Your
mental attitude towards money shapes who you are, and the same applies to your
spouse. It will determine what happens in your home
regarding financial matters. Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as he
thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart
is not with thee."
Therefore,
it's crucial for both of you to align your attitudes towards handling money to
avoid conflicts at home. Financial discord can be particularly damaging; in
fact, a US study revealed that 85% of divorces are related to financial issues,
with an additional 15% indirectly linked to financial matters.
Essentially,
both of you must share the same mental attitude and beliefs regarding money
matters. This attitude isn't innate; it is acquired and should be grounded in
scriptural principles. As 2 Timothy 3:16 reveals, the scriptures are a
profitable foundation for these principles.
Having
the same mental attitude towards money doesn't happen automatically just
because you love each other, nor should you assume that you will handle
finances in the same way. These are crucial topics to discuss both before
marriage and throughout its stages. Principles must be consciously acquired and
adopted together, as assumptions can lead to unpleasant misunderstandings. A
wise man once said, "Assumption is the mother of frustration."
Both
of you must actively seek out principles that will help you handle financial
matters wisely for a stress-free marriage. Make informed decisions, adopt these
time-tested principles, and walk patiently with God. The result will be peace
and harmony in your home's finances.
Here are important principles to embrace:
Source of finances: It is important for both of you to understand and
embrace that God is your source, as stated in Deuteronomy 8:18.
Recognising God as your source brings peace, as He is sufficient to provide for
all your needs and prosperity. Prosperity should be a way of life, where needs
are met supernaturally. The Bible speaks about continuously having all
sufficiency and abounding in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Both
of you must distinguish between “source” and “channel.” Philippians 4:19
emphasises this: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his
riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
God
is your source, an inexhaustible one that never runs dry. Your salary or income
from business ventures are merely channels. Channels are limited and
susceptible to factors like inflation, which affects the time value of money.
However, when God is your source, regardless of the circumstances around you,
He will direct resources your way through various means to meet your needs.
Additionally,
if God is your source, worship Him and not the gift. Matthew 6:24 teaches,
"You cannot serve both God and mammon." In other words, you cannot
serve two masters. You will be devoted to one and despise the other.
Promote togetherness in the
marriage: Another key principle for
maintaining financial peace in the home is fostering unity. When a marriage is
marked by togetherness, it creates a foundation for harmony, and blessings
naturally follow. As Psalm 133:1-3 highlights, "Behold, how good
and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!... For there
the LORD commanded the blessing..."
This
blessing leads to enduring prosperity, accompanied by tranquillity. Proverbs
10:22 reinforces this, saying, "The blessing of the LORD, it maketh
rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."
To
foster unity, both partners need to grasp the concept of oneness in marriage,
as highlighted in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: "Two are better than one,
because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will
lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no
one to help him up."
Thus,
it’s crucial for both of you to plan your finances together, ensuring there is
no form of oppression or punishment through money. God provides resources for
the comfort of the entire family, so employing sound financial management will
allow you to use what you have wisely and maintain harmony in your home.
The
man assumes the leadership role as the head of the home, while the woman
supports him as a helper. Taking on this leadership role as a man means
initiating the adoption of money management strategies to maximise available
resources.
As a
helper, a woman can be seen as a counsellor, intercessor, source of strength,
and supportive presence. This role is reflected in Genesis 2:18, where
the term "helper" is the same word used in John 14:16,
translated as "comforter." John 14:16 (AMP) And
I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor,
Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby) …
A
word of caution: both of you should guard against the love of money, as it can
be the source of financial tension and problems in the home. This affection for
money can lead to issues like greed and stinginess. As 1 Timothy 6:10
states, "For the love of money is the root of all evil; some, eager for
it, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many
sorrows."
CALL TO ACTION:
·
Take proactive steps
to prevent financial discord by addressing any issues related to the love of
money.
·
Commit to managing
your finances together with integrity and transparency.
·
Foster a partnership
based on mutual respect and support, avoiding greed and stinginess.
· Remember, effective
money management and a shared commitment to unity will strengthen your
relationship and enhance the peace within your home.