Category: finances

Money Matters

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STEWARDING WHAT YOU GOT & WHAT PEOPLE WANT

Money can be a complicating factor in life and ministry in the mission field. It isn’t a thing to be avoided or overemphasized. Money matters are fundamentally matters of discipleship, stewardship, and witness in the mission field.

Under the dim glow of a single lightbulb in his small guesthouse room, Daniel sat with the envelope on the table — money inside, the “fee” the customs officer had hinted at to release the shipment of supplies. He had prayed for weeks for these boxes filled with antibiotics, water filters, and bandages meant for refugees. Now, one signature and a discreet payment could send healing by morning — or compromise everything he stood for. The fan above him whirred like a restless conscience. Was it corruption to grease the wheels of mercy, or pride to let the suffering wait? In the silence, Daniel bowed his head and whispered, “Lord, show me which act honors You most — obedience or outcome.”

BIBLICAL REFLECTION ON MONEY MATTERS

For those serving among the unreached, money is not just a resource but a spiritual tool. A missionary’s financial life—from fundraising to budgeting to giving—is a visible testimony to the gospel. Understanding money through a biblical lens ensures that financial practices bring glory to God, foster sustainability, and build the worker’s integrity.

God is the Owner, and We are Stewards. God is Creator of everything and King of everything, and therefore the ultimate Owner of everything (Psalm 24:1, 1 Corinthians 10:26). Whatever we think we own actually originates with God and is only temporarily entrusted to us. We are called to be stewards—managers and trustees—of the resources, time, talents, and relationships God has given us (1 Peter 4:10). We are simply to use what God gives us for His purposes, share what God gives us with those in need (Luke 12:48, Acts 20:35), and care for what God has given us  (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 16:1-13).

Money is a Means of Discipleship and Stewardship. The way a missionary earns, spends, saves, and gives reveals the true condition of their heart. Money is not separate from the spiritual walk; it is a measure of faithfulness.

  • Stewardship to God: All resources originate with God and are entrusted to us temporarily. Stewardship comes from the Greek word oikonomos, which means to manage the affairs of a household, or in other words, work. Our role is to grow in managing what we receive or give for His glory. (1 Chronicles 29:11-12; 1 Corinthians 4:2)
  • Opportunities for Discipleship. Money matters can lead to several discipleship opportunities, such as giving (2 Corinthians 9:7), generosity (Proverbs 11:25), honesty (Proverbs 12:22), responsibility (Luke 16:10-12), and more.
  • Money Matters reveal Heart Matters: They can show care, generosity, freedom, and compassion. Money can also reveal idols and distractions. God does not condemn money, but rather those who put their trust in it. When our pursuit of wealth or our reliance on financial security outweighs our trust in God, we elevate money to a position it was never meant to hold. This can lead to anxiety, greed, and a focus on earthly possessions rather than eternal treasures. (1 Timothy 6:10; Matthew 6:24; Proverbs 11:28; Luke 16:11)
  • God Rewards faithful stewardship. Faithful stewards who use the Master’s resources to do His will can expect a reward, partially on earth but fully in the life to come. The ultimate pioneer hope is to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21)

Money Matters Call for Integrity and Accountability. In contexts often plagued by corruption, the missionary’s financial integrity is paramount to the credibility of the gospel. Adherence to biblical ethical standards, even when it is costly, distinguishes the Kingdom of God from the kingdoms of the world.

  • Accountability and Transparency: As recipients of external support, missionaries must live above reproach, ensuring their reporting is truthful and accurate to honor those who give sacrificially. (2 Corinthians 8:21)
  • Integrity requires wisdom in navigating cultural practices, such as bribery or excessive gifting, which may compromise the missionary’s witness. (Proverbs 13:17; 28:20)

Money is a Part of the Mission Strategy. Money, when used strategically, must promote the sustainability of the local church and local ministry efforts, not long-term reliance on foreign funding. The goal is to establish churches that can manage and fund their own mission.

