Romans 12:2 (NLT) – Don’t copy the behavior and custom of this world but let God transform you in a new person by changing the way you think.
Resources are a set of supplies provided by God to help us operate our daily lives. As Christians, this can seem to be a difficult task while trying to be a good steward of these resources.
The dictionary defines resources as a stock or supply of money, materials, staff and other assets that can be drawn on by one person or organization in order to function effectively. The definition does leave out a crucial resource, the giving of time. God truly wants to transform how we see and utilize the supply of resources that He provides. For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NLT)
The question is what steps can we take to be a better steward of these resources? Let’s take a look at four steps to help us think about this in a new way.
Budget/Plan
It all begins with a plan. We need to know how much income is coming in, what expenses we owe, and be ready for those unexpected bills we might not see coming. An option for getting started is to break up your monthly income into percentages; this will guide how the resources will be utilized. For the main household expenses set aside 50-60% of your monthly income. Use this to pay for rent, mortgage, utilities, food, car note, cell phone, car insurance and student loans. It is possible that your initial percentage of expenses could reach up to 70% of the household income. As you pay down expenses, the percentages will decrease allowing you to shift the budget creating new opportunities for that income.
Tithing
We all should have a heart to invest in Christ and the Church. It is one action to be faithful in giving 10% of our income to God, but as we deepen our walk with Christ, he also teaches us to share with each other. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NLT) Tithing is important to the movement of the Church, but let’s also not forget about two other resources that can help our community. Our time and skills can be donated for the work of the ministry and for building up the body of Christ.
Retirement
Retirement may seem like a long time from now and preparing for it may seem like a heavy task. A good plan to reach for is setting back 10% of your income. That might seem like a big stretch today so until you can achieve that, a good starting point could be your employer’s retirement match program. Some companies offer 4-6% match as long as you invest 4-6% into your retirement. It is a great starting point to maximize your retirement planning. Each year you can reassess your budget and determine if you can increase your retirement giving in increments of 1% to help you prepare for the future.
Reserve/Emergency Savings
What happens with the other 20-30% of my monthly income? These funds can be set aside for unexpected expense, planning a family trip, supporting a cause that you believe in, paying down debt, an evening out with friends or investing in your education to learn a new skill. Taking these steps to create and review the household budget each month allows you a new perspective of managing your resources.
Above all, look to God’s plan for budgeting your resources and seek His wisdom in your finances.