Finally, finally, it is December: the most wonderful part of the year, the crowning part of the year, end of the year, Christmas!!!
If an opinion poll is taken for the above question, there is a high probability that most will mention their wants such as: New cloths, New shoes, New cars, Bags of Onions, Bags of Rice… and the list can be endless.
Most, if not all the needs and wants require money: hence the reason some people find the yuletide season to be financially stressful, with some resorting to either borrowing money or buying things on credit eventually leading to debts in a new year and if not consciously managed, the cycle of overspending/debt during this joyous season can continue till Jesus comes just like it is written:
“The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7
Research has validated that most people have similar family expenses from month to month except for November where it increases and reaches its peak in December.
If you struggle with spending during this period, financial prudence is required, more especially in this unique year of COVID-19 pandemic, global lock down, economic recession, Onion recession, devaluation in Nigeria amidst other challenges. However, as believers, Job chapter 22 verse 29 has been our open cheque book but the heavenly supplies need to be managed wisely because we are accountable to God, our unchanging Supplier.
It is important to note that God has promised to supply our NEED not wants (Philippians 4:19).
As you make your shopping list for this month, clearly differentiate your needs from your wants.
Mark the wants as optional while you rank your needs according to priority.
Here are some tips from Pastor Mrs Faith Oyedepo which are applicable in season and out of season:
- Contentment: The cure for covetousness is contentment. Be satisfied with what God has given you and where He has placed you per time. I recall a time we could not afford two meals a day and chicken was a luxury; but we didn’t complain. We gave thanks to God, trusting the Lord that such a condition wouldn’t be permanent, because we served Him and also complied with His instructions. Today, our lives have been multiplied. You too will excel financially, but you must learn to live, eat and wear your size per time. Running after materials possessions at the expense of your fellowship with God, your financial obligations to your family and good accounting sense, will only end you in deep financial troubles. It is wise to stick to your budget and plan for the month. Contentment means to live according to your income.
- Avoid Impulsive Spending: This represents spending without planning; buying whatever comes your way, whether you need it or not and irrespective of the fact that your income can afford it. Spending on impulse makes you exceed your budget, if you have one. It could lead to living a life in indebtedness.
Even when you have the money, you must plan appropriately before spending. Then, my husband would say, “This is feeding money for the month; make sure it covers for the month.” With the wisdom of God, I would make sure I didn’t buy what I had not written on the list. If there was extra money, I would keep it for emergency, rather than just buy anything because I had some money left.
- Be Accountable: List out your income and expenditure, even if you can’t remember everything the first time you try, keep doing it, until it becomes a habit. Nobody was born with accounting skill; we all learnt what we know. You too can become accountable by practicing to write your expenditure.
- Compliance with the Commandment of Tithing: Your tithe is 10 percent of your income, profit, or gifts received. Don’t rob God in your attempt to save money or make up for some unforeseen expenses. Tithe is acknowledging and recognising that all the money you claim to have comes from God in the first place. To refuse to pay tithes (full tithes not 1% or 5%) opens you and your home to the devourer. Your tithes are to be paid or handed over to the Lord in the Church not to man, not to the poor or an organisation. Tithes are for the Lord; He alone gives instructions on how tithes would be utilised.
Happy New Month. Have a colourful and glorious end of 2020 as you prepare for 2021 by the choices you make today.
Source: Flatimes online (Fitting the pieces to form a whole)
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