6 Financial Pressures
“The chronic misuse of debt and/or mismanagement of financial resources.”

Debt, finances, credit cards, rising costs… the list goes on. Each idea generates a sick feeling in the pit of one’s gut. Money is a divining rod for revealing one’s values and desires. And within the practical, emotional, even spiritual dynamics of being part of a family, the effect is intensified. If we took the time to evaluate our spending over the course of a year (as many people do), the results would tell us what we do value rather than what we say we value.

Why are we stressed about money? We are stressed because it is a good indicator of priorities based in our earthly desires. And further, our earthly desires can be powerfully misleading forces in the decisions we make daily with our finances.

The number 6 topic facing today’s family, as expressed by individuals from a range of backgrounds, is
“Financial Pressures.”

“The pressure felt by many people to “have” so much “stuff” is overwhelming and credit is an easy way to fulfill the wants and perceived needs. However, its long-term affect is to cause anxiety and frustration when the bills can’t be paid and the spending must be stopped.”
Shirley B. Ocala, FL

” Living costs are rising rapidly, especially in terms of health care, prescriptions, and health insurance premiums. It is hard to stay on budget when living costs rise significantly faster than income.”
Osborne B. Blandon, PA

Prov 22:1-7
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. 2 Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all. 3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. 4 Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life. 5 In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them. 6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. 7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

We’ve heard the verse, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Yet rarely do we look at the surrounding passage. Clearly this passage is talking about teaching our children the importance of a good name and that it’s to be desired more than GREAT riches. With so many homes in foreclosure and the mounting credit card debt, we HAVE to teach our children financial wisdom. I wish life was easy but with the added pressure of materialism and an”iculture” how can we help our children to be content?
“We must be humble and fear the Lord.” As verse four states we have to humble our own desires. OUCH!!! We’ve all heard that “actions are louder than words.” When I think of the word TRAIN, I literally picture a train with the engine and all of the cars following behind. We are the example for our children. We are the engine that directs the course for our children. They have no choice, they follow our direction. How many of you are just like your parents? Yes the Holy Spirit can intercede and break cycles but I would prefer laying a straight track for my children.
If you’re in debt, do something about it. As verse seven states, you are a servant to your lender. I would recommend reading Dave Ramsey’s books, or enrolling in the Good Sense course but don’t settle for where you’re at! Make a difference. In fact 90% of people in our culture buy things they can’t afford. (pg. 13 Total Money Makeover) I’ve adopted Ramsey’s motto: “If you live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.” We have to learn to live within our means. We also have to learn to be content with where we are. As Eccl 5:10 says, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.” Are you tired with your financial situation? Then do something about it. Think of yourself as the little train that COULD! Remember everyone said the little train couldn’t pull the load over the mountain but she did because she DIDN’T give up. We can make a difference in our lives and when we make those changes our children will follow. We will TRAIN them to know that a good name is more desirable than GREAT RICHES!
Luke 12:34, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Helpful hints:

• Develop a budget (stick to it!)
• Remember
  • Give your tithe
  • Save for a rainy day. It will rain and Christmas is not a surprise.
  • Then only spend after those two.
• Take baby steps, read Dave Ramsey’s book or Good Sense and teach your children what you learn. Start young, you won’t regret it.
• Let your children earn money, don’t just get them everything they want. They need to understand the value of a dollar.
• How can I get help? There are individuals in our church that are financial advisors. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get help.