money management – La Vista Church of Christ

How do I avoid problems with a sudden increase in income?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 20:58:57 +0000

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).

For more see:

Storing Up Treasures in Heaven

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:36:24 +0000

by Edwin Crozier

On the surface, it may have seemed Paul had moved on from talking about a relationship with money. But I Timothy 6:17-19 brings us right back to it. Having explained to Timothy how the craving for money had ruined other teachers and Christians and then directed Timothy in the more positive pursuits of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness, he now explains what Timothy is to say to folks who are already rich. And, apparently, there were plenty of wealthy people who had turned to Christ even in these early days.

They were not to be haughty. How easy it might be for the wealthy to look down on the poor. How easily the wealthy might consider themselves blessed by God and look at the poor as cursed by Him. How easily the wealthy might assume their wealth demonstrates they had obeyed God better than the poor.

Further, they were not to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches. What a turn of perspective. We can see riches. We cannot see God. Riches seem so much more certain. Yet, rust destroys, moths eat, and thieves break in and steal. We are one bad investment, one stock market crash, one medical emergency, one stolen identity away from the loss of riches. Instead, we must trust God from whom all our riches actually come. He is the giver of every good gift. As Job said, He gives and takes away; blessed be His name.

If God is the one who richly provides us with everything to enjoy, what are we to do with God’s provisions? We are to share them. This goes all the way back to Deuteronomy 15, in which God had told Israel He wasn’t going to bless everyone with riches, but was going to bless some with enough to share. The wealthy, instead of hoarding their wealth as if it belongs to them, are to do good, be rich in good works, be generous and ready to share. They are to steward it for God.

Recall the good works Paul talked about with the widows. Bring up children, show hospitality, wash feet, care for the afflicted, and be devoted to all good works. But then Paul says by doing this the rich are “storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life” (I Timothy 6:19 ESV). When I hear Christians talk about laying up treasures in heaven, most of the time they say things like, “We need to value spiritual things more than earthly.” Or “We need to prioritize obeying Christ over making money.” No doubt, these statements are true as far as they go. But when both Jesus and Paul explain what it means to lay up treasures in heaven, they say something much more practical. Both here in I Timothy 6:19 and in Luke 12:32-34, the Bible says we lay up treasures in heaven by giving them away here on earth. We lay up treasures in heaven by sharing them here on earth.

It begins, no doubt, with providing for our household and family, as seen in I Timothy 5:8. But then progresses with the hospitality of welcoming outsiders to the inside. That is, inviting those outside the family to enjoy the blessings of our family. It progresses to caring for those afflicted like the folks Jesus talked about in Matthew 25:31-46. It means doing good to anyone when we have the opportunity, but especially to those in the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).

Yes, we need to value in our hearts the spiritual and heavenly above the earthly. But we actually lay up treasures in heaven by using the treasures God gives us here to serve others.
May we lay up treasures in heaven. May we take hold of that which is truly life.

The Love of Money

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 20:27:22 +0000

by Edwin Crozier

The number one enemy competing with God for control of our hearts, minds, and lives is not Baal, Molech, Zeus, or Jupiter. It is, no doubt, money. Money seems to make life easier. It promises security and protection. It claims to give happiness. It certainly gains a following. And it is visible. It seems more real, even these days when so much of our money is just ones and zeros in a computer somewhere.

Paul encourages Timothy, the Ephesians, and us to be content with food and clothing. I admit, I struggle with this one. I pray God will grow me to be this content. I think I find it easier to be content because I have so much more than food and clothing.

Nevertheless, Paul explains that the desire for wealth leads to temptation. After all, he had already described how the desire for wealth had ruined the teaching of those who enjoyed quarreling about words. The craving for money and riches often leads people to ruin and destruction. In order to chase money, folks have stolen, murdered, gossiped, slandered, lied, cheated, committed immorality, and on the list goes. Some have even wandered from the faith in God because of their faith in money. They have pierced themselves with many pangs.

