on a personal level, we have also been affected by the recession (yes! i have decided to accept the fact that we are indeed in an economic recession). aaron received a 5% pay cut starting this year, with raises and pensions frozen, and no bonuses until the economy begins to improve. since we are pretty much on a single income, this will of course impact how we spend our money.
though it may seem like a downer to get any form of pay cut, i have realized that it has actually been a blessing. the experience has been personally convicting, forcing me to really examine how we can be better stewards of the money and the things God has provided for us. he has provided for us so many times over, and a lot of the times we end up taking his generosity for granted by wishing and longing for more (or better) stuff! what we have, we have from God. and financially, the way we spend our money (which is really God's money anyway) is a reflection of where our hearts truly are.
so for us personally, how do we continue to be faithful stewards of God's money?
- remain faithful that God will provide EVERYTHING that we need (he has before).
- continue to tithe the same amount if not more (decreasing the amount of money we tithe would be a reflection of our faith, or lack thereof).
- re-examine our needs and wants (what can we live without? is a certain item, subscription, etc. a necessity or a luxury?).
- being content with his provisions.
- pray.
- live our life simply, humbly and always for God's glory.
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (philippians 4:6-7)
6 comments:
I'm sorry to hear about your husband's pay cut, but happy to know you are putting it in such a good light. Since I've been home, we've had to make a lot of changes. I have found, though, that living simply can sometimes mean living better. God will always provide what you need!
Great post Prasti. We have been doing a lot of reflecting on our spending as well, and it is always nice to read a positive take on tough times.
You are always so encouraging and make me strive to be a better, christian, steward etc. Thanks for being such a positive influence in my, and my kids, lives!
It is my firm belief that this major recession and downturn in the economy is due to greed on many levels. It is my sincere hope that through this, we can all learn to be better people. Spend what we make and appreciate what we have. I think that having less to go around will help us take a look at our lives and realize what is important. Our economy has always been built on buying and spending, and I think that we can find a better way.
This is a great post! You know when we realize that God does supply all of our needs, and that He is our Commander and Chief and all we have to do is trust Him for our daily bread....the pressure is off of us and all we have to do is rely on the Joy that comes from HIM to give us strength and realize that as we walk in faith we are PLEASING HIM because we are in turn saying Hey I trust YOU to take care of us....
After all our Heavenly Father is the KING OF KINGS so as a child of the King of Kings we know we are taken care of!!
Very encouraging post Have a blessed day!
Hey and in the Lord that pay cut doesn't affect that HE WILL SUPPLY ALL OF YOUR NEEDS! I am blessed to read of y'alls faithfulness to God.
Prasti! What a beautiful post... I am so touched by this! And you are so right... God will provide and we should trust in Him through everything.
I am back in the blogging business... I hope to be a better blogger now most of the whirlwind has subsided!
Post a Comment