E-Devotional-Week 7

Biblical Stewardship Truths (Part 2)

By: Barry G. Allen

Part 2-Week 3 My Testimony (continued)

Both my father and my mother used to tell me never to spend everything I made. They taught me always to have some money set aside for emergencies, special purposes and unexpected opportunities. To do that, I had to learn to save on a consistent basis, and to defer the pleasure of certain things I wanted. In his book, Taking the Stew Out of Stewardship, Paul W. Powell, stated “if your out-go exceeds your income, your upkeep will be your downfall.” It’s simple, but true.

What does the Bible say about money and possessions? (continued)

Biblical truth #12: Live beneath your means and save for a rainy day. Once again Solomon advises us in Proverbs 21:20: “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Dr. Paul Powell reminded us (a) the most nerve wracking place on earth to live is just beyond your means and (b) it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.

Biblical truth #13: Be aware of the trap of indebtedness. The Psalmist stated in 37:21 “an evil person borrows and never pays back; a good person is generous and never stops giving.” And Solomon warned in Proverbs 22:7, “the rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” These are warnings about the self-imposed bondage of debt. In a day of easy credit, we Christians must be willing to defer having certain things until we can afford them. The Apostle Paul also warns us in Romans 13:8, “owe no one anything, but to love one another.” We are forbidden from incurring debt, which cannot be repaid.

Prayer focus: Pray for the discipline to save and the contentment and good judgment to avoid excessive debt.

Next week: My Testimony (continued)