Money Mindset
by Gloria Chafulumisa-Muli
God owns everything, but it seems we do not really understand that. “Don’t waste my time,” we say. “I have used up all my money.” But when we look at the word “my”, we realize it refers to something “I” own. Owning means possessing as one’s own. Most times, things become our own if we have created them or are responsible for their existence in some way but we cannot say this about either money or time. We cannot create time. We did not create ourselves even though we can claim to be the ones who worked for that money. So when we talk about “my” or “our” money, we should be doing it not because we really think it is our own but rather because we are just trying to save time and keep things linguistically simple because in reality it belongs to God (Psalms 50:12).
God gives us money as stewards. A steward in this sense is a caretaker. When we look at money, we should understand that it is for a higher purpose. How then can we apply stewardship to our finances?
*We give the firstfruits to God.
We all know this but we must keep reminding ourselves of it because with money, we can be quite funny and sometimes “forget” what we are supposed to do. The first of everything should go to God as a tithe. Sometimes I would get my salary, then go to the salon, do my things and finally save the last 10% to give in church. It was always exactly 10% or sometimes 9.999999%. But I realized I was doing things wrong. Thankful hearts will remember like the thankful leper to go and say thank You to God by helping to maintain His house (Malachi 3:) and by giving offerings. After that we can now take care of ourselves.
*We pay our debts and bills.
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth (Psalm 37:21). Some people say Christians should not borrow money, but the Bible does not say this. Life is unpredictable and something might happen where you are unable to meet a financial need and yet require that it is met. At such times borrowing can come in handy but the key is to pay it back. Paying bills is also a form of paying for what has been borrowed.
*We acquire our basic needs.
Having food and raiment let us be therewith content (1 Timothy 6:8). Our basic needs are food, shelter, clothing and education. But Paul actually says we should be content if we have food to eat and clothes on our backs. Jesus said we should not worry about what to eat or what to wear (Matthew 6:25-34). If we trust Him, He will provide. Working/job is one way He provides for us (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
*We share what we have with others.
God’s children are kindhearted and can never allow others to lack while they have abundant supply (1 John 3:17). After tithes, offerings, bills and basic needs, if we still have something left over, let us share it with those who do not have. The poor will always exist – we can share even something like a meal with them.
*We save for a rainy day.
One safe rule is tithe 10% of your income, save 10% and use the remaining 80%. saving 10% every month goes a long way in the long run, no matter how small the amount. Discipline and budgeting can help us with this.
*We enjoy the blessings that He has given.
You might still have money left over after all these things. If you do, then save it, or enjoy the blessings of God. A pedicure will not hurt, a visit to the salon, swimming, a meal with friends or some other activity you enjoy. God wants us to be happy, so do not feel guilty if He gives you some money to enjoy yourself.
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