Biblical Principles On Overcoming Financial Bondage

#money #budget #bondage #chains

As you read this article, there are literally millions of people that are in financial bondage. Many people struggles to make ends meet, pay off their financial obligations and find enough money to do the things they love or enjoy. Many can’t even tell the last time they enjoyed a good meal or went out to have some real fun.

This is not what God meant for his people. It is not the will of God that we live each day being stress or depress about our finances. God wants us to live a joyful life and able to enjoy the finest things on the earth; however, many sees this as not happening in their lifetime.

How do you know you are in financial bondage?

You know you are in financial bondage if:

1. You find it very difficult to meet your financial obligations each month such as: paying your bills, taking care of your family
2. You stress about money often
3. You have regular fights or arguments with spouse or family members about money
4. Money is your number one priority, everything else is secondary, even God (thus making money your God)
5. You spend money as an emotional therapy

God gave us money to serve us, not we serving money; money should be working for us, not we working for money.

You know when money is working for you when:

1. You don’t get depress when you lose it
2. It is secondary to you
3. You are able to meet your financial obligations and at the same time put something down in the bank as savings
4. You have control over your spending

What keeps us in financial bondage?

Many people are currently in financial bondage not because they do not have the means to make money, or they really can’t save, but they are in financial bondage because of how they think about money. Many people in their pursuits of happiness, adopts the world’s view of what it means to be happy and the real use of money, and so in trying to “keep up with the Joneses”, they dig themselves in financial distress on a regular basis.

The Bible advises us not to “be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”- Romans 12: 2. When we follow the fads and the ideals of the world and not live our lives according to biblical principles that is when we find ourselves bond in chains to money. Unless our minds are being transformed by the principles of God’s words or way of doing things, we will forever be bound by money.

What you believe will ultimately affect how you behave. If you want to change your life then you need to start changing your belief about money by start applying biblical principles to their life.

Here are some practical steps you can start applying to be set free from financial bondage and stay free:

1. Has money become your God? You know that money is your God when all you think about and do is because of money. If you continue to let money become your God then you will live your life being a slave to money.

Money was here before you were born, and I am very sure it will still be here when you and I are gone. The Bible says we cannot serve money and God at the same time. Money may be able to buy you a new car or a good time, but it will not buy you a relationship with God or happiness no matter what people will have you to believe.

2. Practice the habit of giving. The Bible tells us two principles about being financially secure and happy
3. a) “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine”– Proverbs 3:9-10
4. b) “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”– 2 Corinthians 9:6

One of the secrets to wealth that many people in the church do not know of, yet the securely world knows it, is the principle of giving; not only giving to God of your tithes and offerings, but also sharing your blessings with others and those less fortunate than you. When you give, it will not necessary be the same person who will give you when you are in need, but the Lord will use someone, sometimes who we don’t think of, to give us the things we need. If you sow money, then you will reap money- that’s just how it is. When you give, don’t give grudgingly, but willingly.

3. Pay your debts. If you want to be financially free, you need to work on paying off all your creditors and try to develop a habit of not borrowing. Borrowing keeps you in bondage to your creditors. If you have to borrow, make sure it is for a very good reason and not for something you don’t really need right now, and make sure you have the means to pay back your debts.
4. Seek counsel from those you trust and able to give you sound financial advice.
5. Develop a budget and try to stick to it. Making a budget is one thing, but sticking to it is sometimes very difficult, however, with the help of God you will be able to do so. Before you start making your budget, pray and seek God’s help and whenever you are going shopping pray and ask him for his favor.
6. Develop self-control. Many people remain a slave to money because they are impulsive shoppers- they buy things they don’t often need just because they get the impulse to buy it.

God wants us to be financially free, but we have to do our part and then leave the rest to him. What do you have to say about this topic? Please share your comments below, and please subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates.