Money and Church

I could do in any direction w/ that title, but I was just wondering where you learned to manage your money? If you're close to me, you'll know I'm fairly bad w/ my money. My parents never sat me down and explained stock, mutual funds, IRAs etc., but they always drilled "Don't spend what you don't have." I'm fairly thankful for that simple rule. It's good because I don't put things on credit cards and I'm not in debt. My problem is that if I have it I spend it.

You're probably thinking...well do you give? I don't have a problem w/ that either. I hardcore think everything we have is from Him and whatever he asks us to give back we should do diligently. For some it may be 10%; others 10% to your local church 10% to a local non-profit, etc. I know of one man who has consistently reverse tithed. He supports his family off of 10% of his income and gives the rest away. Holy Cow!!! Isn't that awesome? I bet you just said, "well he must have an insanely large income." Nope, he just doesn't live to the standards of this world. He aligns himself with God's standards and its all that has ever mattered. I also hardcore believe God blesses our giving: "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." Proverbs 3:9-10. I could go on forever about giving, but I won't for your sake.

However, one area where I extremely fall short is saving. The Bible says, "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in the summer and gathers its food at harvest." Proverbs 6:6-8 So save in surplus for what you may need later. Also, the Bibe says, "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has." Proverbs 21:20 Yeap, I pretty much align with the foolish man there.

Anyways, the point of this entire post was to say I think churches should address money issues like crazy. I bet I could give some stats about how everyone is in debt and make a case that way but I'm not. I first learned about effective ways to manage my money form a seminar my church in Charlotte gave. Clearly, I have a lot to learn, but I was very thankful for that opportunity. Now, I think they have a financial advisor on staff to help people get out of debt. Not positive about that one though.

Another point I want to push is: I think we should teach kids money management at a young age. College shouldn't be the first time someone has to manage their own money. If your parents balance your check book while you're in college...get a life!!! That's crazy. I think I just stepped on some of my friends toes. Sorry guys, but that's ridiculous. What if you and your husband/wife have never been taught and have practiced proper money management? It would be a disaster.

I am by no means a master money manager. I'm actually fairly awful at it, but I'm saying there are great resources out there and that churches and parents should teach it. Dave Ramsey is a fairly famous Christian money guru. Click on his name to check out his site. Also, numerous churches have online resources including sermons on money. Well that's about it; I'm still wondering what made me think about this.

Have a great day!!!