The Bible is clear on how to be financially free, and it gives several biblical concepts especially on stewardship that would lead to this result. Having examined what money should be in our lives as we discussed in part 1 of the series, we will look at some of these biblical principles:
Tithe – taking root in Malachi 3:10-12, giving 10% of our income, the first 10%, the best 10% I like to stress is vitally important. Tithing to your local church basically puts it out there that you acknowledge God as your provider. I have met young people, my age mates who claim they would tithe if they were earning a salary. But tithe extends to whatever your income is, even if it is your pocket money. The benefits of tithing go much further than financial, God becomes your protector as well, and I would encourage you to begin tithing whatever the amount because The Lord looks at the heart, not the outward appearance. He also can bless you abundantly. So do you want God to bless the whole of your pocket money or just a bit? If you want him to bless the whole the tithe on ALL of your pocket money!
Generosity – there are very many scriptures that speak about generosity, but my favorite personally is Proverbs 22:9. It shows how valuable giving, and giving with a cheerful heart is and the joy it brings. Bless someone today and watch The Lord bless your life.
Faithfulness – just as in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) be faithful with the skills and gifting’s that The Lord has given you. While on campus I have found that more often than not that I tend to have free time every now and again. One of my biggest passions has been football, and I am blessed to have been given this particular talent. Every August to November I have a part-time job coaching football and that has been a venue for The Lord to express His goodness to me. We are blessed differently and possess various abilities. Focus on what you are good at, you may find out it is an avenue to earn a living, as it is in Deuteronomy 8:18 “ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” So be faithful with what the Lord has given you.
Contentment – Finding our scripture for this from 1 Timothy 6:6-11, being content is an essential aspect of financial management. To merely be satisfied with what you’ve been given will save you so much hurt. The scripture says explicitly, some have wandered and pierced themselves, and that is all too evident in this generation. We always want more and more, and our discontentment leads us to do things that end up hurting us. Learn first to say thank you for what you have and be content, you would be surprised how much peace you would actually have.
Apply these principles along with me as we live life on campus. It can be a strain to live without them. Trust God to be faithful as you are faithful.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with very much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?” – Luke 16:10-12