  • Empowering Local Leaders: Financial resources should be deployed to equip and train local leaders to handle ministry responsibilities, finances, and resources, moving them away from dependency and toward sustainability. (Ephesians 4:12)
  • Modeling Giving and Generosity: Missionaries must model self-sacrificial generosity without creating a culture where locals only follow Christ for material gain. True giving springs from joy and love, not obligation. (Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:7)
  • Modeling Self-Sufficiency: Though Paul affirmed the right to support, he often chose to work a trade (tentmaking) to avoid burdening new, struggling churches or to counter cultural accusations of greed. Pioneer missionaries may need to adopt a self-supporting role to maintain credibility. (Acts 20:34)

More and More, We are People who become Characterized by Generous Sharing and Sacrificial Giving. Jesus followers commit to both sharing and giving because it promotes relationships and breaks the bondage of possessiveness. The Western doctrine of personal property is imperfect and needs to be tempered with the value of generosity and sacrifice. We also aim to give as often and as generously as we can. In sharing what we have with others, we demonstrate that God is the true owner and that we are only stewards in His vineyard. We will also give because in giving we destroy the grip of materialism over our hearts, because we release the resource, wealth, or possession completely into the control of another. For that reason, we will pursue relentless generosity and the holding of all things in common. (Malachi 3:10, Matthew 25:40, Luke 3:11, Acts 2:43, 4:32, 20:35, 2 Corinthians 8:7, 13; 9:10-13, Ephesians 4:28, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, 1 Timothy 6:18, 1 John 3:17)

Generosity and Good Stewardship are the DNA of a Healthy and Growing Church. The giving of self and resources, the sacrifices, and sharing among one another are necessary to empower the mission to expand beyond itself. Observe the example of the early church (Acts 4):

  • The church nurtured relationships of love and trust (v.32).
  • They shared voluntarily, not by force (v.32).
  • They embodied an ethos of grace, not law (v.33).
  • They taught all that was commanded (v.33).
  • Their leaders set an example of generosity (vs.4:36-37).
  • They were free to give, but in a spirit of honesty (5:1-10).
  • They had spiritual servants who distributed fairly (6:1-7).

Discernment is Needed when Handing Bribes and Begging. The concepts of bribery and begging are generally viewed negatively.

  • Bribery: The Bible consistently condemns bribery, portraying it as a perversion of justice and an act that corrupts individuals and systems. It implies an attempt to influence someone’s actions or decisions unfairly, often to gain personal advantage. (Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19; Proverbs 17:23; Ecclesiastes 7:7)
  • Begging: While the Bible does not explicitly condemn begging in all circumstances, it generally promotes hard work, self-sufficiency, and generosity towards the poor, rather than a lifestyle of dependency. The emphasis is on caring for the needy, but also on individuals contributing to their own well-being if capable. (Proverbs 6:10-11; 28:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:10) This is to be balanced with compassion for the poor and needy. (Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Luke 16:19-31)

We are Commanded to Care for the Poor. Care can take many forms. Here are a few Scriptures that missionaries can wrestle with almost daily:

  • “Give to everyone who asks you.” Luke 6:30
  • “They only asked that we would remember the poor, which I had made every effort to do.” Galatians 2:10
  • “If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed,’ but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it?” James 2:15-16

We remember the poor because we believe that God does. God is always on the side of those who have no one on their side. The poor are central to His mission in the world. Jesus’s own ministry is our model. We prioritize the poor in our ministry concern, allocation of resources, and advocacy. We do this, not because the rich and middle class are less important to God, but because they already have access to resources and are able to advocate their own cause. Just as Paul was eager to help the poor, the average missionary is filled with compassion regarding the human tragedy surrounding them and takes action. (Deuteronomy 15:7, 15:11, Psalms 82:3, 140:12, Proverbs 14:31, Isaiah 61:1, Jeremiah 8:21, 22:16, Matthew 11:5, 25:40, Mark 2:17, Luke 4:18, 6:20, 7:22, 14:23, 18:22, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 13, Galatians 2:10)

  • What other Scriptures or biblical aspects come to mind when you consider “money matters”?

