Serving Bread

One of my privileges is that of choice. When you think of nearly half the world living on less than $2 a day, you realize they have very few choices on how to spend or steward their money. At $2 a day, the money will be spent for the very bare essentials—food, water and shelter.

Though at many times I may feel that I could use a little more income in my life, I am not in the same financial camp as half of the world. As my income has grown so have my choices. Stewardship focuses us to make choices. How will we choose to spend the money that we have?

In the area of our finances, it seems that there are some black and white principles, but when it comes to application, it tends to be in gray. I’m not sure whether I am making the best choices, and even if I am, those choices may not necessarily work for other individuals and families.

Good stewardship is knowing the principles and making the best decisions that reflect our convictions and principles. The reason so many Americans are in debt reflects that we don’t know how to make good choices. The credit industry has expanded our access to things that our income cannot afford. And through that, we have lost the ability to make choices.

Instead of saving for something, we get it when we want. Our choices have been reduced to the color of the product rather than whether that product is even necessary.

Rhoda and I live on a budget and a monthly allowance. That allowance allows us to spend our money however we would like but we are limited by what is given in allowance. One month, I may use that money toward buying a CD while another month, I may put some of that money toward buying a book. In other words, because there are limited funds, when I buy a CD I am choosing against buying the book.

Some tips to make better choices:

• Allowance. Live on an allowance and operate within the bounds and limits of that money. Our allowance is (and has been since we got married 6 years ago) $60 a month each, but that may be too little or too much for your particular case. But whatever you set for yourself, stick to it.
• Purchase on credit when you have the money. This may seem a no-brainer, but few of us actually do this. I think credit cards are a great convenience. However, my discipline is to make sure that whatever I buy on credit, I can back up with money in my checking account.
• Pray. Pray before you make purchases. Ask God to help you make better choices along the way.
• Accountability. I think I’ve mentioned this point in previous posts and I will probably mention it in future ones. We need accountability in making better choices. Find someone who can speak truth into your life regarding your choices.

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