Page 63 - Principles for Discipling Others-Student textbook

are to give to support our church, to help those in need, to help our family members who may need
assistance. But we are also told to take care of the needs of our own immediate family.

Not only does God want us to GIVE to others, but he wants us to invest in our family’s future. He wants
us to set aside a portion of what He gives us to meet future needs. This takes some personal
responsibility to not spend or give away all of what God gives us, but to set aside fund for our future.
This process is called ‘investing.” You can invest in an unexpected future expense such as a funeral, or
you can invest in a known future expense such as the education for your children or personal
retirement.

What Does the Bible Say About Investing?

1. Take Time to PRAY and ask God to guide you as the steward
of His finances.
Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes;
but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

2. Plan for the Future
The Bible suggests that we plan ahead, and that we make written goals and plans for the future.

Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. –
Without written goals and knowing where you're eventually wanting to go and do with your money,
your wealth building will essentially be without purpose. Write down your goals, and revisit them on a
regular basis to stay on track.
3. Save And Invest First, Then Spend
His second point was to make sure to save and invest first, before
you start spending your money on other things.
Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that,
build your house. -Proverbs 24:27

He who is impulsive exalts folly Proverbs 14:29

The Bible talks about getting your fields in order before you build your house. In other words, think and
act long term before you start spending large amounts of money on things. Don't be impulsive and
spend first, and then try to save later. Save and invest first, and don't even consider that money to be
there and considered for spending.

4. Think Long Term

It's important to think long term if you want to reach your goals and be successful
in the long run. Plan ahead for a rainy day, not just for today!

Luke 14:28 Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down
and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?

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