On Sunday 10 June 2018 at C3 Oxford Falls, a panel of established church members and leaders spoke on financial wisdom, interviewed by Ps James Edwards. We have asked Peter Friedmann, Simon Amies, Anne Amiradaki and Ps Richard Forsyth to share some insights into what wisdom they have learned and successfully applied in the following areas.
‘And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.’ 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV)
Financial abundance is God’s vision for his people, so we can be a blessing to others. In Ps Paul’s latest book he says that effective kingdom life requires application of continual wisdom.
Budgeting – Having a vision
Peter – Have a vision for your life and finances. Think about where you want to be in 12 months’ time and plan how to get there. If you are a couple you will have different priorities. Sit down together and agree on a way.
Anne – What is the end result you want? Write it down. What can you do to increase your income and/or reduce your expenses. Review your expenses as they come up. Can you get a better deal by shopping around or a discount?
Simon – Start with a strict budget so you can experience saving and making decisions on how to spend those savings or invest. Spend your money on the things that you get the most joy from. Save money by sacrificing things that are not so important to you. You cannot do everything. Pick one or two things to save for and let go of the other things.
Ps Richard – Discipline is so important. Include God in your decisions. Practice saying no.
Debt – Financial Difficulty
Peter – Debt is never comfortable but can be managed. It can help you acquire assets that can grow in value eg. a home, but can be used to acquire assets that reduce in value eg. cars or cover expenses. You need to take care that you have the income to cover paying for this debt. Be wise. If you are borrowing to cover expenses or a depreciating asset, how can you change things so that you do not have to do that again.
Anne – If you are struggling with debt repayments or an expense, be open and honest and communicate with the debt or service provider. Bring it into the light and ask for assistance.
Simon – Always be careful when borrowing as you are borrowing against your future self.
Ps Richard – There are experts like the CAP team that can work with you to help you get out of problem debts.
Incomes
Ps James – Be salt and light in your workplace. Be diligent and work hard and make yourself more valuable to your employers. Trust God to move in the world of your salary and wages as you honour Him there.
Simon – Do not be afraid to ask for an increase in your pay. If you believe you are not being paid in accordance with your value, present your case to your employer at your next pay review.
Ps Richard – Ask God for favour with your employers. Pray for your employers and bosses. Be honest and diligent and fair and stand up for what you know is right. God will stand with you and His blessing will come.
Anne – Go about your work with integrity and do what Jesus tells you, He can do the miraculous and provide through the work activity. When asked for a tax payment Jesus tells Peter to go fishing (go to work) and how to get the coin out of the fishes mouth. Matt 17:24-27. God can open doors for you to get the breakthroughs you need.
Honouring God and the next generations
Peter – It is not so much about if you have money, but does money have you. Get control of it. Tithe and honour God with your finances so you are free from fear and greed and free to bless and increase.
Simon – Be faithful with the little things. Small things grow. What you do have, if invested, can compound over time. Without money you will have limited influence on those around you and the next generation. With wealth you can become an influence and resource for the kingdom of God and those beyond you.
Questions for Reflection:
- What are some testimonies you have around honouring God with your finances?
- Do you need some help with getting and applying wisdom to your financial situation? There are great books like Paul de Jong’s that will help.
- Do you believe God wants to bless you so you can be a blessing?
To encourage you in this area, we recommend Ps Paul de Jong's book God, Money and Me.