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7

IMPORTANCE OF MONEY MATTERS

In pioneer contexts, a missionary’s financial practices are a visible demonstration of their Christian faith. Countries struggling with systemic corruption and scarcity are keenly watching.

Credibility of the Gospel: If a missionary proclaims sacrifice and eternal glory but lives extravagantly or handles funds poorly, their message is undermined. Integrity in finances gives credence that the gospel is real and superior to worldly greed. 

Power in Simplicity: Modeling contentment and freedom from the love of money acts as a powerful counter-cultural witness in a society driven by material need.

Preventing Dependency: Misusing funds to solve all local problems (creating “rice Christians”) or failing to train locals in financial management creates a church that relies on foreign funds, not the Holy Spirit. Stewardship ensures funds are used to empower and equip, not to enable perpetual need.

Holistic Discipleship: The missionary is responsible for teaching believers how to handle money, work with integrity, and practice generosity from a heart of worship. This transforms their whole view of life and work.

Focus on Relationship Over Transaction. The gospel is about presence, not payments. Spend time visiting, listening, and praying with neighbors, even when no money is involved. Keeps relationships grounded in love and respect, not financial expectation.

Create Boundaries That Reflect Love, Not Guilt. Boundaries are not selfish — they are sustainable love. We might prayerfully decide on a monthly amount or type of help she offers (e.g., food support, not cash).

Grow in Honesty and Consistency. Transparency protects relationships. Explain clearly what you can and cannot do.

Creative Empowerment. Instead of giving handouts repeatedly, look for ways to strengthen people’s capacity to provide for themselves. Instead of paying school fees directly, one could help organize a small community savings group or scholarship fund managed locally. Builds dignity, trust, and long-term solutions.

Heart Transformation: Financial discipleship is a direct battle against greed, worry, and materialism. It is a vital tool for sanctification in the life of both the missionary and the local convert.

In short, for the pioneer missionary, grace, integrity, and discipleship in money matters determine not just the success of their projects, but the health and authenticity of the local church they leave behind.

Grow Aware of Foreign Perspectives on Money. Missionaries must recognize that their Western financial systems (accountability, efficiency, fundraising) often clash with local cultural norms, which can sabotage the mission if not handled with wisdom and humility.

Western PerspectiveMajority World PerspectiveMissional Impact
Accountability: Detailed reports, receipts, and budgeting are moral imperatives.Relationship/Patronage: Financial transactions are based on relational trust and honor, not just paper. Asking for itemized receipts may signal distrust.Risk of Offense: Insisting on strict, Western-style accountability can offend local dignity or be seen as judging a ‘gift’ economy by ‘contract’ standards.
Sustainability: The Goal is indigenous funding; foreign aid must stop.Dependency/Patality: Foreign funds may be viewed as the expected due of a wealthy benefactor or a stable resource that will always be available.Risk of Dependency: Foreign money can create “rice Christians” who follow for material benefit, or it can disempower locals from utilizing their own resources.
“No Bribes”: All unofficial payments are inherently unethical.“Facilitation Fees”: Small payments may be considered customary “tips in advance” or necessary supplements to government officials’ meager salaries.Ethical Dilemmas: Refusing all local customs deemed “corrupt” can end legitimate ministry (e.g., getting a visa); paying them compromises integrity. Pioneers must discern the difference between a facilitating payment and malicious extortion.

The pioneer missionary must continually seek the Spirit’s guidance (James 1:5) to steward resources justly, empower local believers financially, and ensure that their entire financial life—from raising support to using it—is a clear witness to the trustworthy character of Christ.

