MEMORY VERSE: “ But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 26:12-16.
INTRODUCTION
There has been so much financial instability in recent times, and it looks like a whole lot of things are becoming unaffordable. Dwindling economic realities around the world makes it more difficult to believe that financial independence is possible, given the rate at which companies fold up, the rate of inflation, and exchange rate vulnerability, just to mention but a few. We would be looking at what financial independence is, how relates to us as Christians and practical steps we can take to attain it.
OUTLINE
- What is Financial Independence?
- Attaining Financial Independence
WHAT IS FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE?
Financial Independence is an act of being financially sufficient. It means having abundant income, savings, or investment to last a lifetime without necessarily waiting to be paid by someone else at the end of the month. It is being able to attend to your needs conveniently stress free, while preparing for tomorrow.
Financial Independence is not starvation, inability to attend to today’s need just to provide for tomorrow, it is not being stingy or lacking the ability to be compassionate and do good to others. It is also not to love money like Achan or Judas Joshua 7:20-21; John 12:4-6.
ATTAINING FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
A lot of people today either borrow to survive or wait on a pay cheque from their employer before any financial decision or action is taken over their wellbeing and that of their family.
It is important to know that God has financial plans for us as his children and he does not want us to be poor 3 John 1:2. For instance, Abraham and Isaac trusted God and were financially independent Genesis 24:1, 35; 26:12-16.
Believers can attain financial independence by looking unto God to empower them to do the needful to get wealth Deuteronomy 8:18. We should depend on the Holy Spirit for inspiration and direction Job 32:8. We should give generously, pay tithes, offerings, seed sowing, etc Malachi 3:10-12; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. It is important to work towards having multiple streams of income Isaiah 60:11. We should invest and not just save Luke 19:16-17. Make every effort to eliminate or avoid debt Proverbs 22:7. Be intentional in acquiring financial knowledge. Be wise, diligent, and prudent Proverbs 12:24.
CONCLUSION
Financial independence is possible for all Christians we have a role to play in attaining it. We need to act as and when prompted by God.
FURTHER READINGS:
SUN: Revelation 21:5;
MON: Genesis 24:12;
TUES: Luke.17:7;
WED: Hosea 2:8;
THUR: John 13:29;
FRI: Proverbs 10:4;
SAT: Proverbs 5:11