I can’t help but think of the apostle Judas Iscariot every time I read this passage. Judas’s problem was not that he hated Jesus. He didn’t betray Jesus because he disliked Jesus or even disagreed with Jesus. He loved money. In pursuit of money, he betrayed innocent blood. When he came to his senses and realized what he had done, he was so pierced through with pangs that he killed himself.

And that is the problem for any and all of us. We don’t hate Jesus. We love Jesus. But we can’t love money alongside Jesus. That’s not to say we can’t have money or use money. But the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Even as we still go to church, even as we still try to obey God, the love of money will lead us astray. As Jesus said, we can’t serve two masters. We’ll either hate the one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other (Matthew 6:24).

As the old saying goes, money is a good servant, but a terrible master. We can manage money. We can use money. We can spend money. We can save money. But we must be careful. If we start to love money, let us not think we’ll escape unscathed.

Christians, Taxes, Honesty, and Managing Money

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 22:41:05 +0000

(or, Why Do You Think They Call It "Mastercard"?)

by Mark Chatfield
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 19 No. 1, March 1993

"The credit card bill came in the mail today."

"Oh, no! It has all last month’s gifts on it."

"Yes, and the trip to Mom’s place."

"What are we going to do? $2,100."

"I don’t know. What’s the minimum we can pay?"

"It says $57."

"Okay, that will give us until next month to figure something out."

How familiar does that sound? I’m afraid it is all too familiar in Christian families of today. What is going on here?

Money. American society and government are centered on money. The biggest problems people in this country perceive are the economy, the national debt, the cost of living, the cost of health care, etc., ad nauseam. I suppose it is all we can expect from a secular, carnal society. However, more and more, Christians are caught up in the same thing.

Yes, Genesis 14:15 warns us that money will fail from time to time.
Yes, Jesus said we cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:24), or serve two masters.
Yes, I Timothy 6:10 tells us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

What does that have to do with my credit card bill?

First, the bill doesn’t just come; we control every charge. Whether the card is named "MasterCard" or not, God has made us responsible for our finances. No account should be our master. If it becomes such, it is our own fault. We would be better off cutting it up into little shards of plastic. Today, Jesus is in effect saying to us, "You cannot serve God and MasterCard."

Second, when we let our finances get out of control, we are letting Satan take over. The moment we pass up an opportunity to better serve God because we have to work excessive hours to pay unforeseen bills, we have put money ahead of God. It is like the person who drinks alcohol or takes other drugs, which affect his or her ability to give their whole heart and soul and mind and strength. The result is that they are breaking the very foremost commandment (Matthew 22:37).

Finally, when we lose control of our finances, we injure our esteem. Both our self-esteem and the esteem of family and friends who see the problems as weaknesses that should have been overcome before they festered.

There are alternatives to permitting our finances to take control. God tells Christians to work at our secular tasks as though we are working for Him (Colossians 3:23). If we follow His word, our honesty will be impeccable. Lack of honesty can tear us apart. Let me tell you a personal story. It took place in 1956:

I was in fifth grade at Smith Elementary in Deming, New Mexico. Somehow, despite my impetuous ways, I had been selected to be part of the school patrol. This was a position of honor. We were issued white helmets, vests, and badges, which made it clear to the world that we were responsible for discipline.

One of our duties was to walk two at a time through the empty classrooms at lunchtime to make sure no one was disturbing things. After doing this a few times, the temptation became too great. The "friend" I was with, and I began taking little things from the desks. Just a piece of bubble gum or candy. Then some loose change. For about two weeks, we did this. I kept telling myself they were just "little" things. After the little things began to accumulate, my conscience would not let me go on. You see, my dad and mother were honest to the core. Their example had taught me right from wrong.

I was trapped. I could not bring myself to tell my "friend" that I couldn’t continue. Yet the guilt was eating me from the inside. I could think of only one way out: tell the Principal, Mr. Fred Whitaker.

