Seven Principles of Finance for the Believer
By Jim and Pam Elliff
One of the most recognizable differences in
the believer and the world he lives in is his
unusual relationship to money and possessions.
However, even serious believers
sometimes balk at the seeming extremities in the teaching and lifestyle of Christ and the leaders of the New Testament church. Can we duplicate this New Testament lifestyle in our day? This outline provides the diligent believer with some key principles
preparing him/her for radical, other-worldly financial behavior.
Take some time alone (or if you are married, with your
spouse) for reading the Scripture texts and thinking about the obedient response in each area. Then write out what you find.
There is only one thing for you to do after this meditation: obey!
Consider these seven principles of finance for the believer, taken from a pamphlet by the same name written by Jim and Pam Elliff:
1. The Principle of Non-Attachment
I will purchase or receive nothing that I cannot give away.
And He said to them, "Beware and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).
(Also see Luke 12:32-34; 16:13-25; 1 John 2:15-17)
What must I do to obey these verses?
2. I will owe no man anything but to love him.
Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law (Romans 13:8).
(Also see Proverbs 22:7)
What must I do to obey these verses?
3. The Principle of Liberality
I will constantly seek to give away possessions for God’s glory.
For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability they gave of their own accord, begging us with much entreaty for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God (2 Corinthians 8:3-5).
(Also see 2 Corinthians 9:7; Luke 6:38)
What must I do to obey these verses?
4. The Principle of Recall
I will keep accurate records of God’s dealings with me
financially in order to show others that God answers prayer and provides for His own.
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
(Also see Proverbs 27:23-27)
What must I do to obey these verses?
5. The Principle of Security
I will save and invest only if God is leading, with the understanding that I will give it all away at His slightest instruction.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up your treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in or steal (Matthew 6:19-20).
(Also see Proverbs 28:8; 1 Timothy 6:9-11)
What must I do to obey these verses?
6. The Principle of Compassion
I will not pray for someone else’s needs financially unless I am willing to be the instrument God uses to meet that need if He should desire.
We know love by this, that He laid
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