Parish Nurse Notes

Dear Friends,

This month, with all that has been happening in our financial centers around the world, I wanted to discuss the topic of Financial Health with you.  This is a logical time to focus on the stewardship of our treasures, and what we can do to more fully live a peaceable and fulfilling life.  These tips are important whether we are living in times of plenty or of little. 

The Bible has quite a bit to say about this important topic and in Matthew's gospel, we are encouraged to not store up treasures in our possessions, but rather to be rich in our relationship with God.(Mt. 6:19).  God's balance sheet is presented to us in Phil. 3:7, and this is an interesting ledger for comparing our family budget.  Other helpful scriptures include Luke 16:11; and 2 Corinthians 8 & 9.  In all of these passages, the Bible so accurately shows the folly of accumulating earthly things at the expense of our salvation it seems to be important to remember that we need to take charge of our finances, or the WILL take charge of us, and all other areas of our lives.

A Christian Perspective on Financial Health

 Communicate your spouse/best friend about your finances and write out an agreement about:

Begin your work with Prayer; God wants to help you through these problems and keep your life stable.

Any problems, the seriousness/impact on your future physical, emotional and spiritual family well being, and a commitment to work together to keep this problem in your past. 

Consider a budget as a plan of attack or a recipe for success and begin developing one on a personal or family basis.

Build in rewards for small steps and large.

Plan for when you will get a check up on your financial status, to appreciate your progress and/or retool your attack plan/recipe.

Recognize that all we have is from our generous God; seriously think about what you provide to continue his work, at times like these the needs are great.

Plan to spend less than 70% of your take home salary.