With cold and sweaty palms, I approached what seemed like a 12-foot-high door to Mr. Whitaker’s office. In complete shame, I described what we had done. I desperately wanted to return everything to the owners, but there was no way to know to whom it belonged. I was so relieved to release the pressure of my guilt that I hardly noticed that Mr. Whitaker did not punish me. He must have known that it would not have accomplished anything at that point.

We gave all we could back to the Principal. Somehow, he took care of it. God had provided me a lesson in honesty that was much more effective than words. The lesson: honesty is an absolute. A person cannot continue to cheat, even on the "little" things, and expect to get away with it.

Now that I’m beyond fifth grade, the opportunities to take little things are much greater. The IRS does not check every detail of every return. If I receive cash or barter income, there is probably no way anyone will ever find out unless I show it on my return. If I find a nontransferable ticket for the Metro or for parking, no one will ever find out.

The question is not, "Will anyone find out?"
The question is not, "Can I take advantage of the system?"
The question is this: "Is it honest in the sight of God and man?"
The question is, "Am I willing to lose my soul for eternity over things as trite as a one-dollar parking fee or as big as income tax evasion?"

If you, as a Christian, are honest, hardworking, and otherwise pleasing in God’s eyes, and you still have financial problems, there is help available. The church is not a financial institution, but God tells us to care for one another. Benevolence is a work of the church. There is no shame in asking for help. Don’t let our money-oriented society make you or your family go hungry because you feel inadequate asking for benevolence.

If you are having trouble budgeting your money, look around and seek assistance. Among Christians, you will find accountants, tax experts, budget specialists, and financial advisors. Chances are, they won't ask you if you need help, but they would love to help in any way they can once you ask.

The bottom line is this: Don't let money get in the way of your service to God. If it already is, don't permit it to continue to jeopardize your soul. Make your MasterCard your servant or turn it into a MasterShard.

Planning for Uncertainties

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 20:27:47 +0000

Planning for Uncertainties (Part 1) Planning for Uncertainties (Part 2)

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Text: Genesis 41:25-40

I. Consistently, the Scriptures warn us that wealth is an unreliable commodity

A. Wealth is untrustworthy - Proverbs 11:28

B. Making wealth your goal is foolish - Proverbs 23:4-5

1. It is also dangerous - I Timothy 6:9-11

2. Ironically, the desire for wealth – greed – will eventually lead you to poverty - Proverbs 28:22

C. Even the events of tomorrow cannot be predicted reliably - Proverbs 27:1

1. Yet, we make commitments to plans that assume that we will not experience a salary reduction, layoffs, or termination of employment.

2. Too often we live life on the edge. Unexpected expenses catch us off guard because we are not prepared for them.

3. Many figure they can handle the unexpected by borrowing.

a. While borrowing is not wrong, we know that it is not wise in most cases.

b. It places the borrower under the thumb of the lender - Proverbs 22:7

D. We would like to be generous to others, but I don’t have enough

1. That is because of poor planning, you borrowed money.

2. You pay people for that privilege.

a. Is it the needy getting your money?

b. No, the needy can’t loan you money.

c. It goes to the wealthy

3. Proverbs 22:16 - Paying the wealthy brings poverty

II. The lesson of the ant - Proverbs 6:6-11

A. The ant survives without obligation to others by preparing for the future.

B. Without preparation, debt will eventually catch you when you least expect it.

C. I might not know the precise future, but I know that there can be good times and bad times.

1. If I was smart, I would put aside a portion during the good times to carry me over in the bad times.

2. Isn’t this what Joseph did for Pharaoh? - Genesis 41:25-40

a. By saving 20% for seven years, Joseph was able to not only bring Egypt through seven years of famine, but he had sufficient to supply people from surrounding countries.

