.  There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. Do not ask me how this works…but it does.  There is a mystery to the great value in releasing our precious things and consideration to establish the covenant of God and for the poor…being like a flowing stream to which God can pour His wealth into.

Lifestyle of Moderation

Phillipians 4.   Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Phillipians.  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Guard your heart from consumer marketing that attacks moderation and fuels passion to spend on what you really do not need ( but may be able to afford) …or more precisely what the Holy Spirit has not asked you to buy. Seeking to make a statement with a show of luxury is great folly.  Worse still is if the money is borrowed or is in stewardship.  Luxurious and sumptuous fare financed from parishioners who do not enjoy this lifestyle is oppression and not Christianity. God promises to meet the needs of faithful stewards and  not the wants of the squanderer.  True religion bridges gaps – through communal sharing and love.

Diligence and Industry that adds value to society

Matthew25.  And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The profitable servant is hard-working and makes contributions, creates value through enterprise in an open competitive market.  Idleness/sloth and practices that protect unfair competition and finance indolence are natural partners to confusion.

Caring for the Family

I Timothy 5.  But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.  God cares about traditional family values. A man, a woman and the household must be cared for. Parents must be honoured with giving. Set funds aside for education, aged parents, unplanned births. A recent statistic showed 21.3% of abortions (which God calls murder) result from lack of financial preparation)  It is wise to maintain a family emergency fund. Trifling with God’s instructions on the family is simply asking for trouble.

Honouring God in Finances

I Samuel 2  Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me forever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.  Honouring God by giving offerings, tithes and first fruits to God out of love for Him is not legalism but confirms that He is the owner, provider and protector of our wealth. You cannot expect peace if you treat God shabbily by dropping alms and leftovers or crumbs from what completely belongs to Him in the first place.  Observe the superiority of the giving of Abel who gave the firstlings of his flock.  Genesis 4   And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.  And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering.  Giving God the first and the best of our increase is only smart.

Hebrews 12:  Follow peace with all men, and without holiness, no man shall see the Lord:

John 17.  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Source: RecessionProofChristianLife

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