PRAYER ACTION

Consider the Scriptures you cling to above. Consider money. Write a prayer for the kind of person you want to be when handling money matters on the mission field.

REFLECTIONS ON BUILDING A PRACTICAL MINI-THEOLOGY OF MONEY MATTERS

Take some time to prayerfully draft your practical mini-theology of “money and stewardship” by responding to these questions:

  • What is the role of a steward? What does it look like to steward what you’ve got? What does it look like to steward what other people want?

example: God is… We are the kind of people who… It is most like us/me to… We/I will… We/I hold to…

  • How do I handle the cultural expectation of endless generosity from foreigners (the perception that “money solves every problem”)? How can I provide loving, sustainable solutions (like skills training or micro-loans) instead of enabling dependency? Where do you feel the most pressure regarding money right now?  If others saw how you handle finances, would they see a clear model of sacrificial generosity and biblical stewardship? 
  • When approached for a bribe or excessive fee, what are my pre-determined spiritual and practical boundaries? How will I respond in a way that honors God’s justice without unnecessarily endangering my life or ministry?
  • Once you finish, share your responses with your mentor. Ask for feedback. Adjust your draft as needed.
  • Complete a one-page practical mini-theology.

RESOURCES FOR GOING DEEPER:

thumb licks [7.4.12]

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When Are We Going to Grow Up? The Juvenilization of American Christianity.

How big is the Universe? BIG! (check out this infographic).

One indispensable rule for using social media.

Cheesiest man cave. If I weren’t a Christian, I might be this man.

16 Ways to find a wife according to the Bible.

How cereal transformed American Culture.

Dirty Car slide show. Car wash lately?

Jarrod Dyson, Rollie Fingers, and How We View the World.

Get rich slow. Biblical bean counting.

Generous Testimony.

thumb licks [8.16.11]

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Can We Be Good without God?

Yes, of course.  But can you explain what morality is and where it comes from without God? That’s the key problem for an atheist worldview.  Craig Hazen explains in this Biola Magazine article.  Here’s the conclusion…

How the Gospel Makes Us Generous and Content with Our Money

I’m afraid the framing of this discussion leads us to ask the wrong questions. Like the junior high boy who wonders how “far is too far” with his girlfriend, we are quickly caught up in questions about how rich is too rich, how poor is too poor, and the like. Where is the line?

Letter to an Incomplete, Insecure Teenager

Four years ago a teenager church wrote pastor Piper for advice about life in general, and identity in particular. Here is what he wrote, with a big dose of autobiography for illustration…

Marriage: The Happy, Holy, Beautiful Mess

Ever hear the old adage: “Marriage isn’t primarily intended for your happiness, but for your holiness?” Well, it’s true and it’s a glorious thing.The growing in holiness part doesn’t always seem blissful. But it means that God isn’t finished with you yet, either. The purpose and hope in marriage isn’t defined by you or your spouse, but by God.

Paul’s Downward Trajectory

Paul refers to himself numerous times as worth “imitating” when it comes to spiritual growth and maturity (1 Cor. 4:16, 11:1; Phil. 3:17, 4:19; 1 Thess. 1:6; and 2 Thess. 3:7, 9). What do we see when we look to Paul as an example? He makes three significant statements about himself throughout his years in ministry that are helpful insights into his view of spiritual growth.

Spiritual Depression [D. Martyn Lloyd Jones]

thumb lick thursday [5.5.11]

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What if I have a conflict with my spouse Sunday morning before church?

I wish I could answer this from a hypothetical perspective.  I cannot.  In fact, I have fresh experience from which to write this post. There are significant implications for the pastor and his wife who have a conflict that goes unresolved leading into the Sunday morning service.  Ours started on a Saturday night.  In a rare moment in our marriage, the hurt and frustration went unresolved and carried over into Sunday morning.  We drove to church still struggling.  We both chose not to go to Sunday school, but to go off separately to think, pray, and try to figure out how we each contributed to this rare circumstance of lingering conflict.

