Monday, January 5, 2009

The Ant Got it Right


photo by contraption


In the spectre of "chicken little" despair regarding the economy and the economic crisis, I am so glad that God's Word gives guidance. In our new series, "Surviving your own economic crisis," Pastor Bob offered five habits that will produce financial freedom in your life from the Bible.


These five habits shared yesterday, I adapted into my own words (you can hear yesterday's sermon here):


  1. Keep good records

  2. Prepare your budget

  3. Start saving

  4. Practice tithing

  5. Engage contentment

Each habit is grounded in Scripture. Keep good records means know where your money comes from and where you spend it (Proverbs 27:23). Prepare your budget means plan for your spending (Proverbs 21:5). Start saving means prepare for the future (Proverbs 21:20). Practice tithing begins with giving to the church at least 10% of your income (Malachi 3:10). To engage contentment means pursing contentment (Hebrews 13:5).


The one illustration that sticks with me today is the ant. In Proverbs 6:6,8, the Bible says, "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest."


The ant is diligent and wise preparing for the coming winter by storing food during the summer. National Geographic Kids has a great, short clip to illustrate ant power and diligence. (be sure to pause the video at the end or you'll see another clip about butterflies :).


As this new year begins, I know that God has prompted me to begin establishing a new pattern for the coming year. I need to keep better records and to stay within a budget.


Yes, even a pastor needs help. Doesn't everyone need help with finances?


3 comments:

Unknown said...

You stated that "Each habit is grounded in Scripture" and that one should "Practice tithing begins with giving to the church at least 10% of your income"
A teaching persists in the contemporary church that Christians under grace in the New Testament are obligated to tithe as the Jews under the law had to tithe in the Old Testament. There are no defining scriptures anywhere in the Bible however, to validate such teaching. Nevertheless the proponents of tithing do use scriptures to argue their position. New Testament Christians are not under the law because it has been fulfilled in Christ, and they have been redeemed from its curse (CP Ro 10:4; Ga 3:13-14).Compulsory tithing under the law in the Old Testament does not translate to giving under grace in the New Testament. The New Testament does not compel Christians, but rather invites them to give generously in response to the needs of others, and as an expression of their love for God (CP 1Cor 16:1-2; 2Cor 8:1-15; 9:1-15; Ga 6:6-8; Jas 2:13-17; 1Jn 3:16-19).

Pastor Daron said...

Thanks for your comment. We would like to know who leaves comments, so please try to leave comments with an identity. We'd like to get to know you.

I will try to answer when I have more time. One of my children is ill.

Unknown said...

You stated that "Each habit is grounded in Scripture" and that one should "Practice tithing begins with giving to the church at least 10% of your income"
A teaching persists in the contemporary church that Christians under grace in the New Testament are obligated to tithe as the Jews under the law had to tithe in the Old Testament. There are no defining scriptures anywhere in the Bible however, to validate such teaching. Nevertheless the proponents of tithing do use scriptures to argue their position. New Testament Christians are not under the law because it has been fulfilled in Christ, and they have been redeemed from its curse (CP Ro 10:4; Ga 3:13-14).Compulsory tithing under the law in the Old Testament does not translate to giving under grace in the New Testament. The New Testament does not compel Christians, but rather invites them to give generously in response to the needs of others, and as an expression of their love for God (CP 1Cor 16:1-2; 2Cor 8:1-15; 9:1-15; Ga 6:6-8; Jas 2:13-17; 1Jn 3:16-19).