Few things have the potential to complicate and stress out our lives like money. That’s probably why it’s the most touched upon subject in the Bible. The Bible speaks more about money than marriage, more than heaven, and even more than love. I’m convinced that the reason for this is because it’s impossible to have a healthy relationship with God if our relationship with money is out of control. I’m convinced that it’s impossible to simplify our lives if our relationship with money is not under control

The interesting thing is that for the most part we do not have an income problem we have a money management problem. For most people the problem is not how much they earn, the problem is how much they spend. A few years back a couple came to see me totally stressed out with financial issues. They placed all their bills on my desk and explained to me how their monthly expenditures were greater than their monthly income. Their main concern was how to honor God with their money. I looked at them and said, “it’s simple, you have spend less than what you earn”. They responded, “that’s impossible; we’ve already cut out everything we possibly can.” I answered back, “I don’t think I can help you.” Funny thing happened, a few weeks later the husband lost his job. The good news is he was able to find another job within a few days. The bad news, he was earning twenty percent less yet was able to continue living the same lifestyle. They didn’t have an income problem they had a money management problem … a money management problem that was sorely complicating their lives.

Malachi 3:8-12

“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings.You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

I understand that these are some of the most abused verses in the Bible. That being the case they still remain a powerful admonition and an even more powerful promise from God. You see, God truly understands how much mismanaged finances can complicate our lives. So, he promises us that if we manage our finances with a God-first mentality, He will bless us above and beyond what we can handle. Now that would definitely make most or lives much simpler.

The couple that I told you about decided with twenty percent less income to manage their money with a God-first mentality. I must say life is so much better for them. Not only are their lives simpler, they moved into a new home, they purchased a new vehicle and recently God has blessed both husband and wife with higher paying jobs. All the while never forgetting to manage their finances with a God-first mentality.

Heavenly Father, I too can be seduced by the lure of money. I have seen how money has complicated so many lives. Lord give me the strength of character to manage my finances in a way that makes you the priority of my life.