Upwards Church

Planning is an essential element for any financial program, but it is particularly important for followers of Christ. Too often Christ followers argue whether they should plan at all. Some say that God does not expect us to plan but, rather, to rely on Him for everything. Others say that we should plan every minute of our lives, covering all potential circumstances and situations. These plans are so inflexible that they no longer responsive to God’s leading. The answer lies somewhere between the two.

Getting Started with a Plan
The first place to start is to develop a change of attitude.¹ This attitude must be founded on the premise that God owns it all and we are only managers of what He has entrusted to us to manage. Therefore this plan must be according to God’s directives, His principles, and His convictions. By maintaining this type of relationship, there will be little temptation to make financial decisions instantly (or before praying and thinking about the decision) or to become involved in get-rich-quick schemes.

Next, the plans must be flexible. Do not make plans that are totally dependent on financial increases. Sometimes God’s will is accomplished by a loss rather than a gain. Practice patience. Nevertheless, don’t change plans just because somebody else encourages a change from the developed plan.

The plan needs to be written. A written plan provides a visible and objective standard to work toward, and it will help measure progress better and keep the plan on track. An example of a written plan is a family budget. A budget shows where the family is financially, how much the family is currently spending, and how much the family can spend according to the current income. Very few, if any, families with financial difficulties have a written plan.

The primary ingredients necessary to develop a plan are goals. Plans are generally divided into short-range plans, which are centered around short-range goals, and long-range plans, which are centered around long-range goals.

Short-Range Plans
Short-range plans are those that happen daily and require attention today. Short-range plans are basically day-to-day occurrences. Included in this day-to-day schedule should be some sort of plan for paying bills. In order to develop a short-range plan, five short-range goals should be considered:

1. Excellence. God wants us, as Christ followers, to excel at whatever we do to the best of our ability. We can excel at whatever we do daily, without egotism, and expect excellence as part of our daily goals.
2. Limit credit. A part of every short-range plan is to limit and curtail the use of credit. God’s best is to adopt a cash-only policy. This doesn’t mean that Christ followers shouldn’t ever use credit cards, but they should use them wisely, always keeping the balance current. The first time the credit card balance extends beyond the month-long, no-interest period, the cards should be destroyed.
3. Set personal family goals. Establish goals relative to the family’s relationship with God and His directives, not what friends, relatives, and neighbors suggest or ask. There are limitless ways to lose money; one of the best is through bad advice given by those the family trusts.
4. Work to honor God. The following are a few questions that Christ followers must answer if their work is to honor God. 1.  Will my daily actions be a witness for Christ? ^2. Can I do my work and honor God? ^3. Am I helping others violate principles that I believe? ⁴ Am I providing a service or simply satisfying an ambition? “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9).
5. Establish sharing. Because the tithe is a material testimony to a spiritual commitment, one of the first goals a Christian family should establish is to tithe the first part of their income.

Long-range plans
In addition to short-range planning, Christ followers need to develop long-range plans and visualize their long-range financial objectives. Not every Christ followers will be wealthy; nor should everyone be wealthy. But everyone has a responsibility to plan well, to have good sound objectives, and to operate according to God’s principles. In order to develop long-range plans, four long-range goals should be considered:

1. Set a maximum goal. Families should have a goal of the maximum amount that they want to accumulate. Then once a maximum goal is established, peer approval will cease to be important, and the truth of Proverbs 11:28 will be more apparent: “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.”
2. Have a surplus plan. There should be some specific goals developed for the use of surplus funds that God provides. How much should be returned to the work of the Lord? How much should be invested? How much should be set aside for children’s wants? Establish a surplus plan now, while the opportunity and the capability exist. Do not count on future income or future events.
3. Obey God’s principles. In formulating long-range plans, pay specific attention to obeying God’s principles. Be honest. Never allow the family to be trapped into anything that is unethical, immoral, or dishonest, no matter how inviting it seems. Precondition attitudes so that when the opportunity arises the family will not take advantage of an unfortunate situation but, rather, will show compassion and will do as Christ would do. God also demands obedience to the law of the land, especially tax laws.  
4. Develop a family plan. Christ followers must establish long-range family plans that include family goals that focus on financial priorities, long-range giving goals, education goals for children, estate and family provision goals in case of death, and retirement goals. In addition, there should be a family contingency plan in the event wealth is accumulated faster than anticipated or is lost due to unforeseen disaster.

