A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his path ~ Proverbs 16:9
I have not accomplished many of the things I planned for my life. But that is just it. It used to be all about: Me. Years ago, I was looking to make my mark in the world but wasn’t too concerned about sharing my faith, living a Word-led life, or being in a project that may make a mark with the Gospel. But this is not the only thing God has refocused. I’ll share a few more regarding my finances.
Buying a Home
My husband and I were, at one point, planning to get a home through means that I now believe Christians should avoid. My husband didn’t want to get a house with loan debt either. We also stay away from other long-term contracts, like rent-to-own homes (James 4:13-15). We would only consider this route if an easy-out exit clause is included and it’s a good deal, which is rare. Currently, we do month-to-month rentals (though we usually stay a while). We would also do rentals with an exit clause included in the contract or just pay a lease in full and lose some money if we need to leave. Keep in mind that we’re location independent, so we can always find low-cost rent. (Update: As of 2021, we no longer rent but own.)
For a home, God planted something else in my heart. We’re working towards owning a few free & clear properties. We plan to lend some land to the Trinity Phix ministry. Now, I don’t know when this will happen. I know it may take me longer to achieve certain goals, but this nurtures patience and builds endurance. Why do we always try to rush things anyway?
I also know that my value does not lie in a house or any possession I have–but in Christ. And as this battle boils within, God simmers the struggle with Truth. Whatever my current shelter is, whether it’s a tiny house, an apartment, a motel, car, van, RV, or tent, I’m at peace with that. I know that my true home is not on this earth. And no matter where I am, I have God, so I am always home.
Wise Saving & Investing?
In the world, you will find there are many ways to invest and/or save your money (Proverbs 6:6-8)(Proverbs 21:20)(Ecclesiastes 11:2). You could simply get a traditional savings account, opt-in or opt-out of your employer’s retirement plan, or get an IRA. You can invest in mutual funds, bonds, treasury notes, stocks, real estate or startups, etc. Of course, my financial plans and goals included some of this because this is what the world teaches. The Holy Spirit told me to be cautious and Biblically discerning while treading here. First, I must remember that my money is not really mine. It’s God’s (Psalm 24:1). And, I should be picky about who I partner with to grow this seed money. 2 Corinthians 6:14 definitely fits here.
Consider banks and other lenders, for example. These entities exploit the poor and deepen people’s debt (Proverbs 22:22-23). We should be merciful (Luke 6:36). But even if they weren’t like that, why would I seek to invest God’s money with unbelievers to grow it? We are commanded to pay taxes to the world (Mark 12:17), but partnering with unbelievers to grow money means we are unequally yoked. This includes a worldly savings account. Besides, Christ followers should be involved with lending that seeks nothing in return (Luke 6:34-35)(Matthew 5:42).
Some people use scriptures such as Deuteronomy 23:20 or Matthew 25:27 to justify lending at interest to heathens for business purposes, but we must handle the Word properly. Using the parable means we’re inferring on the Word and taking it out of context. And, Deuteronomy 23:20 has been fulfilled with Luke 6:34-35. A simple tip to put pieces together is to remember that Old testament laws that refer to Christ-followers will also be commanded in the New Testament. Now, Jesus commands us to lend even to our enemies expecting nothing in return. Adding “except for business purposes” is adding to what He said. People get scripturally creative when they want to keep doing what they’re doing. We must be humble enough to admit that some of us are naturally greedy. We like to copy the world and don’t want to miss out on any money, but the Word doesn’t mold to our lives; it’s the opposite. Jesus said what he said plainly. It’s not confusing. Truth is, even if one wants to cancel out what Christ said with Deuteronomy 23:20, when it comes to lenders, we know they will definitely lend to poor Christians at interest. In that very passage, we see it was prohibited for God followers to burden believers with interest. So, it’s still wrong to seek profit from an entity that would even do that to Christ followers.
Let’s not even talk about what some institutions do with people’s money as it increases. Depending on your lifestyle, some things you might not be able to escape, like having a regular non-interest bearing checking account–though Islamic institutions could be a better option as they do not operate like a bank. For example, they don’t lend at interest or invest in unethical industries. Some Christians are beginning to put their money in these institutions and use their service.
Just consider that there is a difference between simply using a service or buying something because you need it and actively partnering with a company in the business sense to profit. For example, one may not yolk themselves with a business by buying stock in the company but may buy property from the entity (or may even work for the business = providing a service). No union there. You simply bought something for sale, and the transaction is done. Now, some people are even picker regarding who they buy from. I understand that. However, we do live in a flawed world. Just like we have to pay taxes for stuff we may not agree with, sometimes, we may have to buy food from, work for, or use a service of people we don’t agree with, but we definitely know we should not partner with unbelievers in business and for investing purposes.