D. The wise saves, but the fool consumes all that he has - Proverbs 21:20

1. Therein lies the biggest problem: money seems to burn a hole in our pockets.

2. It is hard to think about hard times when times are good.

3. When the sun is shining, the hole in the roof is not a pressing matter.

4. What God is telling us is that if we are smart, we will live on less than what we earn

E. Why aren’t preparations being made? Because we’re lazy! - Proverbs 20:4

F. “I don’t make enough to save.”

1. The ants are not strong, but they prepare - Proverbs 30:25

2. Even a small amount at a time is better than nothing. And a small amount regularly stored will build over time.

III. The only counter to uncertainty is to plan for uncertainty

A. Impulsive decisions will not work - Proverbs 21:5

1. Get rich quick schemes will fail - Proverbs 28:20

a. When people tell you that you can make more money than you can imagine doing almost nothing, RUN!

2. Don’t speculate

a. The future is uncertain.

b. To invest in something on the chance that prices will go up or down is a sure way to the poor house.

3. Don’t gamble

a. It is a waste of money.

b. You have fives times greater chance of being struck by lightening than winning most lotteries.

c. Gambling is simply a tax on the ignorant.

B. When discussing becoming a disciple, the Lord urged people to use common sense and consider what you are obligating yourself

1. Yet, think about the proof – the evidence that everyone should know - Luke 14:28-30

2. Everyone should understand that before you take on a project, you plan out the possibilities

3. Unfortunately, we live in a society where common sense is uncommon

C. The wise man plans. His actions are based on knowing where he is at - Proverbs 13:16

1. Get advice - Proverbs 20:18

2. It is too easy to deceive ourselves - Proverbs 12:15

a. It is amazing how many overlook the counsel of their own spouse.

3. Get advice from good sources - Proverbs 13:20

4. The more the better - Proverbs 15:22

IV. Monitor your condition - Proverbs 27:23-27

A. Nothing disappears faster than that which is not watched.

1. That means balancing your checkbook

2. Keep an eye on your investments.

B. “We had plenty in the account the other day. I don’t know what happened to it.”

1. Perhaps you should find out.

2. You can’t take corrective action when you are not watching where you are going.

C. When you see evil coming, you do something to avoid it - Proverbs 27:12

1. It is dumb to think that if I don’t pay attention to it, it won’t hurt me.

2. Sometimes we act with blinders.

a. We keep going down a path, even when there are plenty of warning signs that it is the wrong way.

b. Learn from your mistakes. Be humble enough to change when you are wrong - Proverbs 13:18-19

V. Putting a plan together

A. First the income, then the spending - Proverbs 24:27

1. I wish our government would learn this simple truth

2. How many of you get a raise and then spend it before the money actually comes in?

a. In fact, many end up spending more than they actually see because the forget about little things like taxes.

B. Put God first

1. Under the Old Law, there was the concept of first fruits. God’s portion came from the beginning - Exodus 23:19

a. Respect for God is giving to Him first - Proverbs 3:9

2. While that specific requirement is not in the New Testament, there remains the idea that God should always come first in our plans - Matthew 6:31-33

3. You benefit, you need to share back - Galatians 6:6

4. It is easy to say, “Well, we’re going to be short this month. We’ll have to lower our contribution.”

a. But the reality is that places the bills ahead of God

b. Israel had this problem and God issued this challenge - Malachi 3:8-10

c. Christ said the same to us - Luke 6:38

5. How much?

a. The Israelites were told to give a tenth (a tithe)

b. Christians are not asked for a fixed amount. Instead we are told to give as we have been prospered - I Corinthians 16:2

c. As you purposed (there’s that plan again) - II Corinthians 9:7-11

(1) It must be cheerfully and willingly given

(2) God will generously return what you give

C. You have to pay your taxes - Romans 13:6-7

D. Necessities before luxuries

1. Learn contentment with the basics - I Timothy 6:8

2. Order your spending plan

a. Necessities (shelter, food, clothing) comes first

b. Then obligations - Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

(1) A Christian must keep his word - Matthew 5:33-37

c. Then savings

d. Niceties come last

E. “My income is unsteady. I can’t plan”

1. You can still make a prioritized list. As your income comes in, you parcel it out from the top down.

F. Beware of hoarding - Proverbs 11:24-26

1. Remember you are only stewards of God’s possessions

G. When you have an abundance, help your fellow man - I Timothy 6:17-19

1. Use it while you have it to do good - Luke 16:9

2. Again, God promises it will not impact you as much as you would expect - Proverbs 19:17

3. Ecclesiastes 11:1 - Give and it will come back

4. Acts 20:35 - There is more happiness in giving than receiving

5. II Corinthians 9:6 - What you harvest depends on what you invest

6. Pure religion is helping those in need - James 1:27

a. Not enough funds this week?

b. Give of yourself. Give of your time.

