Healthy Moneyনমুনা

Day 5: Moving Forward Financially

As we move forward financially, it is important to know what direction we are heading. Where is God leading you? What priorities and values will guide you?

In Joshua 24, the Israelites are renewing their covenant before the Lord. Joshua led the people into the promised land, but now they are entering a time of peace, and Joshua knows that it is easy for focus to drift. Joshua is now older and nearing the end of his life, so he draws all the Israelite leaders together, reminds them of all the Lord has done for them, and then challenges them to “choose this day whom you will serve.” It is time for them to choose how they will align their life. Will their life worship the Lord or the gods of those around them? For Joshua, the decision is clear, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

As you align your finances, it is important to determine what you value most. If serving God, taking care of your family, caring for the poor, investing in future leaders, being a light in your workplace or community, and stewarding God’s creation, for example, are important for you, does your budget reflect that? Hopefully, God is at the top of your list, but as you work your way down to some of the specifics of God’s calling on your life, what is a priority for you? What are your life goals as you live out your faith on this earth?

As you determine the answer to those questions, what changes will you make to your spending, saving, and giving habits to focus on each of those things? Set short term and long term goals, and make plans to celebrate as each goal is accomplished.

Also, it can help to have accountability. Who will you share those priorities with who can hold you accountable to work toward what you value? It may be a spouse, small group, mentor, or financial advisor. The level of detail you share may vary, but the importance is having someone who will check in with you, and make sure you haven’t forgotten those priorities or slipped back into old patterns.

Finally, surrender those plans to the Lord. If you want God to lead you, the most powerful prayer you can pray is, “Lord, your will be done.” As we surrender all we have to the Lord and continually ask God to guide us, the Holy Spirit will lead us in this faith-filled financial journey.

Reflection Questions:

What do you value most in your life? What are your God-given priorities?

What changes do you need to make to your giving, saving, and spending habits to realign your finances with God’s word and the priorities you listed?

What is your first short-term goal and when would you realistically like to accomplish it by?

Who can help hold you accountable as you work toward that goal and realign your finances?

Prayer

God, all I have is yours. I surrender my money and all I own to you. Help me to manage it wisely for your glory. Guide me and strengthen me as I make changes. Bring people around me to support me as I do. In all I do, I want to honor you. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Amen.