How Are Mac & PC People Different?

In an infographic that’s bound to cause arguments and perhaps fistfights, researchers at Hunch placed data from about 700,000 of its website visitors onto a deep illustration that shows just how different users of Macs and PCs are. They came up with interesting correlations between users’ chosen computing platforms and their demographics and personalities, as well as tastes in food, fashion and media.

The 4 P’s of Business

Many Christians inhabit the world of business, a realm that pastors frequently berate and misunderstand. There are dilemmas faced in the business world that go unnoticed by other Christians. This post is a sermon on business ethics from Proverbs that touched on some of those issues. It is structured around four priorities of business and a concise vision for business ethics.

DA Carson on Biblical Exegesis

Trail Guide: a global journey for God’s Glory

extreme makeover: work edition

Posted in Ephesians, finances, leadership, serving, workTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

The Seven Dwarfs vs. The Office

Millions of viewers enjoy watching the popular television show The Office. Could it be the show is much like a real life office? How does Dunder Mifflin make any money when so many people are not doing any work? The Office is full of characters that do not take their work Monday through Friday seriously. Sadly, TGIF is the norm for many workers who are gravely dissatisfied with work. With hopes of summer vacations, relaxing weekends, 401K’s, and early retirement.

Then there is the American workaholic who thinks their hard work will some how bring them happiness, identity, or merit with God. Like one of the Seven Dwarfs [except Grumpy] whistling joyfully while working, “Hi, ho, hi, ho it’s off to work we go.” The average American works 40 hours a week, which means they will work over 100,000 hours in their lifetime. Work is not a savior, status symbol, or a means to gain acceptance with God. If you stand before God one day He will not let you in because you were on Forbes 500 list, nor will He keep you out of heaven because you lived below the poverty line.

God does care about your work, primarily the way you work and who you work for. In Ephesians 6:5-9, Paul gives our workplace an extreme makeover. He challenges both the employee and the employer [i.e. student and teacher] with a new motivation for our work. God cares about your work and rewards your faithful service. Here is how Jesus can transform the way you work:

Jesus gives your work a greater purpose [Ephesians 6:5-6]

What do these verses have to do with work? A current application of the slave and master relationship is the work environment of worker and boss [or student and teacher]. It is interesting the Bible never denounces slavery, but it does give a new look at the slave and master relationship. According to many estimates over half of the people in the Roman Empire in Jesus’ day was a slave. Slavery then was not about cracking whips, trading ships, and inhumane treatment; rather slavery was a means of work to pay off debt and it did not last longer than 7-years. There was a level of respect and care within the relationship of a slave and his master.

How does Christ give you are greater purpose for your work? First, obeying your earthly authorities reflects of upon your obedience of God’s authority. Jesus obeyed His Father because He had a holy sense of awe and respect for His authority. He had fear, not out of potential punishment, but God’s provision. In this passage is a deliberate word plan between master and Lord [Grk: kurios]. Biblically, every man and woman born into the world is a slave [cf. Romans 6]. In Christ, you are a slave to righteousness and a steward of your God-give life.

Second, Jesus helps you to work with wholehearted sincerity, integrity, purity, humility, and loyalty. To be wholehearted means you work well even when your authority is not looking. That is what is meant when Paul goes on to say, “obey your bosses not only to win their favor when their eye is upon you.” What is eye service? It is to fear the opinion of man rather than God. Fearing God is always more important because His authority trumps any man’s authority.

Be careful how you walk around and talk about your boss [or teachers]. I often counsel with parents who have children that do not respect their parent’s authority. I often ask the parents how they talk about their boss, parents, President, and authorities from the dinner table. Often disrespectful parents breed disrespectful children by the way they communicate about their authorities behind their backs.

