There are four places that your money can go in the shortterm: live, give, owe and grow. By far the most complicated and far-reaching wedge of the pie is the living wedge.
- How much is enough?
- How do I implement an effective budget?
- How do we plan effectively for our family when money causes so much conflict?
Almost every daily financial decision that we make can be categorized in the live wedge...everything from the purchase of a latte to the purchase of a new car or home falls into this category.
What are the "guardrails" that God has set up for our lifestyle decisions? Does the Bible offer any?
I believe that God offers us succinct wisdom in the book of I Timothy regarding three guardrails" on our lifestyle Choices.
The first one is provision. I Timothy 5:8 says, "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." God desires that we provide for those In our household. As we make financial choices that affect our lifestyle, we need to be certain that we have enough money to provide basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing for our family.
The second guardrail is contentment. I Timothy 6:8 says, "And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." It is no secret that we live in a very materialistic world where needs and wants are easily confused. Learning the discipline of contentment within the limits of our own financial reality is very important in ensuring that we don't spend more money on our lifestyle than we actually have to spend.
The final biblical guardrail is enjoyment. I Timothy 6:17-18 says, "Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they may be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life." When we know that God owns it all and that our blessings emanate from His hand, we are free to enjoy the gifts he has given us, even as they relate to our lifestyle. This passage also highlights the close connection between enjoying life and giving ourselves away. I love to imagine the joy of God as our Father. As a dad myself, I can relate to the deep pleasure that brings me to give my children good things. When we enjoy the material blessings God has given us with a heart of gratitude for the goodness of our Father. It reminds us that we are also blessed when we are generous.
Take the time to consider how balanced you are between provision, contentment, and enjoyment In your spending decisions. Where you find that you are out of balance. ask God for guidance in helping you moderate that area.
Ron Blue
Note: If you would like to be connected to someone who can help you with your finances, email Emily at
Ron Blue is a guest author here on our blog. Ron Blue is the founder of Kingdom Advisors, a ministry that empowers Christian financial advisors who seek to integrate a biblical worldview into their advice and counsel. In 1979, he founded Ronald Blue & Company (now Ronald Blue Trust), the largest Christian financial planning firm in the country. He has authored over twenty books, including Master Your Money, The Complete Guide to Faith Based Family Finances, and Surviving Financial Meltdown. Ron holds a BS and an MBA from Indiana University. Ron is married to Judy and they have five grown children and thirteen grandchildren. They reside in Bloomington, Indiana.
