How Much Is Enough?

Today’s the 4th of July – and I have fond memories of a neighborhood parade we started back in Georgia. It was a time to celebrate our freedom dressed in red, white, and blue, while kids rode decorated bikes, walked their dressed-up dogs and waved flags to the cheering neighbors.

We have great freedom here, but financial freedom is something many lack.

• Do you have margin in your lifestyle to give generously and help others?
• Do you have a spending plan and budget? 
• How about an emergency savings fund? 

People who look successful on the outside may be pushing the limits of their income or exceeding it through excessive borrowing. Others may have enough money to overspend and get away with it, but extravagance has taken hold of their hearts.

Unfortunately, you can go from elementary school through college and never learn basic budgeting skills like balancing a checkbook, buying a house, or setting financial goals.

In some people’s minds, budgeting is a lot like dieting: both are last-resort measures that people rely on when it’s time to tighten the belt a notch or two. Or it may be something you are perpetually planning to start…tomorrow.

Make yourself an exception! The sooner you apply Biblical financial principles, the sooner you will experience true financial freedom.

God’s standards require discipline. And, it’s not always pleasant to control your spending! But in the long run, discipline yields greater freedom because it gives purpose to our work and frees us to serve God.

Proverbs 25:28 says, A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

If you are looking to find freedom from your overwhelming credit card debt, our partners at Christian Credit Counselors can help you make a debt management plan. Learn more at crown.org/CCC.