“The person who trusts in his wealth will fall, but the righteous will flourish like green leaves.” -Proverbs 11:28 (ISV)

EDITOR’S NOTE:

This article was originally published in the Word Life Blog on March 9, 2015.

Enjoy! -Mica

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With the deadline for taxes approaching in less than six weeks, most of us are thinking about the state of our finances. Are we making enough? How can we make more? Should we save for retirement so early in life? As we fill out our tax forms or send them off to an accountant, all kinds of financial questions crash our minds like angry waves beating against a ship lost at sea.

Like most people our age, I’ve encountered this time of year with confusion and trepidation, especially since starting my own business. I’ve had to buckle down and learn a few things by trial and error and through research and experience. In the end, I’ve gained some true gems regarding the overall complexity of the financial world.

Unlike taxes that come just once a year, our financial health is something we have to manage every day of our lives. When we’re just starting out in our 20s and 30s, we are more focused on our present needs than on long-term success. As a result, we typically make foolish decisions and are ill-prepared for a thriving financial future.

Worse yet, most of us have never taken the time to study God’s Word on finances. Apart from the basics of tithing, giving, and sowing, our generation is almost completely ignorant of even the most fundamental principles of financial success.

Surprisingly, the Bible tackles the financial aspect of our lives with an armload of wisdom that goes beyond just our Sunday school lessons of tithing and giving. Although these principles are at the very heart of financial success, if we abandon other Biblical principles, we’ll be stunted in our financial growth. In order to flourish as God intends, we must take into consideration the whole counsel of God’s Word.

As Millennials, we are in a prime position to learn more about Biblical prosperity and put these principles into practice without wasting too much time. Since most of us are under 35, we have decades ahead of us to reap the rewards from following wisdom. If we begin adjusting our lenses now, we will be equipped for a bright financial future.

To help you prepare for long-term success, I've listed three valuable, yet neglected Biblical principles that are vital to your financial health and wellbeing. Take a moment to let these truths sink in and adjust where necessary. We are all a work in progress, and it is my hope you grow right along with me!

COMMIT TO WORK

One of the most fundamental and overlooked principles of financial success is the law of work and diligence. So many of us expect to go somewhere and do something big, but very few of us are willing to put in the time and effort required to fulfill those dreams. While our generation is known for being creative and idealistic, we also have a terrible reputation for slothfulness and laziness. We can see the big picture, but when the workload demands more than what we are prepared to give out, we give up.

Despite what our contemporaries or the government may tell us, the Bible says work is a GOOD thing. Blessings are attached to our labor!

The Bible says work is a GOOD thing. Blessings are attached to our labor!

If you’ve struggled in this area, I encourage you to carefully read through Proverbs and note how the theme of work and diligence is powerfully present in the entire book. Also, take a look at Paul’s strong words regarding work in 2 Thessalonians 3. You may be surprised to find that Paul commanded believers not to even keep company with those who refused to work!

Despite what our contemporaries or the government may tell us, the Bible says work is a GOOD thing. Blessings are attached to the man who works with his hands as well as his heart.

STEWARD YOUR GIFTS

Another important principle of financial success is the law of stewardship. God has given each of us special, unique gifts and talents that we can use to employ in business, bless others, and connect to our purpose. Of course, these talents will remain dormant if we fail to cultivate them. In order to steward our gifts effectively, we must first discover our God-given talents and then develop them through practice, education, experience, and knowledge. The more we give ourselves to cultivating our gifts, the more our gifts will grow and be in high demand.

My favorite passage in scripture relating to stewardship is found in Matthew 25. I challenge you to study this parable of the stewards and determine if you’ve been a faithful servant over your talents. If you’ve neglected to steward the gifts God gave you, make a change today.

DEVELOP GOOD FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Statistics have shown that people who come from generational poverty remain poor no matter how much money is given to them unless they change their mentality regarding financial responsibility and management. (See A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby K. Payne.) While you may not have come from generational poverty, the truth remains the same: If you want to move up in your finances, you have to move up in your attitude towards money. This includes your financial belief system, your debt management, your budgeting system, your savings, and your long-term investments.

Just because you are young doesn’t mean you have to be broke. Sure, you may be finishing your college education, working your way up the corporate ladder, or preparing for ministry, but your limited cash flow shouldn’t curtail your individual responsibility to manage your money and prepare for your future.

During my late 20s, I started my freelancing career. Although I had a big dream, I had terrible cash flow. I began reading Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey along with several other books on financial management. With the new knowledge I was gaining, I was beginning to save and cut down my debt.

About a year and a half into my new financial management system, I met and married Jeff. Unlike me, he had an amazing cash flow but terrible money management. However, we learned to combine our strengths, and together we defeated our financial monster. In less than a year, we completely destroyed all remaining debt and set aside new savings. Now, almost three years into our marriage, we are still operating in the black, building a house, saving regularly, and investing in our retirement. This turnaround in our finances is not only a testimony of the blessings of God on our lives but also the result of our obedience to handle our finances with wisdom and integrity.

Financial increase won’t happen overnight, and it will require strict discipline, careful thought, and creative strategy. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, you can develop a wise financial plan.

If you’re endeavoring to step up your finances but don’t know where to begin, start by asking God for wisdom. James 1:5 tells us that God will liberally give us wisdom when we ask Him in faith. Next, add some actions to your faith. Do your part to study, research, and learn about money, how it works, and how to manage it. Finally, be committed to the process. Financial increase won’t happen overnight, and it will require strict discipline, careful thought, and creative strategy. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, you can develop a wise financial plan.

The Bible is a vast storehouse of wisdom for effective money management and financial increase. Although the principles listed above are simple, they have a profound impact on your financial future. If you will learn to commit to work, steward your gifts, and develop good money management, you will be well on your way to establishing a solid foundation for financial success!

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