Everyday Accountability

Some people might be surprised to know that the bible's financial management instructions are not limited to the worship context. Beyond first fruits and free-will offerings, the scriptures include guidelines for everyday financial decision-making.

Many of the bible's “sow and reap” instructions pertain also to parts of our lives and to societal segments that may not necessarily include God's elect. Overall generosity practices enable believers to achieve biblical budgetary results even in ethical environments that are not quite as beneficial as in the assembly.

Applying sowing principles in everyday matters according to God's word edifies one's relationship with God and brings blessings to a believer. This includes careful attention in avoiding wasteful indulgences, which tend to accelerate the onset of financial hardships.

In direct contrast to generosity, the bible strongly condemns personal finance decisions that place a believer into any extended debt. The scriptures teach that a believer should take affirmative steps to repay any outstanding obligation.

Through the ages, debt has been a means by which persons exert influence over those whose circumstances may have become adverse. The scriptures teach that the rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. In other words, power and money have a direct correlation.

One's motivations for over-committing financial resources may be varied. In certain instances, one may lack sufficient awareness of a financial risk, or one may face an unanticipated emergency. However, a common temptation for accepting a debt obligation is one's prideful presumption that one is entitled to receive a benefit that one's current resources are not sufficient to compensate.

Undisciplined financial choices call into question whether one can be trusted with money. Furthermore, sin and misery are a predictable result of lapsing into a selfish or covetous mindset.

The bible teaches that one who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish. God holds us accountable for our use of the blessing that we receive. Mixed with His financial relief, God also provides a divine perspective on the use of what we receive.

We actually have power to choose between freedom and dominance from others, based on whether we dedicate God's wealth for His purposes. We make that choice by either ignoring or embracing God's counsel about proactive generosity.