Page 122 - The Prosperous Way _ (APRIL 2024 v3)
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THE PROSPEROUS WAY
to test Him in this and see if He will not “open the windows of heaven”
and “rebuke the devourer” for our sakes (Malachi 3:10-11). If you do not
presently tithe, I encourage you to read the Scriptures for yourself and
ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in this aspect of giving.
TAXES — RENDERING UNTO CAESAR
A word on taxes: The Scriptures teach us to “Render unto Caesar the
things which are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s”
(Matthew 22:21; KJV). Having given God your tithe, now it is time to
give Caesar his due and “render” to the Government the taxes we owe.
While it is perfectly fine to do what you can to lawfully lessen your tax
liability, as Christians, we must be careful not to cheat on taxes that are
rightfully to be paid. Work at fully understanding your tax system so that
you can take advantage of every possible tax break to which you are
legally entitled. But be careful not to step over the legal lines into tax
evasion, or to engage in dishonest practices that may affect your
testimony as a Christian.
Disposable Income (Net of Tax and Tithe)
Once the tax and tithe are taken care of, what is left is your disposable
income. This is the income that you can save, or you can spend—the
choice is yours. I break this category into saving for tomorrow and
spending for today. Here is how I allocate disposable income between
tomorrow and today.
TOMORROW — SAVINGS, INSURANCE AND INVESTMENTS
Just as night follows day, tomorrow will surely come, whether we are
prepared for it or not. How you handle your earnings today to take care
of your tomorrows will ultimately determine your ability to prosper over
time, i.e., over the long haul, not just in the now.
Saving is by far the most difficult part of any budget to implement, but
this is perhaps the most critical element of good financial management.
Remember the virtuous wife from Proverbs 31:16? “She considers a field
and buys it. From her earnings, she plants a vineyard.” Where did she
get the money to invest in purchasing a vineyard? From her savings!
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