H. Spread your wealth

1. Ecclesiastes 11:2 - Here Solomon is telling you to spread your giving among many because the future is uncertain.

a. The same principle applies with investments. You don’t know what the future holds, what will success or fail.

b. Divide your holdings in many different, unrelated areas. This will lessen the impact of bad events.

2. Ecclesiastes 11:6 - Don’t be dependent on one source of income.

VI. No plan will fully protect you from uncertainty - James 4:13-14

A. We plan, but ultimately God controls - Proverbs 16:1

B. Always plan with God’s desires in mind - Proverbs 19:21

C. So where does God fall in your plans?

1. Have you thought about your future? Not here on this earth, but after you die.

2. Don’t be like the foolish rich man - Luke 12:16-21

What do I do about someone not paying back the money I loaned?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 23:16:48 +0000

Question:

Good day, Minister,

I hope you are healthy and thriving, and I want to thank you and the church for the work you are doing. I have an issue that's bothering me and my conscience. I lent some money to a colleague, and she promised to pay me on a particular day. When the time came, she brought the money but pleaded with me to allow her to keep it until the following week. I allowed her. When it was time, I asked her for the money, and she said she would pay me soon. I waited another week, and she still said she would pay soon.

It's been close to a month now, and she hasn't said anything to me. I feel bad. I feel stupid. I need the money, but then I remembered where Jesus said to go the extra mile, and it got me thinking. Does Jesus expect me to let go of this money? Would it be sinful not to let go and ask again?

Answer:

"If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount" (Luke 6:34).

Only money that you can live without should be lent to another. The fact that someone needs money already tells you that they are a risk. Thus, loaning money to a person who isn't currently managing their finances well carries the risk of not being repaid. Loan because you want to help. If it is repaid, great! If it is not repaid, well, it wasn't money critical in your own life.

You can ask if she forgot to repay you (I doubt it). However, it is best to move on in your life.

Response:

Thanks a lot, Minister, for your prompt response. I have learned something important from your lesson. I reminded her, and she said she hasn't forgotten and that she would pay soon. I have made up my mind: if she pays, fine; if she doesn't, I won't bother again.

An Industrious Worker

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 17:16:06 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Industrious-Worker.mp3

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Download Audio

Text: Proverbs 24:30-34

I. The Bible commends diligent work

A. Jacob had his faults, but one thing we notice is that he was an industrious worker

1. Genesis 31:38-39 - A summary of his work record.

a. Prosperous growth in herds

b. No miscarriages in 20 years

c. No losses from wild animals or from his own personal use since he replace all that was lost from his own funds.

B. Potiphar was able to trust Joseph with everything he owned - Genesis 39:6

C. Ruth worked all day pick up grain and then after nightfall threshed what she gathered - Ruth 2:17

D. Jehoiada’s workmen were so faithful, no one had to audit them - II Kings 12:9-15

E. Daniel’s enemies could not find anything with which to charge Daniel - Daniel 6:4

II. Workers who are like these people are too rare.

A. Perhaps we don’t train young people to be diligent in their labors.

1. Society glorifies getting by with the minimum. It is “great” so long as it is good enough.

2. Solomon urges us to learn from the ant - Proverbs 6:6-8

a. God’s design in nature can teach us about working!

b. Job 12:7-10 - There is a lot to learn from nature.

