The Scriptures on Finances - Trust in God to show us the way in which to walk

This year I purchased some financial books by Howard Dayton who is the author of “Money and Marriage God’s Way.” I enjoy listening to him on the radio when he shares Christian principles about money. I was most impressed with how Howard served his wife through her illness for several years before she passed away. I would like to share some highlights of Mr. Dayton’s book in this article.

Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts”.

Money is a huge issue in many marriages. The Bible teaches us that the two become one but sometimes that is easier said than done. Your wife is a gift from God. Your spouse’s assignment is not to frustrate you but to bless you.

Repentance and confession are not just for getting birthed into the kingdom. They also help facilitate a healthy marriage. We can confess our sins to God but we also should apologize to our spouse when we stumble and sin or act selfishly.

Another major issue that involves money in a marriage is children. Married children need to transfer their dependence to the Lord and to each other. I still remember the astonishment on a couple of my kids’ faces when I informed them that Karrie and I would no longer be paying for their cell phone service since they were getting married.

Don and Sally Meredith believe that, “Every marriage problem stems from either a failure to leave or a failure to cleave.” I would add that communication surrounding leaving and cleaving is of utmost importance. You and your spouse will hopefully have many healthy discussions regarding money throughout your lives. Depending on God and one another will be critical to your financial and marriage success. There are many good sources from Christian authors available to help get you started on your financial journey together.

Philippians 2:3-4 states, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Larry Burkett used to teach that if you and your spouse were identical in thought then one of you would be unnecessary in the marriage. Both spouses need to be involved and aware of the couple’s financial situation and work together to hear “Well done” from our Father. Do not abdicate your part of contributing to the family finances. You may not be in the workforce but you can be a good steward and a blessing to your spouse by how you handle and designate money and resources.

Decades ago there was a country music song that said, “Everything I do is because of you to keep you safe with me.” I like to think of the responsibility we have to one another in marriage as a way for our spouse to feel secure that God will provide for our needs as we trust and obey Him. If one spouse is reckless with money it will definitely negatively affect the marriage and future rewards in the kingdom.

If you have not been faithful with money in your marriage or if you have made selfish financial decisions I want to encourage you to repent. Ask God and your spouse to forgive you and then do what you can to begin the restoration process today. God is merciful and loving. He continues to have a good plan for your marriage and your finances.

This week let’s trust Him to show us the way in which we are to walk. May God bless you big.

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This is the seventh column in a series by Kevin Barsotti, pastor at Ark Church in Havre, about financial matters and their treatment in the Christian faith.