money management – La Vista Church of Christ

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.

Notes on Finances

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 20:27:24 +0000

Proverbs 11:28
Proverbs 13:11
Ecclesiastes 5:10
Matthew 6:31-33

We can’t afford to get married

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 03:43:07 +0000

Question:

I feel awful because I was reading a post from 2010 titled, "Should we marry now or when we are in a better financial situation? I feel the same way. The thing is, we are both 20. My boyfriend doesn’t have much money, and we have been together for over two years. What’s worse is we both weren’t virgins when we started dating. My biggest regret was losing my virginity to my first boyfriend because I truly thought we would marry until he ended it.

With my current boyfriend, I have known him since we were toddlers. I have always loved him, but he moved away. When we got in contact, he came down here to live near me. We ended up having sexual intercourse. It’s something that I think about now and then. I feel awful because we aren’t married, but we really can’t afford it. I’m living off my parents. He’s barely living off of what he makes. He was doing fine for a bit, but then his car broke down, and he had to buy a new one; he had dental issues but no insurance. We couldn’t even get married if we wanted to. Life is so much harder to live financially, and the money they are paying for jobs here is super low.

My boyfriend said that in the Bible, marriage is when a man leaves his family to be with a woman, which is what he did. But I tried to see if there was anything that actually says marriage is a legal thing, or this or that besides the combining part as one flesh.

My mom and sisters know I’m sexually active, and I have said I would like to get married, but they would rather me continue having sex now and get married later when we have money rather than marrying now, being poor and probably becoming homeless. I hate how life is nowadays. I wouldn’t mind living in a different time where I could be a stay-at-home mom and my husband just do whatever everyone else did and make enough money, but it’s just harder. Everything is expensive. Life is exhausting. I honestly get so depressed and just think, what’s the point in living if I can barely afford it?

Answer:

While you seem to know that having sex outside of marriage is wrong, I'm left with the impression that you don't think it makes any difference. Yes, you would prefer to wait, but you leave me the impression that the various excuses you are offering are acceptable to God, and I'm at a loss as to why you have reached that conclusion.

All sins will keep a person out of heaven, but fornication is a sin that is repeatedly mentioned (often first) in lists of sins (I Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 1:21-25; 13:13-14).

Marriage is formed by a covenant. "She is your companion and your wife by covenant" (Malachi 2:14). The purpose of a wedding is to establish that covenant before God and the witnesses gathered. Genesis 2:24 says, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). Three steps are mentioned here.

There is a separation from your birth family (the leaving).
There is a marriage (the joining), and notice that the woman is now called his wife.
Finally, a new family is formed (the becoming one flesh). Sex is a part of this becoming one, but it is not the whole of creating a new family.

Your boyfriend is trying to justify skipping the marriage. I've seen other guys make similar claims. When things are going well, and sex is available, then the guy claims that he is as good as married. But when there is a big fight, and the guy decides to leave, suddenly, he claims there never was a marriage, so he has no obligations. Your first boyfriend exemplifies this. A wedding provides evidence that a marriage took place and the obligations of being a husband or wife are enforceable.

The wedding itself does not need to be expensive. In most areas of the United States, you can get married at a local courthouse for less than a hundred dollars. It is pride that drives too many young people to want elaborate weddings instead of focusing on what is important -- marrying the person you love to establish a new family.

You are also concerned it is too expensive to live together as a married couple. Consider that with two of you working, the income increases, but most of the expenses remain the same. Do a budget together using your combined income, and I think you will see that you could make it work. True, you may not live as well as living off your parents' income, but it won't be impossible. You might not be able to start out as a stay-at-home mom immediately, but if he builds a reputation and lands a better-paying job, then it might become an option in the future.

Life can be hard, but when you are working with the person you love, you find ways to make things work. If you are waiting for a time when there are few difficulties, you'll never marry. Thus, your fornication is only due to wanting pleasure without the hardships. Even though it will be hard at times, those hardships will cause you and him to grow. And if you allow it, you'll become better people as a result. God knows what He is asking of us. His way works the best.

Things They Don’t Teach in School

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 01:14:56 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Things-They-Dont-Teach-in-School.mp3

Text: I Timothy 6:17-21

I. It is that time of year again when the school bells begin to ring

A. By the time a student graduates from high school, he will have invested about 15,120 hours in understanding a wide variety of subjects, which are considered necessary for success in this world.