B. We always labored. Adam and Eve were given charge to care for the garden of Eden. - Genesis 2:15

C. Paul did not just preached the Gospel, he lived it - I Thessalonians 2:8-12

1. Paul worked with his own hands - I Corinthians 4:11-12

2. He taught during the day and made tents at night - Acts 18:2-3

3. Hence, Paul claimed he wronged no one - II Corinthians 7:2

III. Poor work habits may not be obvious

A. Laziness and negligence - not giving your all

1. Proverbs 10:4 - Negligence brings poverty.

2. Proverbs 13:4 - The lazy craves and gets nothing

3. Proverbs 18:9 - A lazy worker is destructive.

B. Chasing after useless things - Proverbs 12:11

1. Busy, but not focused on what needs to be done.

C. Wasting time in talk - Proverbs 14:3

D. Stealing from others - Leviticus 6:2-5

1. Deceives in regard to funds entrusted with him

2. Steals

3. Cheats

a. Using false balance - Proverbs 11:1

4. Finds lost property and lies about it

IV. A Christian must work, and work well for his employer - II Thessalonians 3:11

A. Even if you work for yourself, you still need to put effort into what you do

1. Ownership of anything requires upkeep - Ecclesiastes 10:18

2. Laziness with your own things is just as bad - Proverbs 24:30-34

B. Work with full effort - Ephesians 4:28

1. You can’t sleep away the day and expect gain - Proverbs 20:13

2. Work with all your might - Ecclesiastes 9:10

3. The virtuous woman did not eat the bread of idleness - Proverbs 31:27

C. Labor with skill - Proverbs 22:29

D. Work with an eye to what may come next

1. This is the lesson from the ant - Proverbs 6:6-8

2. Prepare for hard times while things are going well - Proverbs 10:5

E. Be a trustworthy employee

1. I Corinthians 4:2 - Stewards are suppose to be trustworthy.

2. Luke 16:10-12 - God expects us to be trustworthy with the things of this world.

3. Proverbs 13:11 - Wealth gained by fraud dwindles

4. Leviticus 19:35 - Our business dealings are to be fair.

Credit

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:39:34 +0000

by Zeke Flores

When I was a much younger man, I wrecked my credit. I made foolish decisions, borrowed more than I should have, and made late payments. Soon, the only ones who would lend me money were the high-rate lenders, and even they were wary. It took years to restore my financial good name, and I’m glad to say that today I have a very good credit rating.

The word “credit” is derived from a Latin word meaning “belief in, faith in, a thing entrusted to another.” Since it involves trust, we say that one who is trustworthy has “credibility.” It’s a positive thing, and when someone exhibits high integrity in a thing, we say they’re a credit to what they represent.

I believe Christians should have good credit, both financially and character-wise. I realize that sometimes money troubles are unavoidable, but they shouldn’t wreck our character along with our credit rating. We ought to be people of high integrity, even when, especially when, life around us crumbles. When people see my trust in God during tough circumstances, I hope they’ll see the genuineness of my faith and maybe even cultivate one of their own as a result.

See, I want to be a credit to Christ. I represent His cause, and people ought to know they can trust my testimony and my character. This is because everything I do and say is an extension of my trust, or lack of trust, in Him. And because I trust Him, He’s extended to me a trust, a stewardship, that I must maintain with absolute integrity. I’m a custodian of my relationship with Him, so my moral soundness must be pure, and that means I won’t make promises I can’t keep, financially or personally. Then, maybe people will say, “He’s a credit to his Lord.”

"Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy" (I Corinthians 4:1-2).

Will We Save This Marriage?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 31 May 2025 21:25:22 +0000

by Floyd Chappelear
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 17 No. 1, 31 March 1991

About a third of the marriages contracted in the United States of America end in divorce. People seem to be unmindful of the fact
that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) or, if mindful of the fact, unconcerned about it. Although the divorce rate among saints is significantly lower than that of the general population, it is still too high.

It is my conviction that preaching and teaching need to be done to prevent divorce, not merely to condemn it. To use a popular figure, it is better to secure the barn before the horse escapes rather than to bemoan the fact that it is gone. With that thought in mind, I hope this article will serve as the first in a series addressing problems in marriage.

