Debt Free Legacy

Financial Knowledge & Wisdom

Financial Knowledge & Wisdom

by Debt Free Legacy

Today there are more books, courses, TV programs, CD’s and DVD’s on money than ever before. Despite this deluge of “information”, it appears that families, businesses, countries and many churches are in really bad financial straits. How can that be? This short article will address some basic problems that we believe are root causes and will provide advice for reversing this trend. 
Most folks would consider “prosperity” to be their top financial goal. Since this means different things to different people, we will use the definition of “Godly Prosperity” from the Legacy Edition of “Financial Freedom in 7 Weeks Plus”: “Having all the resources (time, talent/skills, and money) needed to accomplish the mission you have been called by God, to accomplish.” The Bible warns us not to compare ourselves to others and not to envy or covet. So, it’s logical to conclude that we are “prosperous” if we have all the resources necessary to fulfill the roles we individually are assigned Our Creator. For some this may be caring for a family, or running a business, or participating in ministry or mission work, or possibly as a professional athlete or a doctor. 
Knowledge may be equated with having a grasp of factual information. For example, a financial expert may be informed on the latest accounting and tax regulations and have a solid grasp of principles, such as compound interest, how to calculate present and future values, and the pluses and minus of leasing versus renting versus outright ownership. So, let’s simply say that knowledge means knowing the facts… In this case – money facts.  
Wisdom is far more precious (than factual knowledge), as we see in the following scriptures:
Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NIV): “To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, happiness, but to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.” 
Proverbs 16:16 (NIV): “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding than silver.” 
Proverbs 4:6-7 (NIV): “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have get understanding.” 

I like to explain true Godly wisdom as being able to use factual knowledge in the framework of practical application advice, as found throughout God’s Word. Psalm 37:30 (NLT) makes it abundantly clear that wise Christians should seek Godly wisdom from trusted council: “The Godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong.” Therefore, we should seek out and listen to men and women who have factual knowledge in our areas of concern (financial, medical, marriage, etc.) but also have established a proven track record as Godly counselors.

Financial Happiness…Charles Dickens and God’s Word

Financial Happiness…Charles Dickens and God’s Word

by Debt Free Legacy

FINANCIAL HAPPINESS…CHARLES DICKENS and GOD’S WORD

In his famous book “David Copperfield”, author Charles Dickens gave a very simplistic formula for happiness: “spend less than you earn”.  Fortunately, God’s Word – the Bible provides a great deal more depth with over 2,000 scriptures relating to financial matters.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if America, and all the world’s debtor nations, as well as all families, would follow even this most basic advice from Dickens.  The United States of America has set a horrible example for financial management .  For years, this country (which we love) has spent far, far more than the money it received.  The result has been debt and the printing of more and more US currency, and the astounding expansion of our national debt…a debt that future generations will have to repay. 

It will take many years for wise men and women leaders to return America to a stable financial platform…assuming they have the courage to stay the course.  However, the average person or family must take a fast track approach.  After all, we cannot just print currency (at least not legally) and we cannot float bonds or borrow long-term from banks and foreign nations, like China.

Fortunately, the Bible is loaded with real world advice on how Christians can be good stewards of the resources God has blessed us with.  As a quick refresher, take a few minutes to read Deuteronomy 8:18, Psalms 50:10 and 1st Chronicles 29:11-12.  These are just a few of the scriptures attesting to the fact that God owns everything and only He gives us the power and ability to get wealthWww.debtfreelegacy.com is a ministry dedicated to helping people achieve their God-given destinies.  The Legacy Edition workbook “Financial Freedom in 7 Weeks Plus” helps people work through practical exercises, backed by scriptural support, to get their own financial houses in order.  Part of the course uses Charles Dickens’ logic of spending less than you earn.  However, the training goes far beyond that by leading people on a path to true Financial Freedom….God’s Way!