For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34
“If you want a snapshot of where you are in your walk with Christ, pull out your budget and walk through it with a spiritual director, your pastor, and a fellow Christian who is not part of your family together, at the same time, in the same room.
Take a few moments to think about that conversation. What would these people learn about you? For the two-thirds of people who studies show do not live on a budget, what does that say? For those who have a budget, what would your spending habits reveal?
When I have done this in the past, the exercise revealed many things about myself. Some were good. Others not so good! For example, the experience showed that I was afraid of losing my job and concerned that my peers would perceive me as unsuccessful. It also brought to light how I would justify adding additional work to my schedule — sometimes too much work — to earn extra money for a wide variety of purposes.
So why is budgeting important for Christians?
A budget is perhaps the best window to see into one’s relationship with God. It shows what an individual, family or ministry values, where they spend time, where they place their trust, and where they allow God to reign in their lives. At the same time, it shows what they fear, where they are vulnerable to attack from the enemy, and
how they understand their participation in God’s kingdom mission.”
Greg Henson, president of Sioux Falls Seminary, in his three-page essay “Why is budgeting important for Christians?” in Purposeful Living: Financial Wisdom for All of Life compiled and edited by Gary G. Hoag and Tim Macready (Rhodes, NSW: Christian Super, 2018) 37-39. Click on the title to download this free ebook today.
Henson is a faithful friend. He’s direct and deeply committed to Christ. It takes a person like that to shine light on a huge issue associated with our spending that often adversely influences our giving. Let’s consider two of his pointed statements further.
“If you want a snapshot of where you are in your walk with Christ, pull out your budget and walk through it with a spiritual director, your pastor, and a fellow Christian…” What would your budget say to those closest to you about what you treasure or where you place your trust?
For those of us that have a budget, ask yourself if there is anything you’d want to change before going into this meeting. If so, change it now! Why? Someday each of us will give an account of our stewardship to God. Living on a budget is merely preparation for that day.
Henson adds another profound thought. “A budget is perhaps the best window to see into one’s relationship with God.” Ponder the implications of that for a few minutes combined with the reality that two-thirds of people don’t live on a budget. If you are one of those two-thirds of people, might this be the month to start?
It’s not difficult but it requires discipline. Living on a budget is keeping track of your income and expenses and making sure your cashflow stays positive. Spend less than you make so you have margin for giving and other priorities. This may explain low levels of Christian giving. Most people do not create margin for giving.
If you want to learn to budget or you need resources for assisting others, here’s two free options for you. Read his entire essay in Purposeful Living and/or click to watch my Faith and Finances videos. Henson requires all Sioux Falls Seminary students to watch all 12 videos that stream freely, and the budgeting video is number 7 of the 12.