Leading Causes of Divorce

Experts disagree as to what the single greatest factor in the breakdown of marriages is, but most will agree that the two biggest problems involve sex and money. Perhaps in the future I will present material dealing with problems of sexuality in marriage, but this column will focus on money and its management.

Christians should be mindful of the principles of financial stewardship. Each needs to know that God expects a man to provide for those who are his (beginning with Adam, continuing to us all -- Genesis 3:17-19; I Timothy 5:8). This responsibility cannot be evaded or somehow passed to another (even a willing wife). This may even require that all develop a sense of acceptance, whether in conditions which abase or abound (Philippians 4:12). Being free from greed goes a long way toward learning to manage what funds we do have. With these few thoughts in mind, I would like to present some stewardship principles that will make it easier for us to manage our finances and eliminate the difficulties that may arise in a marriage due to a lack of it.

Managing Money

While I do not consider myself an expert in managing money, I would like to present some principles that should make it easier for Christians to navigate this life.

The only absolute is the budget, so that we can give to God first. Too many people give to God what is left, rather than what is best. Never should we give to God what costs us nothing is a principle clearly taught by David (see II Samuel 24:24). While I will not strive to prove my point at this juncture, I believe the Christian should begin his giving to God by laying aside his tithe to carry on the work of the Lord.
Second, pay yourself something. The foolish steward was rebuked by his master for not having, at the least, put his money with the bankers (Matthew 25:27). Years ago, a sister told me, when I was not attempting to save anything, "Put 10% of your paycheck away every month." It took me years to see the wisdom of that advice. If you can't save any other way, consider buying a house and view your house payment as a way to pay yourself something each month. Better yet, buy a house and still set aside some money for the future.
Don’t consider what you have as yours! Be ready to give to him who asks you (Matthew 5:42), and be ready to loan to him who would borrow. Several years ago, I was passing through a town. While there, I preached at the local church. Afterward, the pastors gave me a check for the sermon. I refused, but they insisted that I take it. Frankly, I didn’t need the money, so I told the elders to give the check to a brother who was in need in that congregation. (I endorsed it, and they gave it to him.) Later, I took note of the fact that the brother had never thanked me for the gift. However, a year later, I received a check from him thanking me for the money and returning it to me, saying that I would probably know someone else who needed it more than he did. What a good heart that brother has.
Don’t charge things you use up. Especially, don’t charge meals, gas, food, lodging, etc., unless you budget to pay those items in full when the bill first arrives. If you want unmanageable financial problems, allow your credit card bill to increase each month. Charge only needed durable goods. Do not keep more than one Mastercard/Visa/Discover card, etc. More than one invites disaster. Use a no-fee card by paying the bill in full when it arrives. You are charging electricity, gas, water, etc., when you contract for utilities. Therefore, learn to conserve. Turn off lights, decrease your thermostat setting at night, stop leaks, and do whatever else you can to minimize your charges for "used up" items.
Don’t buy what you don’t need. Do you need a Luxury car when a less expensive one will do? If you are charging that luxury item, you are burdening yourself more than necessary. At the same time, one can be penny-wise and pound-foolish. In other words, buying cheaper goods doesn’t always make sense. If you buy three cheap shirts that give you no more wear than one good one would, you have not saved anything. Especially if you pay more for the three than you would have for the one. Too, do you really need the premium unleaded gasoline? Very few cars need the extra octane. Read your manual; if it says you can get along without it, then don’t use it. Driving an untuned car is a luxury. Get a tuneup, or learn to do some of the service tasks yourself. When on a tight budget, the more you do for yourself, the better off you are. Don’t hire someone to do what you can do yourself.
Learn to distinguish between wants and needs. Every member of the family will have to help here. That lesson learned about greed will come in handy here. When you are buying something you truly need, don’t hesitate to get the best price. Don’t be shy about stating that you would like to buy an item if the price were lower. Many store owners will lower the price rather than have you shop elsewhere. (If you truly know the price is lower at another store, tell the manager/owner/clerk.) I’ve even asked the manager if he would offer me a lower price if I paid cash rather than using my credit card. Remember, the Card Service Companies charge a fee for the store to use their services. It sometimes pays the store to lower the price a little and get their money up front.

