Today we’re going to discuss some basic financial guidelines that are rooted in biblical principles and are endorsed by some of the most respected Christian experts available on the topic.

Like with any positive habits that we try to install in our lives, we often “know” what to do with our financial lives. It’s the “behavior” part that trips us up. These principles are simple, but hard. They work, but take time to show results.

It’s also important to know that we (often) are not “sinning” if we refuse to follow the wisdom of these financial guidelines. We are, however; walking in the paths of “foolishness” biblically.

Biblical Financial Principle #1: Get Out of Debt Proverbs 22:7 “The borrower is slave to the lender” Debt shackles our ability to give and live the generous lives God desires for us.

Financial Principal #2: “Act Your Wage” Live on less than you make! Proverbs 21:20 “Foolish people devour all they have.” 1 Timothy 6:6 “Godliness, with contentment , is great gain.” --------------------------------------------------------------- Live on less than you make!

Contentment is actually one of the most powerful financial tools one can have. When you’re “OK” with the stuff of life; your debt can start to get paid down and savings can come up.

Financial Principal #3: Get on a Budget Luke 14: 28-30 “Planning to Build a Tower” Jesus spoke about earthly wisdom about building a tower… how much more care should we put into building our lives & wisely use what God has given us!

Financial Principal #4: Save Money Proverbs 21:20 "Wise people’s houses are full of the best foods and olive oil, but foolish people devour all they have." It’s not enough to just earn, earn, & earn money. You have to save money, too.

Save $$$ for 3 Primary Reasons: 1.) Emergency / Rainy Day Fund * 3 - 6 months of Expenses 2.) Save up & Pay Cash for Things 3.) Invest Money

Biblical Financial Principle #5: Live as an Abundant Giver This includes (and somewhat takes for granted) that a follower of Christ will make tithing 10% of their income part of their greater call by God to do good in His Name to care for “the least of these.”

This stuff is simple…but hard. You can’t reap the fruit of all As I said earlier: This stuff is simple…but hard. You can’t reap the fruit of all of these principles unless you do them ALL! They work together.

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, Hebrews 12:11 "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."