"Don’t tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I’ll tell you what they are." – James W. Frick
Since Christian values are based on spiritual things and not material things, it gives you a positive stronghold to adhere to. But, even though Christian values are spiritual in nature, the evidence of them come through your deeds and actions, the things you spend your money on. That's why you need to establish a clear set of core principles or values before you create a budget. As a matter of fact, all budgets should include those core principles, because they govern your financial decisions and ensure effective money management. Here's the good news, before you establish your budget plan, consider these pre-budgeting objectives below:
- Commit to value God more than anything, anybody, or any idea: Christian values are based on spiritual things versus material things. A core Christian value is having God first in your life. He already knows what you need and will so dutifully provide. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
- Write down your personal vision and values: Write down the things you value most in your financial and personal life; things such as your religious beliefs, your philosophy on money and your purpose for establishing a budget. And, if you're married, then include your spouse in this process. And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. Habakkuk 2:2-3
- Commit your whole budget to God: Not only does the first 10 percent belongs to God (a tithe), but in reality, He owns the other 90 percent as well.....be a faithful manager. The earth belongs to the Lord, and everything in it -- the world and all its people. Psalms 24:1
- Commit to patience: Take your time when establishing your budget, hurrying a budget will only result in overlooked expenses and inaccurate estimates. Create your budget over days, weeks or even months.....not hours. But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
- Commit to teamwork: A budget will never succeed unless all interested parties take an active role in honoring the established values and rules. Include the entire family in on what the budget means and the roles they will play in helping to establish accountability and habit. Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
These five objectives will help establish your foundation for a sound budget plan. At the end of the day, budgeting becomes easier when you define your values and align your spending with those things that mean the most to you and your family. We have the freedom of choice to decide what is right and what is wrong, but if we value God we will look to Him for what is right and wrong. This means continuously seeking His righteousness and totally relying on Him....We value God when we acknowledge that He knows better than we do on what we need in our lives. Now, go.... you're ready to establish your budget. Feel free to use the financial educational resources to get you started:
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