I could go on and give all the financial advice I regularly give to newlyweds. However, for now, I will close by providing the following:

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (I Timothy 6:10).

and

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life" (I Timothy 6:17-19).

Christians and Bankruptcy

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 22:40:50 +0000

by Art Cornell
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 15, No. 1, March 31, 1989

On a recent visit to the Chapallear's home, I told Floyd I was working for a bankruptcy judge. He asked me whether I thought a Christian could file for bankruptcy. I thought for a moment and replied that Psalms 15 says that a righteous man will keep his word even to his hurt, and so using bankruptcy to break one's word would not seem right. Before I could say much more, he asked me to write this article (just a warning to anyone else to whom he poses an apparently innocent question). After some reflection, I believe my first answer is still correct, although I recognize that bankruptcy is much more complex than this simple answer and that some uses of bankruptcy may be acceptable.

Bankruptcy is wrong in situations where individuals voluntarily file a petition with the bankruptcy court to free themselves from the legal obligation to pay either their promised obligations or taxes. Lawyers usually refer to this as a voluntary chapter 7 liquidation. The court order that relieves a person from the legal obligation to pay debts is called a discharge in bankruptcy, or a discharge for short. Whatever it is called, using this kind of bankruptcy is wrong for at least three reasons.

First, it amounts to breaking promises. Whenever we borrow money, be it with credit cards, car loans, or home mortgages, we promise to pay it back. As Christians, we should keep our word.

Jesus teaches us to keep our word in addition to the teaching of Psalms 15:4. In Matthew 23:16-21 Jesus condemned the scribes and the Pharisees for making up different classes of oaths, some of which could be broken and others of which had to be kept. According to them swearing by the Temple was nothing but swearing by the gold of the temple was binding, and swearing by the altar was nothing but swearing by the sacrifice was binding. Jesus said that to swear by one was to swear by all. "Therefore whoever swears, swear both by the altar and by everything on it. And he who swears by heaven, swears both by the throne of God and by Him who dwells within it" (Matthew 23:20-21). Jesus was teaching that God would hold men to their oaths. Moreover, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told us not to swear oaths but to let our "yes" be yes (Matthew 5:33-37). Jesus was teaching that we should keep our word without swearing.

If a Christian files bankruptcy to renege on his promises, then his "yes" is no longer yes. He is not keeping his word.

Secondly, people seeking discharges are often avoiding their obligation to pay taxes. Paul tells us in Romans to obey the governing powers and to pay our taxes (Romans 13:6-7). Even though no promise is broken, we have an obligation to God to pay our taxes. Tax evasion through bankruptcy or any other means is not right.

Last, and perhaps most important, walking away from debts damages our example to the world. Peter wrote, "Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may an account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation" (I Peter 2:12). Avoiding obligations gives unbelievers good cause to condemn us.

Whether such bankruptcies are legal remains unanswered because human laws do not govern what is right. Our laws also allow divorce for virtually any reason, which is not right. The Scriptures teach that we should keep our word.

That said, financially strapped brethren have some alternatives. First, they can talk to creditors to make arrangements to stretch their payments. Second, if a private arrangement cannot be reached, bankruptcy law, notably Chapter 13, offers ways to spread out payments to help people pay all of their debts—not to avoid their debts but to pay them all off.

Even with these alternatives, the conclusions here are no doubt harsh. Most people who consider bankruptcy are in desperate shape. They often face crushing debts. In many ways, their situation is like that of Christians who face other serious trials. Other Christians have to care for ill parents for years; others have to care for emotionally or physically handicapped children; still others have to endure troubled marriages. Like financially strapped brothers and sisters, Christians who face these trials are often tempted to give up and forsake their obligations, but to please God, they endure. In the same way, financially strapped saints need to bear up and carry their burdens. They must not give up. He who overcomes, Jesus tells John in His messages to the seven churches of Asia, will have a home with God in Heaven.