By Dhimas Anugrah

A person’s ability to manage or plan their finances can be a sign of spiritual maturity. Good financial planning means not only being able to set aside income by saving, but also allocating expenses according to needs and not just satisfying a lifestyle. So, it is important to plan our finances wisely.

When it comes to finances, people tend to fall into two groups: “non-planners” and “planners.” A “non-planner” usually saves from the money left over after their income is spent on this and that, or even doesn’t save at all. However, a “planner” sets aside a portion of their income for savings from the start. According to Schwab’s 2021 Modern Wealth Survey, only 33% of people (in America) have a financial plan. Others say that financial plans are too complicated, or don’t have the time to plan. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) in 2017 noted that only 12.6 percent of people have done financial planning. This indicates that awareness of financial planning in the country is still minimal.

Are you a planner or a non-planner? The Bible has more than 2,350 verses that talk about money, making “money” one of the most discussed topics. Naturally, it is important for believers to consider the advice of Scripture when planning or managing finances. As one Christian preacher said, “The way we manage our money is a direct reflection of our heart attitude towards God.” He was right. He was right. Money is a tool to glorify God in this world. Jesus once said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21).

Basic Principles

Without proper financial planning, an individual, a family, or even an organization can face financial problems. There are many sources that we can learn about how to manage our finances wisely. Interestingly, many of the sound financial principles that have been recognized in society have their basis in biblical wisdom. For example:

1. Do not desire to be rich quickly – Proverbs 13:11 “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
2. Be careful with debt – Proverbs 22:7 “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
3. Have an emergency fund – Proverbs 21:20 “he wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” 
4. Be diligent and have a good work ethic – Proverbs 10:4 “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
5. Work in honesty and integrity – Proverbs 15:6 “The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.”

There are still other verses in the Bible regarding finances, but from all the verses above, we certainly agree with the values it offers. Even though it may not be easy to do, at this point, we are invited not to give up trying to become a child of God who is skillful in managing finances. In addition to being able to manage personal finances well, the Scripture also invites believers to be generous and take part in supporting the work of God’s ministry.

Planning for Eternity

Paul commended the Philippian believers who had given to his ministry. “Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia … for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.” (Philippians 4:15-16). In this passage, Paul wanted to show the believers that their giving to Paul’s ministry was beneficial and valuable. Even today, believers’ giving to the ministry is beneficial to the continuation of God’s work in the world.

In the last century, a Christian entrepreneur named Robert Gilmour LeTourneau made the decision to become a “businessman for the Lord.” Since he owned nothing and his business was small, he learned to faithfully support the work of the ministry from a portion of his profits. As he became financially successful, LeTourneau increased his giving to the point where he gave 90% of his income to the ministry. For most of us, this would be an extreme testimony, or we might think, “I can also give 90% if I’m blessed to be a billionaire.” Yes, it’s possible, but LeTourneau didn’t start supporting the ministry financially when he became wealthy.

By the end of his life, LeTourneau had innovated nearly 300 important inventions and held hundreds of patents during his lifetime. This story is not to encourage you to give 90 percent of your income. Rather, it reminds us that no matter what percentage of our income we currently earn, we are invited to make a plan to support God’s work at every opportunity. What needs to be remembered is that giving to God’s work is not based on getting greater blessings from Him. This is not the case at all. Giving to God’s work is a form of our love for God. Proverbs 11:24-25 says, “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” The gospel also invites us to use our worldly resources to benefit others with eternal consequences (Luke 16:9).

How will you incorporate support for ministry work into your financial planning? 

Managing money wisely is a sign of our spiritual maturity in following Christ. At the same time, Our Daily Bread (ODB) Indonesia is grateful for the faithful support of our readers so far, so that many materials can be enjoyed by more people in our country. In faith we will see people from all nations experiencing personal fellowship with Christ, growing more like Him, and serving in local congregations that are members of His family. May God bless you all the more as you generously support the ministry to others.

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Our Daily Bread Ministries in Indonesia is supported by the freewill offering of individuals in Indonesia, who through their gifts enable us to continue to bring the life-changing wisdom of the Bible to many here. We are not funded by any church or organisation.

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