MARCH WITH MONEY – 20

“Money is either the best or the worst area of communication in our marriages.” says Larry Burkett, a Christian financial expert. Nowonder, money is one of the top nemesis in failed marriages. Money is a marriage killer. Some marriages fail because of abundance of money. Some because of a lack of it. Some others because the couple were unable to manage their income and expenses properly, and end up in debt. How one handles money has a big role to play in the success of any marriage.

Chuck Bentley, writing in “MARRIAGE AND MONEY: WHAT DOES GOD EXPECT?” talks about money and marriage, and gives a real life example of a young couple, who ended up spending three times their annual income, just for their wedding, honeymoon and home furnishings. They separated within a year, because of their overwhelming debt.

He further says – “Recently it was discovered that fewer than two out of 10 couples know how to actually balance their bank accounts. This means that many married couples seldom know how much money they have to spend, or how much they are spending.” The figures help us see the significance of money management.

Money needs a proper and realistic PLAN of Spending, basing on the income, and the needs to be met. For this, the couple needs to PREPARE well in advance, by means of systematic savings. In this process, a small bit of borrowing is fine, and may be necessary. However, debt has to be always small, firmly under control, and fully manageable. Only then one should PROCEED, that too, bit by bit, to realise their needs and dreams. The LORD Jesus’ words in Luke 14:28, sums up all the above – “Which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” This is wise and sane living.

Let us be wise and careful. Let us learn to wisely use money, to build a beautiful home, and thereby fulfill our dreams. The contrary is sure recipie to  wreak ourselves, and destroy our homes, and all our dreams. May the LORD help us.