FINANCIAL LESSONS MY PARENTS TAUGHT ME

Parents, by nature are possessive, protective, and are good in their hearts and minds, towards their children. Parents, instinctively teach us many things, because of their age, out of their experiences, and their deep and unwavering concern, and commitment for the children’s welfare. Sometimes, as children, what our parents do, may seem like a bitter pill, or at times, it may appear overbearing on their part. This is natural, normal, and the “feeling” of most children. However, it is always good to pay attention to what they say. It worthwhile to see their point of view. For, there is none in this world, who love us, and care for us and our welfare, as much as our parents do, on this earth. They could be wrong in their thinking, but their love for the children is pure, and their concern, genuine. Let us never ever forget this. This is what the LORD speaks to His children, about parents and listening to their instructions.
– “8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, 9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” – Proverbs 1:8-9
– “20 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:  21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.  22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.  23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:” – Proverbs 6:20-23

Having said that, allow me to sum up the financial principles that my parents taught me, without actually teaching me. Even though it may be a repetition, but it is worth repeating that, which is good, helpful and much needed teaching on this crucial and critical topic.
– Have a clear plan for your income and expenses.
– Live within your means, always.
– Do not over stretch your finances.
– Work at your dream in small and manageable doses.
– Obstacles will come; don’t give up your dream, but overcome them, one at a time.
– However, have realistic and achievable goals – be practical.
– Be kind, generous and helpful, to all those who are in need.
– Trust God to provide all your needs.
– Run after God and His righteousness, always.
– Never run after riches, money and prosperity.
– Be a faithful, judicious steward of the resource God had entrusted us with.
– Who we are, what we do and how we behave with others, is a reflection of our faith in Jesus Christ of Nazareth, especially in matters of finances.

Let us read some Scriptures that reveals the heart of God, and His desire for us, on money, riches and prosperity.
– “10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.” – Ecclesiastes 5:10
– “6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-10
– “5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5
– “15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” – Luke 12:15
– “21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?…31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:21,24-25,31-33

– May the LORD help us to make money serve us and serve the kingdom of God.
– May we be found as the faithful stewards of the LORD who blesses us with many material things.
– May we always learn to love God, seek His righteous and strive towards the interests of His kingdom.
Even so, the LORD help us.