Conclusion
God is an orderly provider and expects His people also to be orderly. The physical world we live in is not chaotic but is orderly and well planned because God is in control. Finances are just another aspect of the Christ follower’s life that God wants to manage. If we are stewards and God is the owner, then it is His wisdom upon which we must rely. His wisdom is best revealed through regular communication with Him and the study of His Word.

Sources:

1. Larry Burkett, “Answers to Your Questions About Debt and Credit,” Christian Financial Concepts, 1999, p. 7
2. Larry Burkett, “A Guide to Family Budgeting,” Christian Financial Concepts, 1999, p. 2
3. Larry Burkett, “A Guide to Family Budgeting,” Christian Financial Concepts, 1999, pp. 3-4
4. Larry Burkett, Your Finances in Changing Times, Moody, 1975, pp. 77-79
5. Larry Burkett, Your Finances in Changing Times, Moody, 1975, pp. 80-84
6. Larry Burkett, Biblical Principles Under Scrutiny, “Financial Honesty,” Christian Financial Concepts, 1988

Special thanks to Nelson Searcy Coaching for helping me to develop this resource. You may check his web site at www.churchleaderinsight.com

Darrell

www.ridgefellowship.com

Christ followers can best make financial decisions according to God’s plan for their lives by understanding His directives for their lives. Every decision requires a thorough understanding of God’s attitudes, and that understanding comes from studying God’s Word and communicating with Him. If Believers never ask God’s direction regarding investments of financial decisions, they will never receive an answer. There are some specific principles that Believers need to consider when making financial decisions: avoid speculation, keep finances current, keep Christian witness, give—do not loan, never cosign, avoid indulgence, prepare for decreases, and let peace rule.

Avoid Speculation
Believers should seek God’s increase rather than trying to increase their financial worth through speculative schemes. Many times enticing programs and “guaranteed” money-making schemes are not only unethical but border on being illegal. They must assess every so-called opportunity with their relationship with Christ and not let others make financial decisions for them. Instead, every decision must be made in light of individual goals, whether the venture is necessary, and whether it fits into God’s individual plan for their lives. Precondition attitudes to avoid speculative “opportunities.”

Keep Finances Current
Believers need to always manage their finances on a current basis, making no provision in their financial planning to borrow money beyond their abilities to repay. If what is wanted or desired jeopardizes future financial freedom, forget it. Impulse buying, either investment or consumption, is disastrous to budgets. So, when evaluating purchases or investments, always consider the financial obligation in light of known income or available funds.

Plan for tomorrow by prudence today; make plans in light of present circumstances, not on some future event; and maintain the principle of staying debt free.

Keep a Christ-like Witness
Consider every decision, especially financial decisions, on the basis of its effect on the work and reputation of Christ. Therefore God must not be placed into a financial corner and called on only during a time of economic crisis. To blindly pursue a course without a directive from God and then depend on Him to rectify any resultant financial disasters is not God’s will; nor is it according to His plan. As an example, if one must borrow outside of God’s people in order to remain in His will, beware! This course is not according to His plan. “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave” (Proverbs 22:7).

If Believers deal unfairly or unethically with any individual or any business, then it is the Believers’ witness that will suffer.⁴ Therefore, Believers must establish that, no matter what the circumstances are, they will tell the whole truth, keep their vows, make decisions based on God’s directive and God’s plan, maintain financial honesty, and preserve the integrity of Christ in every aspect of life.

Give—do not loan
Believers should avoid lending to those in need if giving is possible.⁵ If someone approaches a Believer, requesting financial help in order to acquire wants or desires, then that request and justification for the request should be seriously questioned. But if that person is in need and God has directed that he or she is to be helped, it is the Believer’s responsibility to supply that need.