Third, Jesus encourages you when you are tempted to view your work as futile and meaningless. He gives you the courage to keep on and persevere. Many would rather quit, drop out, or give up. Some think of work as a curse [Genesis 3] and vanity [Ecclesiastes], which is true to some extent, but Christ gives you a greater purposes for your work. Do not get your theology of work from the Fall, rather get it from Creation.

Fourth, Jesus encourages when you are tempted to view work as self-center quest for success rather than a sacrifice or service towards others and God. God gets the glory for any gracious success you happen to accumulate. Treasures of earth are miniscule compared to those of heaven. Seek first the kingdom of God, rather than building your own kingdom or corporate castle.

Jesus gives your work a greater purpose. This is the will of God for your work. You please your boss and God by doing your work and doing it well. A great question to ask when you work is: how would Jesus do your same job?

Commit to work for God as your first boss [Ephesians 6:7]

Work is an act of worship. It is not just a job. The way you work reflects on the one you worship. As you serve your boss you also serve God. How is work an act of worship? If you work with humility and integrity you are reflecting the character of Christ and therefore shining the gospel through the way you serve. Your work is an opportunity to shine the gospel.

How you know if you love your work more than God? Is your work an idol? Do you treasure the Lord more than your money, power or success? Have you lost your passion for work or ministry because you think it is work? People say, “Pastor, it is easy for you to love your work and honor your boss because you work for God. You don’t know my boss. He is not God!” It is as if they think there is a distinction between secular and sacred work. However, there is no separation between secular and sacred work—all work is sacred. All work is for God.

Working for God has great rewards [Ephesians 6:8]

The reward in work is not earning a sweet home with fancy car, summer vacations to the beach, golfing on the weekends, socializing with the big-shots, building a huge pension to retire on, patting the portfolio, living it up with a life of leisure or luxury. If this is the reward you desire for your work you will be sorely dissatisfied.

What is your reward for working with God as your primary authority? The reward has now and later benefits. In the future, your reward is related to your inheritance in Christ according to your faithfulness to Him [cf.5:5-6].[1] Today, your reward is Christlikeness, which blesses those working around you.[2] Both slave and free will face the same strict judgment.[3]

I am certainly grateful that people work to serve others. Think of all the farmers, bakers, deliverer, and retailers that help get your food to your table. Think of all the nurses, doctors, surgeons, and pharmacists who help keep you healthy. Think of all the servicemen, policemen, firemen, judges, attorneys, and government officials who help protect your rights and freedoms. Every person plays a role in serving one another. Your work is a blessing to another person. Work is a fulfillment of Christ command to love your neighbor and love your God with all your heart, soul and mind. Work is a gift from God, and it keeps on giving as you faithful follow Him.

For Bosses: reflect God in the way you care for your workers [Ephesians 6:9]

God is impartial [Romans 2:11; Galatians 3:25], therefore bosses must not be impartial with their employees [James 2:1-13]. What “same things” should masters do for their servants? [All the above] Employees are to be treated with respect and honor because they are servants of God. Bosses are to serve those who serve them for this can influence those they serve them for good—modeling Christlikeness.

In summary, work is a great place to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Jesus wants to redeem your work. Remember your work is an act of worship that shines the glory of God and His gospel through the way you work. Jesus can transform the way you work by giving you a greater purpose. Make God your first boss for the rewards of working for God are great. The way you work reflects upon God. Therefore, don’t waste your work. Instead of feeling guilty that you are not “doing more for God” view all your work, studies, and ministry as a means to do more for God.

For more resources on the gospel and your work:

1. Check out Bill Streger’s blog who gives additional insight from Colossians 3:22-25: The Gospel and your work. Jesus gives our work new expectancy, new passion, and new character.

2. Answer: What two reasons does Proverbs 10:4-5 give for working hard at your job? What does 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 say are the effects of a good work ethic? What does 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 say about doing your work with diligence? What does 1 Timothy 6:1-2 say imply about the relationship between a believing employee and believing employer? What does James 5:1-6 say about the dangers of success?

