Is Financial Freedom Possible

Posted on October 24 2007

Living a debt free lifestyle can seem impossible in today’s society. With credit cards, mortgages, vehicle loans, and student loans, how do we ever get out from under the bondage of debt? I have some answers that can provide peace and freedom into your life, but it’s going to take some sacrifice.

Transfer ownership to God! Christians must realize that there is no substitute for this step. If you believe you are the owner of your possessions, then the positives and negatives affecting those possessions will be reflected in your attitude. However, if you have made a transfer of all ownership to God, you will realize that this is God’s way of moving you towards accomplishing his will.

A Christian who is seeking God’s blessings must be willing to submit to His will and direction. There are many Christians who say they accept God’s direction, but their actions deny it. They follow only when it is convenient for them. We have to remember that God’s will is not always compatible with our wishes. Now this isn’t saying that Christians’ lives will be financially trouble free. We are only human and we do make mistakes, but once God is in charge of our finances; His divine correction will bring this area under control.

Evaluate every purchase before buying. Does it enhance God’s work through you? Is it a want or a need? Can you live without this purchase? Is it the best possible buy? Does it add or subtract from your family relationships? Will it depreciate quickly? Will it require costly upkeep?

(Proverbs 16:9) In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. This verse can be related to budgeting. We can set up a monthly budget to help us visualize our spending, stretch our dollars, and keep us on track to become debt free, but the Lord will guide us along the way.

Accept God’s direction. The worry over our financial situation will begin to disappear when we accept God’s direction. We must believe His wisdom is far superior to ours and that He does care about our every need.

(Proverbs 21:5) The plans of the diligent lead to profit, as surely as haste leads to poverty. Refuse quick decisions. The problem with get-rich-quick schemes is that they require quick decisions based on incomplete information. Someone is certainly getting rich, but it most likely isn’t you.

Excel in your work. Accepting God’s direction and transferring ownership to Him is extremely important in your steps to financial freedom, but this certainly doesn’t mean to sit back and relax and let God do all the work. (Peter 4:11) If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. In all parts of our lives we need to give praise and glory to God, not just the parts we need Him in the most. We are to speak and serve through the strength God provides to each and every one of us.

Confession and reconciliation; God tells us to put things of the past in the past. This may require a restoration of relationship with the person or persons offended or hurt by our words or actions. The lessons learned and the blessings received will be well worth the sacrifice. (Matthew 5:24) Leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Contentment is one of my personal favorites. Ease of mind. A sense of knowing everything will be alright because you’ve given it all to Him. I don’t understand why we worry so much. What benefit does worrying have? It doesn’t change anything. The only thing worry does is hurt us emotionally and physically. (Matthew 6:34) Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Provide for family needs. The big three include food, shelter, and clothing; not big screen television, new boat, or a pool for the backyard. (James 4:3) When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. If the family is going without the basic needs, a Christian must provide for them. This may require a drastic change in life-style, whether it’s selling something of great value to you, or downsizing to accommodate for other needs.

A balanced commitment in life is needed or frustration and problems will begin. Many Christian businessmen sacrifice their families and their relationship with Jesus Christ because of overworking. This is rationalized by giving money to their family and church. But God wants us first, not our money. Families need fathers, not investors. We have to seek the balance God requires. (Proverbs 23:4) Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.

Put others first. There is no quicker way to remove feelings of financial superiority than by putting others first. Those blessed with abundance must recognize that it is a gift. These gifts or blessings can be taken away faster than the blink of an eye. (Philippians 2:3-5) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

Accept God’s Provision. God never promised equality in provision, but He did promise to meet our needs. (Deuteronomy 15:11) There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. Each Christian has a role in God’s ultimate plan and we must be willing to accept God’s provision without resentment. Jesus gave three instructions to those seeking God’s will. (Luke 3:14) Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely. Be content with your pay.” Be happy with what God blesses you with. Be glad for each day He grants you breath, and ask God to help you along the way.

So there it is a complete list of ways to find financial freedom. I told you that it will take some sacrifice. Living for Christ is a day to day walk along with Him. It is an all out dependence upon the Spirit of God. If we look to our own resources, strengths or abilities we will continually fail in this journey we call life.

Jeral Croaker – Certified Credit Counselor – Family Life Credit Services