Discussing finances can become a difficult conversation for many Christians. When churches bring up the subject, many want to hide behind the pews and not think about their finances. But if we’re going to work on thriving in all areas of our lives, we want to ensure we include our finances. In Isaiah 54:2, the Bible tells us, “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” The Lord does not want us to survive; he wants us to thrive, including financially. Here are a few ways to survive with your finances and thrive.

Setting A Budget

If we are looking to thrive financially, we must start by setting a budget. Often, cutting back and sacrificing the little splurges is not something we want to give up. But if we set a budget that allows us to enjoy some of the things we like and helps us to cut out excess spending, we can have the things we want while still saving money. You can start setting a budget by writing down how much you must pay monthly on bills and obligations. Then, write down where you would like your money to go with the rest of your money. Set aside how much you want to put into savings, tithing, and spending. Setting aside an amount that you can spend freely helps you not feel you have to sacrifice some of your favorite things.

Take A Financial Class

Many great Christian courses and classes are available to help you learn about thriving financially. One of the most popular is Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. Dave Ramsey has many great resources, including books, courses, and podcasts, that can help you learn to cut out debt and become financially free.

Attend Counseling

Start with Christian counseling if you don’t know where to start regarding your finances. The Bible gives many great instructions on how to set yourself up financially to become financially independent. Many people tie in money to their emotions and can have challenges when it comes to managing money.

Strive To Stay Debt Free

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 22:7, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender.” In today’s age, putting purchases on credit, including little purchases, has become a common occurrence. But when you spend money you don’t already have, you become a slave to the lender. The money you are making immediately must go towards debts, leaving less disposable income you have. Debt is a burden and makes it harder to become financially independent.

If you feel anxiety when it comes to money, remind yourself that God is in control, and God is our ultimate provider. We want to strive to be good stewards of our finances. We are responsible for making good decisions with the money God put into our lives. 2 Corinthians 9:10 says, “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” Thriving financially and serving God with what he has given unto us is what, as Christians, we have been called to do. Striving for financial freedom does not have to be scary. The Lord wants us to have a positive, hopeful relationship with money and to use what we are given to serve Him better.

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