So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? Luke 16:11
“Don’t let financial differences derail your relationship. Here’s how to get on the path of open, honest communication about money, and stay on it…
Tip 1: Talk about how your past shaped your views on money…
Tip 2: Use praise and prayer. Choose a regular time each week to discuss your finances, and make it a time when you’re relaxed and unlikely to be interrupted…
Tip 3: Keep the lines of communication open…When both people participate it makes each person feel more confident…
Tip 4: Decide what needs joint discussion. Large purchases can be a major cause of conflict, but it doesn’t have to be that way…
Tip 5: Set both individual and joint goals…One useful exercise is the have each spouse write down ideas separately, then trade papers and discuss the lists…
Creating a spirit of teamwork about money improves marriages overall.”
Amy Merrick in “Money & Marriage” in Thrivent Magazine: Helping Members Connect Faith & Finances for Good, June 2017: 12-16.
Today I am working through what the Gospels say about stewardship and generosity with my students. I often give practical tips like this list so that each of my married students has a tool for talking to their husband or wife about what they are learning. As money is the #1 cause of marital strife, tools like this can help couples both avoid conflict and aim at faithful stewardship.
Is it time to have a coffee with your spouse and work through these five tips? It’s important because if we can’t handle money faithfully, we show we can’t be trusted with true riches. Create a spirit of teamwork with your spouse. Open the lines of communication. Set goals for storing up treasures in heaven. And get ready to steward true riches!