Never Cosign
To cosign means to pledge personal assets against the debt of another. It doesn’t matter whether it is personal or business, Scripture specifically forbids this whenever it speaks of surety or striking of hands.⁶ “My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor, have given a pledge for a stranger, if you have been snared with the words of your mouth, have been caught with the words of your mouth, do this then, my son, and deliver yourself; since you have come into the land of your neighbor, go, humble yourself, and importune your neighbor” (Proverbs 6:1-3). Of all the portions that warn against surety, or cosigning, in Scripture, this seems to be the one that is most explicitly warns against it.

Avoid indulgence
Believers need to learn to discern the difference between needs, wants, and desires in every financial transaction. This applies not only to purchases of material goods but to investments as well. Before buying, determine whether the purchase is a need or desire; then check it against God’s principles. Before investing, determine the reason for investing and what will be done with the money if God blesses with increase.

Many Believers get frustrated because they cannot distinguish between luxuries and necessities. Consequently, they seek fulfillment through the same channels as non-Believers and then wonder why they have fruitless witness for Christ. God wants us to live comfortably, but He does not want us to live lavishly.

Prepare for Decreases
Being prepared for unexpected decreases in funds is a vital part of keeping financially current. Evaluate all financial decisions on the basis of what would happen if there was even a small decrease of income or available funds. Could there be adequate adjustments made to live within new spending parameters without having to go into debt in order to maintain a current lifestyle? Do not operate at the upper limit of income or available funds. Instead, make financial decisions cognizant of the possibility that if there is a sudden drop in income, it may be necessary to reduce current living standards.

Let Peace Rule
Often Believers are not responsive enough to God’s Word or to His presence to hear Him, except through an inner turmoil known as lack of peace. As a last resort, God will use this to provide direction. Accordingly, if He does not give peace, do not get involved.⁷ If a quick decision is required, do not get involved. Take the time to think and to pray about any decision, especially financial decisions that will affect the family, and be determined not to make any financial decision under pressure. “It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it” (Proverbs 10:22).

Conclusion
Become sensitive to God’s guidance by becoming familiar with His directives and leadership procedures, through the study of His Word and by communicating with Him through prayer. He will always provide the right direction for those who seek it. Even when we fail to see the right path clearly in God’s Word or fail to hear Him in prayer, He will never fail to place an unrest or a peace inside that will confirm His preferred course and His will. If we are sensitive, we can usually avoid financial failures and bondage.

Sources:

1. Larry Burkett, Your Finances in Changing Times, Moody, 1975, p. 123
2. Larry Burkett, Biblical Principles Under Scrutiny, “Avoiding Get-Rich-Quick,” Christian Financial Concepts, 1988
3. Larry Burkett, Debt-Free Living, Moody, 1989, p. 100
4. Larry Burkett, Using Your Money Wisely, Moody, 1985, pp. 138-139
5. Larry Burkett, Answers to Your Family’s Financial Questions, Living Books, 1998, p. 101
6. Larry Burkett, Biblical Principles Under Scrutiny, “Surety—What is it?” Christian Financial Concepts, 1986
7. Larry Burkett, Your Finances in Charging Times, Moody, 1975, pp. 127-128

Special thanks to Nelson Searcy Coaching for helping me to develop this resource. You may check his web site at www.churchleaderinsight.com

Darrell

www.ridgefellowship.com

It is not always a lack of money that creates financial pressure. Many times it is simply a matter of attitude. If there is a right attitude toward money, freedom from financial bondage can be assured. God did not say that money and material things were problems; money is neither good nor bad. It is the use of money and the attitude toward money that is the problem. Therefore, Jesus regularly warned His followers to guard their hearts against greed, ego, and pride, because Satan can control God’s people with these emotional tools. In the area of finances, God’s people are extremely vulnerable. As such, they need to be encouraged to follow the necessary steps that will ensure money management according to God’s plan, thus assuring financial freedom.

Transfer Ownership
God has designated the most difficult step, transfer of ownership, as the first step. Once this has been accomplished, all other steps will fall into place.¹

As believers, God expects that all possessions be transferred to Him. But since we can’t literally place everything into His hands, this transfer becomes an act of faith. In essence, it means accepting the fact that God owns it all. Transferring ownership to God means that God owns all that we consider ours: clothes, car, home, family, income, debts, present, and future. Once ownership is transferred, God can begin to lead out of debt and into financial freedom. We then become stewards and managers of what belongs to Him.

