The Spiritual Fitness ManualSample

Financial Excellence

By Dr. John Templeton, The Templeton Foundation

Money itself is never the measure of a person’s character. It is the use of money that reflects character. The Bible talks about money, business and possessions more than any other topics. How we deal with our finances tells a lot about our character. There is great virtue and success in following the directives of the scriptures concerning our finances and how we distribute them. Here are some of the things that my father taught me and that I have learned through the years from the Bible that will help you.

1. WORK HARD AT YOUR JOB AND GOD WILL BLESS YOU

 “Through good times and tough times, entrepreneur-type people will seek new frontiers to explore and to enhance. They will gladly accept any challenge, because through risk and challenge, we grow both in worldly wisdom and spiritual strength.” —Sir John Templeton

2. USE YOUR MONEY CAREFULLY; DON’T WASTE IT

 “Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.” —Benjamin Franklin

“The prosperity of the Nation really must depend on the thrift of the people … the sunshine of prosperity can always be depended upon when the people are thrifty.” —S.W. Strauss

3. DON’T GO INTO DEBT

In 1900, the average American saved 22% of his income and had no debt. By only just five years ago, the average American’s savings rate had eroded to a negative 3%! Each American household on average is $14,500 in debt, not including their mortgage.

4. SAVE PART OF YOUR INCOME REGULARLY

“He who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” —Proverbs 13:11

“Teach economy. That is one of the first and highest virtues. It begins with saving money.”

—Abraham Lincoln

5. BE HONEST IN ALL YOUR BUSINESS DEALINGS

“The life of a nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful and virtuous.” —Frederick Douglass

“In the end, no person and no nation can prosper who tries to ‘get something for nothing.’” —Anonymous

6. GIVE GENEROUSLY OF YOUR FINANCES

 

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

• What area of finances are the most difficult for you to have a biblical attitude about?

• How has giving financially affected your life?