Managing our spending habits is important for building wealth.
In today’s world, pressure from society encourages much spending and gratification that is so immediate.
Luckily for Christians, the Bible offers endless wisdom on finance management.
It also encourages us to embrace prudent spending habits
to achieve financial stability and build wealth.
In this article, we will be guided by biblical principles
on how to manage our spending habits and build wealth.
We shall also have a look at various Bible verses
that provide needed guidance on managing finances.
What are your spending habits?
These are simply choices we make
or patterns we create when using our financial resources, e.g. money.
These can range from small purchases like groceries to larger ones like a home.
They usually have a significant impact on our finances in the long run.
What Role does Faith play in our Finances?
Peace and wisdom in our financial decisions can only be experienced when;
a) we trust God for provision
b) seek his guidance.
a) Trusting God For Provision
Matthew 6:25–26 (NIV)
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink;
or about your body, what you will wear.
Is not life more than food,
and the body more than clothes?
Look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?
We can see that cares for us and He asks us to Him in provision.
b) Seeking God’s Guidance in Financial Decisions
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
We ask God’s will and seek His guidance through prayer.
These bring forth financial wisdom and success.
How to manage your spending habits and build wealth
a). Practice gratitude and contentment.
Be thankful for what you already have
and start to work with that towards achieving your goal.
Philippians 4:11–12 (NIV)
I am not saying this because I am in need,
for I have learned to be content
whatever the circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need,
and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content
in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry,
whether living in plenty or want.
The message here is;
Practicing gratitude and contentment will help you
not overspend and accumulate unnecessary debt.
You can focus on making financial decisions
that are well thought out and align with your goals.
b)Create a “You” Budget
and be a Good Steward when Spending.
To manage your finances responsibly,
create a budget that fits your needs and stick to it.
A good Steward recognizes
that all that is in his possession comes from God.
He therefore becomes responsible and manages it with wisdom.
Luke 16/10(NIV)
“Whoever can be trusted with very little
can also be trusted with much,
and whoever is dishonest with very little
will also be dishonest with much.”
The above verse relates to budgeting.
When you allocate your resources well i.e.;
by ensuring that all your needs are catered for,
saving enough for the future,
and generously giving to the needy.
This demonstrates how you are a better steward of God’s blessing.
And we can then agree that these lead to building wealth.
c)Spending and Wealth: Saving and Investing.
These are major components in building wealth.
The benefits of saving in financial practice cannot be overemphasized.
Of course for future use and in investing
Investing wisely will grow your wealth over time
“The quickest right way to become a millionaire
is to consistently invest over a long period of time.
Don’t get distracted by market swings,
trendy stocks or get-rich-quick schemes.”
You can invest in assets that are appreciated with time.
Real estate and mutual funds
can help your wealth grow exponentially.
Proverbs 21/20(NIV)
The wise store up choice food
and olive oil,
but fools gulp theirs down.
d)Avoid Unnecessary Debt when Spending
Debt burden is uncalled for in the bible.
Proverbs 22/7(NIV)
The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is slave to the lender
Here we see that accumulating debt
can hinder us from achieving our financial goals.
This is because you are not able to save money,
invest and eventually build wealth.
It’s good to put good plans in place
to help you pay off existing debts.
This will free you from financial burden.
You will now be able to redirect the resources
to other avenues of building wealth.
e) Generous Giving.
Not only does giving generously align with God’s heart
but also it brings that sense of fulfillment and purpose.
A generous person will always prosper because of God’s blessings.
When you help that person who is in need,
you also gain spiritual wealth.
Proverbs 11/24-25(NIV)
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.
f)Spending and Wealth:
Avoid Buying Things That You Do Not Need.
Instant gratification is a culprit here.
The Bible encourages self-control in spending habits.
Proverbs 21:5 (NIV)
The plans of the diligent lead to profit
as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Heavy spending can deplete your resources
and prevent you from building wealth.
It’s important to prioritize needs over wants.
g) Working Hard with Diligence
We are constantly reminded to value hard work and diligence in life.
Proverbs 10:4 (NIV)
Lazy hands make for poverty,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
To build wealth you have to work hard,
be persistent and have discipline.
Opportunities can only be created
when we pursue goals with diligence.
h) Be Humble and Accountable in Spending
When you recognize limitations and begin to be accountable,
you protect yourself from pride.
You won’t spend your money recklessly.
Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)
Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
If we remain humble and open to feedback from others,
we are better placed to make good choices.
Good financial choices in spending will then help us build wealth.
i) Have a Positive Perspective
and Practice Patience
To endure the current economic hardships
and setbacks you need a positive mind.
Patience will enable you to avoid shortcuts.
You also need to diversify your investment
to spread out the risks associated with investing.
When you have your risks mitigated
you increase your chances of financial success.
Ecclesiastes 11:2 (NIV)
Invest in seven ventures,
yes, in eight;
you do not know what disaster
may come upon the land.
j)Seek Professional Help.
The Bible also advises that we seek help
from those who are knowledgeable.
Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers, they succeed.
Financial advisors, Mentors,
and trusted friends can offer these.
They can bring in valuable insights
and strategies that can help build wealth.
Their advice can help you avoid the common financial pitfalls
that may derail your success.
Conclusion;
Spend less and save more to Build Wealth
Managing our spending by biblical principles
can help us become financially stable.
This can bring about a gradual increase in wealth.
Being contented with what is at hand,
proper budgeting, saving and investing etc.
These can help us align God’s purpose with our financial goals.
Hard work, Patience and humility in equal measures
can help us stay on course to prosperity.
We have to be better stewards of God’s blessing to impact others positively.
This means you have to have others in the picture
and avoid selfish interests.
Aligning spending habits and God’s word makes us
experience financial freedom and fulfillment.
We become happy when we honor God,
boost our financial being and bless others.
“It’s easier to cut luxuries when you’re already spending on luxuries to begin with.
If you lead a bare-bones existence,
you may have to make radical decisions.
Find where you can create room in your budget
and invest the difference between what you spend and what you earn.
Sensible investing over time is one of the easiest ways to grow wealth“.
