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Principles of Christian Economics

At the heart of financial management in marriage is an understanding of Christian economics. A Christian has an entirely different purpose for gaining finance than a non-Christian.

The basic purpose of Christian economics is stated in Ephesians. Paul was writing to those for whom stealing had been a way of life prior to conversion. He now encouraged them to make an honest living by working, not only to supply their own needs but to be able to share with others.

“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28). The average person in the world accumulates wealth so he might have more money for himself. The Christian’s goal is to gain so he might have to give to others. An understanding of this principle will affect the overall way we manage our personal finances.

How much money do we need to live? How much can we give? These very personal questions can be answered only in the privacy of our own hearts. They will be different for every couple, just as our circumstances are so very different.

From the beginning of our marriage, we were committed to the principle of tithing. In our first churches, we had no contracted salary but received an offering each week. Sometimes the offering was meager; sometimes it was adequate, but never abundant. I remember once during those days having a few coins in my hand and holding them up to the Lord as I prayed, “Lord, this is Your tithe. If we had received more, You would have received more.”

It wasn’t much, but such as we had, we gave. I say this not to our glory, but to God’s. Though we didn’t have much income, we never lacked for basic needs. Through the years, I have been thankful for those days of learning to trust God for finances.

We committed to tithing because we believed it is the biblical principle for giving. Some say tithing is a matter of law and does not apply to New Testament Christianity. Our answer to that is, “How can we do less under grace than what was required under law?” If anything, believers who have been set free in Christ from the law should give more, not less.

As a child, I never understood the Scripture that said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Through the years, as we faithfully returned to the Lord not only the tithe, but also offerings above the tithe, we have discovered the joy of giving. Offerings of thanksgiving for His blessing are the outflow of what God has done in our lives, a demonstration of His faithfulness.

PEGGY MUSGROVE is a licensed Assemblies of God minister. She is also a speaker, freelance writer, author and prayer group leader. Her latest book, Musings of a Maraschino Cherry was released in 2004.. You can visit her at www.musgroveville.com.

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