Money, Money, Money, Money. Do you have a healthy relationship with it?

As a staff we have an opt-in 5 minute devotional reading each morning on YouVersion Bible app. We did a 25 day advent calendar, but most of them are much shorter at 3 to 7 days long. In the new year we started with New Year, New You and we're all fired up! This week we are reading about money and our attitudes around money. It's been eye opening!

A healthy relationship with your finances is essential for achieving long-term financial stability and peace of mind. It starts with setting clear goals and creating a budget that aligns with those goals. Track your spending, so you can see where your money is going and make adjustments as needed. One key aspect of a healthy financial relationship is to live below your means. This means avoiding lifestyle inflation and resisting the urge to constantly upgrade your lifestyle as your income increases. Instead, focus on saving and investing for the future.

Have an emergency fund in place. This fund should have enough money to cover at least three to six months of living expenses in case of unexpected events such as job loss or medical expenses. It's also important to be aware of your emotional relationship with money. Are you using money to fill emotional voids, or are you using it to achieve your goals? It's important to be mindful of how you use money and make sure you're using it in a way that aligns with your values and brings you true satisfaction.

Be generous. Giving to others not only helps those in need, but it also brings joy and fulfillment to our own lives. The Bible teaches us in Proverbs 11:25 "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Generosity helps us to see beyond our own needs and to appreciate what we have, it also teaches us to be content with what we have and to share with others. Incorporating generosity into your financial plan can be as simple as setting aside a small portion of your income for charitable giving, or volunteering your time and skills to help others. It can also be more intentional, like creating a long-term plan for charitable giving or starting a small business that gives back to the community.

Money is not the most important thing in life. The Bible reminds us in Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." So in all things, put God first and trust that He will provide for all of our needs.

A healthy relationship with your finances involves setting clear goals, creating a budget, living below your means, having an emergency fund, being aware of your emotional relationship with money, incorporating generosity and putting God first.

Do you give of your time or talent on a regular basis?