Why not take a test to find out?
Well, I guess I should step back and chat a bit about whose money it is. If you take a look at the parable of the talents or at any of the other bible verses about stewardship, it becomes very clear that we are stewards of what God has given to us – be it our time, money, position, etc. But in this particular post we are talking about our stewardship of God’s money.
Also, the truth of the matter is that we came into the world with nothing and can’t take anything with us. I like to look that this brief life as a test. What we do with what we’ve been given on earth is going to determine a lot about our future. Are we storing up treasures in Heaven (Matt 6:20) or are we hoarding only to have less (Pro 11:24). For me, I am always looking for ways to become a better steward, which is why I was really excited about the next paragraph…
God’s money manager
I recently was listening to a favorite preacher of mine and he had some great ideas about improving our stewardship. He was explaining how any good (or even decent) money manager knows where the money under his control goes. Think about it – if you called up your money manager and asked where your money was invested and he didn’t know and had no way of finding out because it wasn’t even documented anywhere – wouldn’t you be concerned?
As stewards of God’s money – shouldn’t we at the very least know where it is all going?
Keeping track of it
He suggested getting a ledger sheet of paper and writing down the destination of every dollar that you spend for a week. I know from experience exercises like these are often eye-opening – especially to heavy spenders.
At the end of the week you can go over your list and look at how God’s money was spent. What percentage was used to help people? How much was used to store up treasures in Heaven? How much was spent at Starbucks?!
Are you up for the challenge?
I am starting this week and am excited (and a little scared) to see the results, but I know it will only be good for me. I am going to be carrying a little sheet of paper in my wallet all week and will be writing it all down! I will report my results when finished, feel free to share yours as well in the comments…
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
I would fail, badly. I’m looking forward to seeing how your ledger turns out though.
A Great way to motivate people to budget is to get them to follow through with this exercise, everyone should follow Bob’s lead in this.
Fortunately for me, my wife & I are already Fasting Financially so our list would be quite short, quite short indeed!
This is exactly what my goal is.. to enable to help administer the christian way of sharing and being an active christian myself by helping in endorsing education among the youth and helping their families plan for a more progressive future.
Ok. I’m going to join you on this challenge and keep a mini-money journal beginning tomorrow. I know I need to be a better steward so that God will trust me with more.
Interesting and engaging post. That shades some light into how I use money and I think I need to change my approach and become a faithful steward..He giveth us and can taketh anytime..Nice post Bob
this is exactly what my goal is..to be a good steward of God. Hope you will continue to inspire people especially the youth …God Bless u..
First off I am reading this because I am trying to stay motivated about getting my finances straightened out. So I appreciate the articles. But it seems to me it’s always the same thing. I just need more money than I currently have. But I am going to try. I am trying because I do not want to be broke and dependent on the goverment when I am old. Is that the wrong motive and does
Anyone else feel this way?
troy,
Getting my finances straightened out was the best financial decision I made in a long time. 1 Timothy 5:8 tells us to take care of our own families before we do many other things, and so it is not a wrong motive to not want to be broke and dependent on the government. The government is comprised of imperfect people that make bad financial decisions like the rest of us at times; their decisions just impact more people.
If you think you just need more money, there’s two sides of the equation to get out of debt: increase income and decrease expenses. On the issue of budgeting, creating a reasonable budget can be very helpful in directing all your dollars to decrease expenses. But you have to keep track of all your transactions, too; Mint.com is very good at helping. It may be you have an income problem (i.e. you -really- can’t lower your expenses anymore), but it’s usually easier to try lowering expenses first. And paying off your next debt in the snowball is a really good motivator to keep going!
Thanks. Good advice and I see your point of view.
I live on $200 per month plus $183 food stamps. $20 tithe, $51 for rent, $50 for basic cell phone – no data, no text, and $50 internet. The final $29 goes for personal needs. I’ve had Mono since last August and still have no energy to work. Mono can take up to a year to recover from and this is my second time with it. Don’t feel bad for me as I have learned a long time ago to be content in what ever state I am in. God is meeting all my needs and I’m satisfied to rest in Him.
Marian,
As I was reading your post, I noticed that you pay $50 for basic cell phone. Is this per month?
If so, look around for a better deal. I currently pay $50/month and have data, text and some Internet.
Mono – tough bug to get rid of and then to have it return. Be sure to get plenty of rest.
Do you have any hobbies ? I’m thinking of a way for you to earn some money while recuperating that will not stress your body.
Writing you on my prayer list….please be well.
You can get Straight Talk from Walmart for $45 (plus tax and e-9-1-1) with unlimited talk, text and data. It is a 30 day plan. They also offer a $30 plan which I have because I have Internet at home. Check it out. Might save you over $50.
Why not get Straight Talk from Walmart. It is only $30 per month and you get 1000 minutes of call time, 1000 texts and a little bit of mobile web (30 MB)..I pay $32.80 includes tax and a $1.00 9-1-1 charge. Still a savings of close to $20 a month. I am not sure about the Internet because mine is bundled with my landline…but Straight Talk also offers an unlimited calls, unlimited text and mobile web for $45 a month. It bears checking out.
Praying you will get will soon!
Jeannie
Thank you Sir Bob i will start this week to be agood steward of money from God. God bless you all.
Thanks,
Venus
Good lesson Bob…we use this exercise when working with others budget. The need to know where every dollar goes is a must. Also, this exercise should continue beyond this test. If fact, others have reported it helps them control their spending, as they know they will have to record the expense.
I am going to try this (writing down everything I spend). I really don’t have a budget. I tithe to my church, support missions and ministries (offerings), have a Compassion Child. I pay my bills on time (or early) every month and am doing the debt snowball (this is going to take awhile). I save into a savings account and also have a Christmas Club. Whatever is left goes for gas, groceries and cards and postage (I have a huge family and circle of friends). I don’t carry much cash..mostly use debit card. Seems like there is not enough $$ to create a budget.
I tracked all of my misc. spending for the entire year two years ago. It changed me completely! I saw that I had wasted enough money to take a really nice vacation on worthless things. It really can be an eye-opener. Be not afraid to become enlightened!
Bob,
I am glad you were obedient in listening to your favorite pastor that day, and decided to share. I have had a old check book in my wallet for months and now is the time to whip it back out. I am going to get two because I need one for cash at hand also. We are on the road to fulfilling God’s great plan! Be blessed
I can relate to Jeannie. I don’t have a budget, budget but I do write everything down. I make sure I tithe, pay off my bills and CC’s, so I don’t pay any interest. I put money away for savings for retirement, emergencies. Meet my needs. One thing that I started to also do is write down how much I spend on gifts. It seems like in the church there is always a wedding, a baby shower, a special need, birthday for friends, etc. Then there is work too where they ask you to pitch in for various reasons. Truly it adds up! I tend to be generous but sometimes I think to a fault. I want to be a better steward, use the money for kingdom work versus spend it on gifts that people don’t need or even appreciate. At least when I support/sponsor a child through Compassion International, they are very appreciative and they are getting things they need that will better their life.
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