Soul Care - Finances

by Mary Elsbury

It’s hard not to notice ads these days. They pop up on social media, interrupt your favorite television show, they appear in your mailbox, and flood your email. The power of advertising can easily sway us. The average American sees over 5,000 ads each day. According to the Marketing Association, an individual must hear or see the advertiser’s message at least 7 times before they will take action to buy that product or service.  

Finances are something that people don’t want to talk about. The Bible discusses finances in over 2,350 verses of Scripture. We are reminded in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” 

So where do you stand? 

I must admit that for many years, I struggled with finances. Getting divorced and having a 5-year-old and no job didn’t help. Once I did get a job, it was hard to tithe. That little extra going to the church reminded me that my daughter couldn’t get the nicer clothes or a new toy. Using credit cards only added to my debt and eventually I sought credit counseling. I came close to bankruptcy. A friend suggested a Dave Ramsey seminar on finances. It was an eye-opener. I learned to spend less than I earned, to avoid debt, to build an emergency fund, and to set long term goals. 

Comparison with others robs us of joy and contentment. Overspending robs us of our joy through worry, selfishness, and guilt. Possessions put us in competition with our fellowship with God. We feel we need to preserve our wealth, “in case of.” Learning to let go allows us to focus not on things, but on God – and in return, begin giving resources away. If we hold tight to our money, we assume an ownership stance that makes us in control. By looking at ourselves as stewards of God’s blessings, we take on the role as manager of something that has been entrusted to us.  

We are commanded in the Bible to give. Our giving should be personal and purposeful. Give to your church, then to other ministries and causes. Those of us in America are very wealthy compared to the rest of the world. One-third of the world lives on less than $2 per day. That $6 Starbucks drink isn’t so necessary, is it? 

My finances are still not perfect. I don’t have zillions saved for retirement, but I believe I will be comfortable. I recently heard a sermon that touched on giving and was ashamed to realize that I could give more. So I did. I don’t miss the extra because I have greater joy knowing that my gifts are making a difference. It’s been a long, slow process, but so worthwhile to my mental and spiritual health. 

Trust God to supply all your needs. What He did for me, He will do for you.