B. Many go on to college where they will spend another 1,920 hours studying in a particular subject area to prepare for a specific career.

C. Graduation is not the end of learning by any means. As you work in your selected field, you constantly improve yourself to hold on to your job and to advance through the ranks.

D. As valuable as all this formal education is and as good as teachers may be, there are many things one needs to learn that is never taught in those 17,040 hours of education.

II. You can be rich without money

A. If you stopped each graduate as he stepped off the stage and asked the question, “What is your goal in life?” the most popular answer would be, “To make a lot of money.”

1. They learn this from their teachers and from the materialistic society we live in.

a. However, it is not a goal worthy of those called to be Christians.

2. Proverbs 23:4-5 - Labor not to be rich

3. Matthew 19:23 - The rich have difficulty entering the kingdom of Heaven.

4. Warnings are given to those who trust in riches and are not spiritually wealthy - Luke 12:21.

5. Those who are rich face additional temptations - I Timothy 6:9-10

6. If being rich is your goal, you are asking to walk a thorn-infested trail barefooted.

B. There are people who claim to be rich but are not (living off of debt). There are people who appear to be poor but have an abundance (hoarders) - Proverbs 13:7

1. In other words, people lie for different reasons

C. Money is not where it is at. It is possible to be rich and never have a large bank account or a fat wallet.

1. There was a church that was materially poor but rich toward God - Revelation 2:9

a. Imagine that, rich poor people!

b. Not from pretense but having invested in non-monetary things

2. II Corinthians 6:10 - Paul made many rich

a. And this from a man who was often in want himself - Philippians 4:12-13

b. He gave people something that no money could buy — salvation from sin and a home in heaven!

3. Jesus came from heaven that we might be rich - II Corinthians 8:9

a. We are not talking about a Mercedes and a 20 room mansion here.

b. Ephesians 1:3 - We are to accumulate spiritual treasure.

4. God wants us to be rich in good works - I Timothy 6:17-18

5. We are to be rich in faith - James 2:5

D. You may make a lot of money in your lifetime. If you are so blessed, use it for God’s glory, but don’t set your heart on the accumulation of wealth. Labor for the things which money cannot buy.

III. The way up is down

A. Many graduates are ready to climb the ladder to success. Some are so eager, they think they can skip every other rung on the way.

1. They are the ones who want to succeed no matter what the cost may be.

2. If they have to step on a few hands and burst a few bubbles on the way, so be it.

3. They want self-assurance to show in their clothes, their walk, their smile, their car, and their speech.

B. Jesus didn’t see success in this manner.

1. Whoever humbles himself will be exalted - Matthew 23:12

C. If you want to get noticed by the Boss, the one who ultimately counts, then take a back seat to others.

1. God respects the lowly - Psalms 138:6

2. The humble are better off - Proverbs 16:19

D. Humility means “low-lying, something on the ground” according to Vine.

E. Pride is the opposite of humility. Pride is taught in school and society. Humility is taught by God.

1. Pride defiles a man - Mark 7:21-23

2. The proud think they are better than others. Remember the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican? - Luke 18:9-14

3. Blessings come on those who are poor in spirit - Matthew 5:3

4. The Bible is filled with warnings about pride. Pride is one of the most frequently mentioned sins by God.

a. It is what brought the king of Tyre low. His pride was compared to Satan’s pride - Ezekiel 28:13-17

b. Pride is what Satan uses to ensnare us - I John 2:16

F. Watch out for pride, you have to go low to get up high.

IV. You are strong when you are weak

A. The world sees a strong man as one who has fought his way to the top and has held on to his position against all comers.

1. To him, it is a dog-eat-dog world.

2. “Don’t ever let them see you sweat.”

3. Get others before they get you.

B. God doesn’t see strength that way

1. Paul said when I am weak, then am I strong - II Corinthians 12:9-10

2. It is because his trust is in God’s strength

3. God chose the weak things in this world to confound the mighty - I Corinthians 1:27

V. You must cry to be happy

A. The world loves a party.

1. A good portion of the money people make is spent on entertainment, humor, and escapism.

2. Few want to think seriously about their spiritual life, let alone their after-life.

B. But a wise man will stop and ponder his mistakes and his future

1. He will mourn over his sins. Only then can he be happy.

2. Matthew 5:4 - Happy are the mourners because they will be comforted.

3. Psalms 126:5-6 - We harvest through our tears.

VI. You learn a lot in school, but the most important lessons are found in God’s textbook.