So, if God is the owner of everything in our life, He can be trusted to change unhealthy spending habits (especially the abuse of credit cards) that cause debt, anxiety, and fear of the future. The key to maintaining this relationship is to properly understand the definition of stewardship. A steward is someone who manages the property of another. As His stewards, we are responsible for managing His property in a way that will please Him.² God will not force His will on us, but if we realize our responsibility and transfer everything to Him, He will keep His promise and provide for each and every need. The first step in achieving financial freedom is to realize that since God is in complete control, all that we are, do, have or ever will have must be transferred to Him.

Get Out and Stay out of Debt
There are many ways to get into debt but only one sure way to get out and stay out of debt: self-discipline.

Regardless of income, disciplined debt elimination is mandatory in order for a money management plan that keeps Believers out of debt to function properly. Proverbs 27:12 says, “A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, the naive proceed and pay the penalty.”

Debt can best be eliminated by following these steps:

1. Transfer ownership of every possession to God (Psalms 8:6, Deuteronomy 5:32-33);
2. Allow no more debt, including bank and personal loans, and cut up all credit cards if unable to pay them off each month (Proverbs 24:3);
3. Develop a realistic balanced budget that will allow every creditor to receive as much as possible monthly (Proverbs 16:9);
4. Start retiring the debt (Psalms 37:21, Proverbs 3:27-28), beginning with the smallest debt first. Once the smallest is paid off, put all the money on the next, and so on. Generally speaking, if these steps are followed, the average family will be debt free in less than five years and the problem that caused the debt in the first place could very well have been corrected. ³

In order to stay out of debt, two steps need to be followed.

1. Develop a written plan of all expenditures in order of importance. Determine whether the expenditure or purchase is a need (basic necessities such as food, clothing, and housing), a want (things that make life easier, such as more expensive clothes, or a new tech device, or a desire (more expensive wants, such as designer clothes, a new car or a larger TV).
2. Open a savings account and get in the habit of putting something into the savings account regularly, perhaps every week or every month. The amount of deposit is not nearly as important as the consistency in making a deposit. This savings can then be used for specific purchases or emergencies, rather than making these purchases on credit.

Establish a Tithe
Every believer needs to give something back to God as a testimony to God’s ownership. A tithe is the portion of our income that we give to God and to God’s work. It should be the first part. “Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce” (Proverbs 3:9). Tithe means “tenth.” This is the amount most Believers use as a guide for tithing. It’s through sharing that God’s power in finances is brought into focus. “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). ⁵

Accept God’s provision
In order to maintain true financial peace, we must recognize and accept that God’s provision—all that He gives—is what He has provided to direct our lives. Many Believers are under the impression that God directs financially only by an abundance of money. This is not necessarily true. Sometimes He directs by withholding financial abundance As such, He expects His people to live on what He provides and not be pressured by the desire for riches and material possessions.

Put others first
Believers seeking financial freedom must always be willing to put other people first. “Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:9-10). It is not God’s plan for us to get ahead in the world at the expense of another. Their welfare must be considered. “Do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).

Avoid Indulgence
Unfortunately, most believers in America are self-indulgers, rarely passing up a want or desire, much less a need. To achieve financial freedom, indulgences and the tendency to spend more than what can be afforded on things that are not needed must be avoided.⁶ Indulgence is greed. “But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints” (Ephesians 5:3).

Avoid Snap Decisions
Avoid impulse spending, get-rich-quick schemes, and other financial decisions made through intimidation. “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5). The best way to avoid these traps is to pray about each purchase, each financial decision, and each opportunity that is intended to produce extra income—especially if the decision will affect the family’s financial welfare. “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7).⁷

Conclusion
Most believers have an upside-down view of money. They feel that the money they have is theirs and that God’s money is the portion that they give to the church. But God has a different view. As Lord, God, and King, He owns everything—including the money that we claim as our own. As such, He has clear ideas of how He wants His people to function and to make use of His possessions—ideas that result in financial freedom for His people, if they are followed step by step.

