Free Family Finance

The story behind First Fruits.

The post is part of a series: 6 Pillars of (Biblical) Personal Finance – a 6 part look personal finance done right, as defined by the Bible.

Proverbs 3:9-10
⁹Honor the LORD with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
¹⁰then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Galatians 6:9-10
⁹And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. ¹⁰So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

As Christians, we are meant to be givers. You have probably heard that already. In fact, you don’t have to venture very far into the Christian walk before you experience a ‘giving’ sermon. In many cases, the giving sermon is tied to some insane building campaign or a hopeful attempt to pay down a church’s insurmountable debt. I have my own thoughts on those things. But regardless, giving is an extremely important component to the Christian faith.

There are two types of giving – they are traditionally described as tithes and offerings. Tithes are described in scripture as giving 10% of your income to the local church. Additionally, offerings constitute giving beyond the tithe. Although various denominations treat these spiritual disciplines in various ways, the point remains – we are called to give.

Why is financial giving so important? As a Christian, I am always looking for a formula. I often find myself frustrated that God hasn’t provided Christians with a ‘How-To’ guide or a 12 step program. I know that there is the Bible and I don’t mean to make light of that. But Jesus, talking in his indecipherable parable code, leaves my type-A personality lacking direction. I guess I am a pharisee at heart. I want a plan. I want the Law.

Well, giving is one place where my type-A personality is left satisfied. I can tithe! I am told to, and told how. Finally, a step-by-step program on how to become a giver. If I want to be skinny, I get myself on a treadmill. If I want to learn about some particular subject, I jump on Google. And, if I want to become the giver God wants me to become, I tithe. Batta-Bing. Batta-Boom.

In summary, giving is an exercise where Christians posture there hearts to model Christ. He was the ultimate giver (cheesy but true) and we are instructed to emulate Him. Giving is how we model Christ with our finances. That’s why it is important.

The story behind First Fruits.

The post is part of a series: 6 Pillars of (Biblical) Personal Finance – a 6 part look personal finance done right, as defined by the Bible.

⁶ Go to the ant, O sluggard;
consider her ways, and be wise.
⁷ Without having any chief,
officer, or ruler,
⁸she prepares her bread in summer
and gathers her food in harvest.
⁹ How long will you lie there, O sluggard?
When will you arise from your sleep?
¹⁰ A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
¹¹ and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.
~Proverbs 6:6-11 (ESV)

Let me first say this, as I have previously mentioned, I believe that proper personal finance and Biblical personal finance are synonymous. That being said, I will use those ideas interchangeably throughout this series.

At the very core of sound personal finance you will find work. Work is essential for numerous reasons. First, we are commanded to do it. Second, for the vast majority of us, our job is our biggest weapon in our battle to build wealth. Third, it occupies an huge amount of our time. Today we whine about our 40 hours a week, but I would suggest that we have it made. Just go ask a farmer. Work has historically been a sunrise-to-sunset gig. A operation that included the whole family, not just dad. Only since the industrial revolution has the model changed towards a father spending his days at the office while mother manages the home and cares for the children. So we ought not feel sorry for ourselves. After all, much like Jesus, we ought to work as a spiritual act of worship.

The fact is, the Bible paints a picture of us as Christians. We are meant to work. It is by design. There are multiple references in scripture commanding us to work. In fact, Jesus’ time on earth was aimed at its redemption, but He too worked as a carpenter. The same could be said of the Disciples. That must tell us something.

⁷For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, ⁸nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. ~2 Thessalonians 3:7-9

Not only should we work, we should have a proper attitude about it. Let’s look at the text again. Notice that the ant isn’t forced to work. The ant performs its activities “Without having any chief, officer, or ruler”. The ant works because it is programed to do so. By design, it is best essential for the ant to work. Maybe the ant doesn’t realize it, but it is exercising extreme wisdom in its work. The work sustains the ant. The ant is providing for itself and its colony (or family). Without work, the ant would wither and perish. In a very similar fashion, work is a key component of a Christian financial plan. One not to be ignored.

A word of warning:

In my short journey on this earth, I often find Christians who are idle, waiting on God to give them direction for their career. Certainly there is a time to be still and wait for God’s word. However, many times I am afraid that instruction has already come…and been ignored. We must recognize that the Will of God has already come, but not yet fully. We are in its midst. And although He has chosen to reveal that Will over time, God gave us a big head-start in the Bible. As Christians pause to await the Lord’s direction for their career, it is important for us to remember, He has already commanded us to work. That might be the His direction for you.