Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Malachi 3:8
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Luke 14:28
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10
Introduction
Many of us are living from paycheck to paycheck. In fact, the paycheck is inadequate to cover some of your basic necessities. Some of you are unemployed. As a result you may find yourself in a compromising position and end up doing things that are contrary to the word of God.
Some of us own our businesses and are struggling to pay employees and other expenses. Some of you may lie on your customs forms so you can pay less in duties. However, the word of God tells us to render unto Caesar that is due unto Caesar. Do not compromise your faith.
Do not compromise your faith
Due to the financial struggles, it is a tempting not to pay your tithes. I know I have done it especially when I first became a Christian and perhaps many others have done it so. However, this is a way of robbing God as stated in Malachi 3:8. Furthermore, it is God who allow us to make the money so why should we not pay back at least a tenth back.
Do not compromise your faith by stealing money from others. Some of us are in position whereby we have access to other people funds. However, these monies are not ours so do not steal. The easiest and simplest thing to do is ask the relevant individual or authority to borrow the funds. Do not steal as the truth always comes out no matter how long it takes. The longer you steal without getting caught, the higher the amount will be and you may not be in a position to pay it back and consequently suffer a loss in job, delay in getting a new job and a complete embarrassment.
Do not compromise your faith by gambling, playing “numbers” or lottery. These schemes involve luck and chance which are totally contrary to our belief in God which is centered on faith. Furthermore, this can become very addictive and soon you will be gambling all of your money away which in turn will create family issues in the long run as you will not have any money to maintain your family. The only people who will gain will be the lottery owners.
Do not compromise your faith by worrying. It is so easy to worry and become depressed when you do not have any money but worrying will not resolved your financial issues. Worrying will cause you to become depressed and then you may end up having sleepless night wondering where you will get your next dollar from to pay for the bills. Worrying will create health issues and so may find yourself in a position that you cannot work any longer due to health issues. Is that what you want?
What should you do?
We have to reach a point in our lives whereby we have to be at peace no matter what situation you may be in as worrying about a situation will not help you with creating a financial solution. Come to a realization that worrying is waste of your time.
Have faith in God. However, faith without works is dead and so we need to develop a plan of action for financial recovery. Luke 14:28 states “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”
Your plan of action can comprise some of the following initiatives.
- Document the state of your current financial condition. Document your income, your expenses, your assets and your liabilities.
- You may want to consider selling or leasing some of your assets.
- You may want to consider renting your home and move into a smaller place.
- You may want to consider putting your children in a public school.
- You may want to consider having a discussion with your banker to reduce your payments.
- Discuss your situation with a trusted advisor.
Conclusion
The financial struggles you are experiencing are temporary. Life is journey that has an upward cycle and a downward cycle. During the upward cycle, when things are going so well, do not forget God. During this time, try to save as much as you can so when the downward cycle hits you, you will have more than enough. When we find ourselves in the downward cycle of life, we turn to God for help. Remember God at all times, in the good and in the bad. This season that you are going through will phased out soon. Therefore, do not compromise your faith. You have a great future. Do the right thing by sticking to the word of God.