Money Matters to God

Money matters to God. Just look up online all of the verses in His word that speak of money! And, I’d bet that money matters between you and your husband come up in conversation too. In fact, a statistic reports that almost 90% of all marital arguments can be traced back to issues of money.

I’ve written extensively on the money management of the woman portrayed as God’s ideal wife in Proverbs 31:10­-31. Threaded throughout the 22 verses that make up her portrait is the theme of money and money management. Her character qualities shine as she “girds” herself physically to do the work (verse 17), uses her mind to budget and increase the family funds, and creates goods to barter and sell to further benefit her beloved family. As a result, God was honored (verse 30), the poor were served (verse 20), her husband was elevated (verse 23), and she was known by all as “a virtuous wife” (verse 10). “Her worth” to her husband, children, and community was “far above rubies” (verse 10).

God graciously gives us clear instruction on the best management of our finances. Take time to read His word or read a book outlining godly finances. When you agree with God about the importance of doing your best to manage your part of the family finances, and by making a commitment to Him to do a better job with His resources, the wise management of it will begin to matter to you. Therefore you’ll want to be sure to…

Pray — because managing God’s money is not only a spiritual issue requiring spiritual disci­plines and character qualities, but it is a matter of obedience.

Give — because God asks you to.

Save — because it will better your family. Save for educa­tional funds. Save for a home or home furnish­ings. Save for retirement. Save for a special trip (vacation or missions) Save, too, to fund someone’s ministry.

Budget — because a budget maps out the path for your lifestyle.
Go without — because a host of spiritual disci­plines are birthed and enhanced as you do.

Beware — of greed, lust, bitterness, and envy.

Grow — in contentment.

Wives, we have a unique position to influences the financial climate of our marriages. I want you to represent the Lord and His will well (Titus 2:5). And I want you to be a blessing, first and foremost to your dear sweet husband. I want you to grow in character, be con­tent with what you have, support your husband’s efforts, and be a diligent homemaker and financial warrior as you “build your home” (see Proverbs 14:1). I want you to be a woman filled with every good virtue and God’s fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). And your faithful watch care of your joint assets and the place where you live will accomplish all this and more as you look to our dear Lord for His gracious enablement.

Question: Which trait from above speaks to you the most as lacking in your family’s financial strategy?

Read Money Matters to God on Elizabeth & Jim George.