[1] Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 2:6; Colossians 3:24-25

[2] Cf. Matthew 10:41-42, 16:27; Colossians 3:24; Revelation 22:12

[3] Cf. Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11; 1 Corinthians 12:13

in marriage, money matters

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Yesterday, I found $20,000.00 in Costa Rica Colones [about $40 in US cash] in my pocket. I laughed out loud. Not only is it useless in the US, but I could have used it 4 months ago while Sarah and I were on our honeymoon. You see, when Sarah and I were leaving Costa Rica we were unaware that they had a departure tax. We spent most of our spending cash before getting to the airport so that we would not have to exchange it back to US dollars. The tax was about $40 US dollars. After looking through our bags for about an hour we found $34 and still needed more. The ATM’s would not take our cards and the departure flight was getting close to leaving. We praise the Lord for providing a stranger who gave us $6 to get the tax cleared. We were in such a pickle that Sarah was about to sell off her iPod for extra cash!

The truth is, money related issues in marriage can draw a husband and wife closer together. Can you be serious, money brings about intimacy in marriage?  Yes. Stats say that money issues are one of the leading causes of divorce.  I believe financial tension in relationships can be improved if they follow through with a few communicative principles:

Pray for wisdom. Not many couples invite God into their financial lives.  God wants to be involved with the money in marriage.  Marriage is always a joint relationship between husband, wife, and God. Pray that God to guide you in how he wants the funds earned, used, and distributed. Release control of your money and give God control (James1:5).

Be Partners. Marriage is is no longer two “me’s” but not a “we.” (Genesis 2:24) In the one-ship of marriage couples lose their individual identity. This includes finances both what comes in and goes out of the home. From now on we are in this financial situation together and we have an equal responsibility and an equal opportunity.

Set clear goals. Not clear as mud, but crystal clear. Setting goals is not just about finances, but it is about all things in life. It is having a plan for life. In other words, it is having a vision for the future. Where do you want to be?  What do you want to be doing? Goal setting is where a husband and wife look at each other and say, “Where do we want to be in 5 years? In 10 years? In 15 years?”  Finances fit into this plan (Proverbs 15:22).

Unity. One flesh equals one bank account. It doesn’t matter who earns it. Some couples think that the one who earns the money spends the money or dictates how it ought to be spent, rather respect your unique contributions to the home.  As the husband I bring in the majority of the paycheck, but my wife, she runs the home. What’s mine is hers and what is hers is mine (1 Corinthians 7:4). We do have separate savings accounts, which we use to purchase gifts for each other on occasions. Give up the insignificant things of life so that you can gain the greater reward of a unified marriage (Philippians 2:4).

Divide and Conquer. Money management takes time, energy, knowledge, and wisdom.  One of the common complaints about the money in marriage is the burden of so many responsibilities and commitments. Couples are forced to decide who will take care of the different tasks related to personal finances. Some things that might work are making a listtogether of all the jobs related to personal finances [i.e. balancing the check book, paying bills, retirement options, investment, etc.] and choose together the jobs you would enjoy doing, then get to work.

Set a budget and stick to it. A budget represents the small goals you meet along the way to achieving your ultimate goals. Once the budget is set it is important that you track your progress.  The best way is to meet together regularly [once a month or every 3 months] to communicate how it is working. Either spouse can call or schedule a family pow-wow. Our goal is on a Monday once a month to sit for a few minutes to walk through our budget plan. The meeting shouldn’t take any more than 15–20 min per week.

Give to God first. The budget must start with what you will give to God and His work. We will give a predetermined percentage of our income to our local church and others in need (Proverbs 16:3). He provides all that we have and need, therefore, we must give back as an expression of our devotion and thanks to Him. Just like my story earlier, God provided for our needs in Costa Rica. It was only a few bucks. Now I have a reminder of His provisions through some colones. I know just who to give these too!!