In the sermon Sunday I attempted to answer some of the questions about money that were given to me the previous week. Here are the questions and my answers for each one:
In the home, who takes care of finances, the husband or the wife?
I think it is the duty of the husband to set the financial tone in the family. This means that he casts the vision for giving, saving, spending, debt reduction, and investing. However, the day to day bills and budgeting should be done by the person most gifted. Proverbs 31:10-31 is a picture of a woman who knows how to handle finances. She does not leave all things financial to the man. I think couples should decide on who is best gifted with money and allow them to handle it.
Is tithing still relevant today?
Space does not allow me to adequately tackle this issue here. But suffice to say that I think a tithe (tenth), is a good number to work with. To be clear however, the Old Testament required something like 25% rather than the commonly believed 10%. The New Testament does not use tithe language when referring to giving, though Jesus did reference it at least once (Matthew 23:23). The New Testament seems more concerned with sacrificial and cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 8-9) because Jesus, who was rich, became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9). The more Christians see how glorious the Gospel is, the more it should compel them to give. Some Christians are able to give more than a tithe, but choose not to. This is not New Testament giving. Some Christians may attempt to give a tithe, but to do so, prevents them from basic necessities in the home. This is a too restrictive view of giving. So while I would recommend a person consider a tithe, I would also not call it the floor or the ceiling of giving. CS Lewis said the best kind of giving was the kind that pinches and hampers. Christians should probably give in such a way that prevents them from doing certain things they’d otherwise spend money doing. But of course, naming what those things are gets very sticky!
Should I be debt free before I help others?
Maybe. I’d have to see numbers. If it is sporadic, I’d say yes. If its long term, substantial commitments, I’d encourage people to reduce debt first, then be able to give more. To be clear, if someone is waiting to be debt free before they give at all, I’d highly caution against that.
What if my husband isn’t a Christian, how do I honor God with money?
You submit to his leadership in the home. You pray that Jesus invades his soul. You spend in a way that is honoring to God. If you bring any money in, seek his counsel about giving a portion of it. In these ways you might make him holy, that is, he might become a Christian (1Corinthians 7:14).
What do think of giving online like other bills?
Yes! If it means giving more frequently, yes!
What does the term afford mean biblically?
Jamie Munson, in his book, Money: God or Gift?, lists three factors.
- Does it decrease my giving?
- Does it harm my family?
- Does it increase my debt?
If purchasing a TV (as I used in my sermon) causes you to give less, not follow through on family financial commitments, or causes you to take on more debt, then you can’t afford it. If these will not be affected, I think you are free to make a purchase.
How does someone who is single and unemployed not FOCUS on money?
When the Bible says not to be anxious about money (Matthew 6:25-34), it does not mean that you should not be concerned about money. Money is a complex issue. Jesus said you cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24). Money has a god-like power. Being single and without a job should be cause for concern. However, it should not be cause for panic and deep seated anxiety. I would counsel this person in a few ways:
- Let the anxiety over money drive you to God.
- Do your part in searching for a job.
- Draw strength from past victories when God provided in unusual ways.
- Gaze upon the Cross. If God did not spare His own Son (Romans 8:31-32), He is not going to leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
Thanks for the questions. Hope my anwers were helpful.
GB
