HOPE FOR THE HOME: Financial crises can handicap a marriage

Follow-up: Last week’s column created responses which indicate the subject of finances to be one of the most challenging sources of conflict in marriage. So, to that area we share the following counsel and guidance.

Jerry: The marketing strategy that bigger is better and more makes you merrier is deceitful. Selfishness and greed are the archenemies of contentment and satisfaction. If we understood how little wealth can purchase, we would understand the words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy when he said, “Godliness with contentment is great gain,” (I Timothy 6:6). People become rich not by what they have, but by what they are. Riches and righteousness are rare jewels worn by the same person.

Becky: More than 86% of people have a budget, and 74% of them say that increasing costs are the biggest challenge they face when trying to stick to that budget. In our Hope for the Home Conferences, we offer a sample proposal for a Christian family budget with or without children: (1) Tithe – 10% of your take home pay. However, most Christians are not tithers based on the ten percent principle. (2) Savings – 10%. (3) Housing – 30%. (4) Utilities – 10%. (5) Food – 10%. (6) Transportation – 5%. (7) Clothing – 5%. (8) Medical – 5%. (9) Personal – 5%. (10) Retirement – 5%. (11) Recreation – 5%. Of course, there are unexpected circumstances which can and often occur that require adjusting the budget. The key is to follow the budget as closely as possible.

Jerry: There are burdens to bear with the increase of wealth, temptations to misuse the wealth, guilt in abusing the wealth, fears of losing the wealth, and accountability in obtaining the wealth. Luke 12:48 reminds us, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.” There is a high price to be paid for low living. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “It is a very serious thing to grow rich. Of all the temptations to which God’s children are exposed, it is the worst, because it is the one they do not dread.” Do not be envious of “keeping up with the Joneses.” They are often one paycheck from bankruptcy. Make the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 6: 19-21, your standard and you can survive any financial crisis which the storms of life which may blow your way.

Dr. Drace and his wife Becky are on American Family Radio weekdays at 4:20 PM (CT) and on Sundays at 5:35 PM (CT). Check out their resources for the family at HopefortheHome.org. Becky’s latest book, “The Bright Side of Blue” and Dr. Drace’s, “44 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage” offer biblical principles and timely advice for dealing with the challenges and trials of life. You may contact them at: hopeforthehome@juno.com.