How do I avoid problems with a sudden increase in income?
Question:
Hello Brother Jeff,
Your work on the La Vista site continues to be a blessing.
God has blessed me with a new job that will just about double my income. I'm wondering, in your experience as a preacher and elder, if you've seen people go wrong spiritually with such a big income change, and if so, how. I'm in my mid-thirties, married, and a father.
I'd be grateful for any advice or warnings you might offer.
God bless you and the church at La Vista!
Answer:
Congratulations on the new job. I hope you find it an enjoyable adventure.
It is a blessing to have more income than you are used to, but don't trust it. "Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens" (Proverbs 23:4-5). You might continue to prosper in the years to come, but you might also run into difficulties.
Since you're used to a lower income, don't raise your expenses drastically. Live on less than what you bring in. If you have debts, pay them off as quickly as possible (Romans 13:8). When you don't have debts, any variability in income won't impact your life as much. Also, build up a contingency fund. This money will be used to handle unexpected expenses, such as an appliance breaking. "There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up" (Proverbs 21:20). It is suggested that you aim to have about 3 to 6 months of living expenses saved. This way, if you suddenly lose your job, you have a few months to locate a new job.
When you can, have another fund to use to help others. "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed" (I Timothy 6:17-19).
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