Last night I had the pleasure of teaching at a church in the east mountain area of New Mexico. As part of my financial training, I equip students to not only to agree intellectually that God owns everything, but also to LIVE as if God owns everything. One of my class participants shared an interesting story and I’d like to pass it on to you.
Jim and Nancy have been planning to take a vacation to visit friends and relatives in Washington state this July. In preparation, they have been setting aside $75 monthly (great budgeting technique!) and had accumulated about $1400 for the trip. Last week they learned about a family in their church that were going through some difficult financial times. I’d like to share the story with you.
The husband and primary bread winner had his hours reduced from 40 each week to 32 this past January. Like most Americans, the family was living at the level of their income and when the hours were reduced and income decreased, they found themselves getting behind on their expenses. Although they have cut back spending, it had not been enough to meet the immediate needs and they found themselves behind on their electric bill and car payment.
Jim and Nancy felt the Holy Spirit prompt them to help if they could. They invited the couple over to their home and discussed the situation. As it turned out, the family needed $473 to catch up on the bills and then they would be fine as they had reduced their monthly spending enough to make it from here. Jim wrote them a check for the full amount and explained to them that it was God’s money not his and it was a pleasure for he and Nancy to be the “middle men” to help them out.
What Jim and Nancy did was a clear example of living with the reality that God owns everything and to give sacrificially (from their vacation fund) to answer the need. Yes, they are still going on vacation, but will drive rather than fly to save money.
So here’s my question to you. Are you living and giving from a Kingdom perspective or are you living like those in the secular world and holding God’s money for yourself and your desires? Don’t forget that the bible says in Haggai 2:8 “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine declares the Lord of hosts.” Where are you on your financial journey?