Sources:

1. Larry Burkett, Money Management for College Students, Moody, 1998, p. 28
2. Larry Burkett, “Giving and Tithing,” Christian Financial Concepts, 1999, p. 2
3. Larry Burkett, “Debt and Credit,” Christian Financial Concepts, 1999, pp. 6-8
4. Larry Burkett, Making Ends Meet, Christian Financial Concepts, 1997, pp. 15-16
5. Larry Burkett, Your Finances in Changing Times, Moody, 1975, pp. 119-120
6. Larry Burkett, Money Management for College Students, Moody, 1998, p. 30
7. Larry Burkett, Debt-Free Living, Moody, 1989, pp. 97-100

Special thanks to Nelson Searcy Coaching for helping me to develop this resource. You may check his web site at www.churchleaderinsight.com

Darrell

www.ridgefellowship.com

Money is neither good nor bad: it is merely a medium of exchange. It is the misuse and abuses of money that cause the problems. Because God is so good, He uses money and for our benefit in several different ways.

1. God uses money to strengthen our trust in Him. It is often through money that God can clearly and objectively show us that He is in total control, if we will trust Him and accept our positions as stewards and managers of His possessions (see Matthew 6:32-33).
2. God uses money to develop our trustworthiness. This principle is important because our lives generally revolve around making, spending, saving, and using money. If He can trust us with money, then He can trust us with greater responsibilities and His true riches (see Luke 16:11).
3. God uses money to prove His love. Scripture tells us that God assumes the responsibility of providing the basic necessities for everyone who trusts in Him (see Matthew 7:11). By transferring all money to Him, He many times uses money to meet those necessities of life.
4. God uses money to demonstrate His faithfulness. Moses reminded Israel that it was God who would give them the power to make wealth. Our security is in God, not our bank accounts. Discovering His faithfulness though financial needs encourages reliance on Him.
5. God uses money to unite Christ followers in blessings. God will use the abundance of one Christ follower to supply the needs of another. Surplus money in our lives has been given by God for the purpose of helping those who are in need.
6. God uses money to provide direction. There is probably no way God can direct our lives more meticulously than through the abundance or lack of money. Too often we believe God directs our lives through the abundance of money, but He also will lead us down His directed path by withholding money.
7. God uses money to cultivate self-control. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control, a key aspect of successful money management.
8. God uses money to clarify spiritual maturity. Many temptations clamor for a Christ followers’ attention. A great deal can be learned about our personal character and spiritual maturity by noticing how we handle money and determine financial priorities.

Areas in which God does not use money
Just like there are several ways in which God uses money for our benefit, there are several areas in which God never uses money to influence our lives.

1. God never uses money to worry us. If Christ followers are worried, frustrated, and upset about money, God is not in control. God said that wealth without worry is His plan for our lives. In addition, He promises to meet the needs of those who trust in Him (see Matthew 6:25).
2. God never uses money to corrupt us. Many Christ followers have fallen into Satan’s trap and are being corrupted. Christ followers whose financial life is characterized by greed, ego, deceit, and other worldly snares are at enmity with God and His plan.
3. God never uses money to build egos. Frequently, Christ followers are trapped by financial ego in that they use money in an attempt to build self-worth and ego. However, in Christ all are financially equal because all wealth will pass away. What will remain will be those things that have been laid up in heaven—the true wealth.
4. God never allows money to enable us to be wasteful. God does not expect His people to live in poverty; however, He also does not endorse lavishness. Surplus is provided so that God’s work can be funded and those in need can be helped. If the surplus is hoarded or wasted on lavishness rather than used for His plan and purpose, chances are the surplus will be removed.

Conclusion
God offers countless financial principles, intended to make our lives meaningful, because He’s interested in us and how we earn and spend money. Once we understand how God uses money and why He chooses to use it in a particular way, we generally become more familiar with His plans and purposes for our lives and are able to recognize and comprehend His directives.

1. Larry Burkett, Your Finances in Changing Times, Moody, 1975, p. 43
2. http://www.crosswalk.com/family/finances/559178.html
3. Larry Burkett, Your Finances in Changing Times, Moody, 1975, pp. 45-47

Special thanks to Nelson Searcy Coaching for helping me to develop this resource. You may check his web site at www.churchleaderinsight.com

Darrell

www.ridgefellowship.com