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Why do we believe that saving is our second Priority? First, let us understand why family is so important to God and His plan for the world. 

  1. First Created Institution – Family (Gen. 2:24).
  2. Redemption of mankind was to come through… a family (Gen. 3:15).
  3. We are commanded to teach our children the ways of God (Deut. 6:7-9).

 

Biblical Foundations for Savings

  • We are called to be providers. 
    1.  Timothy 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
      • What does it mean to “provide”? I earn money, so would that constitute providing? It is much more than that. Paul is envisioning a “continuous provision, or better, a “stewardship plan” to meet the family’s ongoing obligations both today and into the future.  
      • “His relatives, especially members of his household.” My stewardship obligation is not about me. We have cascading sequences of responsibility first and foremost to our immediate family. “Members of his household” – This also includes other relatives. 
      • “Denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.” – Look, even the unsaved takes care of their own. Christians should not contradict the message of grace and forgiveness by living a lifestyle that shows that everything is ultimately about them.
    2. We are called to be proactive. 
      • Consider Proverbs 22:3 & 27:12, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.”
      • Financially, we are to look ahead, anticipate future problems, and proactively prepare for them. We do this when we prepare for property tax bills, college, weddings, replacing cars, retirement, and even vacations or Christmas.
    3. Reserves or savings are a sign of wisdom, not wealth.
      • Prov. 21:20 – “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.”  This verse says that reserves (or savings) are found in the house of the wise, not the house of the rich. It goes on to teach that the fool lives paycheck to paycheck. He devours it.

 

3 Reasons to Save:

  1. We all should prepare for the unexpected.
  2. Our choice to save will build a stronger marriage.
  3. Saving will help us stay out of debt. If you don’t earn interest, you’ll likely be paying interest.

 

Application:

  1. Save for the short term to protect your family
    • Emergency Fund (Ideally, 3-6 months of your living expenses)
    • Planned Expenses (Annual Expenses)
  2. Save for the long term
    • Be Intentional
    • Be Disciplined
    • Invest over time

 

Key Takeaways:

    1. Saving must become a conviction, not a convenience.
    2. It cannot be, “I will save if there is extra.” Rather, “I must save before I pay the first bill.”  
    3. Make your savings automatic so that you do not need to think about it each month!

 

 

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The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations. Investing and investment strategies involve risk including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. 

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