Intentional Money

 

Money.

If we want to be intentional with our money, then we need to have an idea of how we view it.

We may say that we want to save for the rainy day but when that ad pops up in our feed we just have “take a quick look.”

We say we're frugal with our money and have a decent amount put away in savings. But, when we hear of a hard need of a neighbor our first thought is, “well, I don't have anything to spare." Someone who has more can help.

The bills are paid, we tithe, we feel like we have a good handle on our finances. Then, an unexpected medical expense comes along and we're thrown for a loop. It feels so ridiculous to part with our hard earned money for something like that!

It's possible to fall into any one of these scenarios. Or, you can come up with a money tale of your own. Regardless, each of these can tell us a bit more about how we view money, and some shifts in our mindset that we can intentionally focus on.

Instant gratification. It's my money, I can spend it how I want. When we view our money as ours to do with how we want, we can find it very easy to spend things on us. That cute little sign at the local consignment. That good smelling candle. The sweet pair of shoes that you didn't realize you needed until you saw them. Those items are all perfectly fine, but when we start seeing every little thing as a ‘need’ and ‘something I deserve’ we soon spend our money on trifle things and find there is nothing left to save. Instead, if you know yourself to struggle with this, be intentional about avoiding the store just ‘to look around.’ Stick a post-it note to your credit card that causes you to pause before purchase. Or, pull out a certain amount of cash and allow that as your ‘fun money' for the month. And when it's gone, it's gone.

 

We take security in knowing we have that nest egg. Again, there is nothing wrong with putting away savings and working to grow your wealth for the future. But, if you are placing your security in that money, your security is ill placed. When you find that you are unwilling to give of your surplus to help another because you're afraid it may cause you to be in want, you're living with a scarcity mindset. When you live with this thought of scarcity, you hoard. You hold on to things for yourself, don't want to share, and depend on yourself to provide. Be intentional with giving a bit more away than what is comfortable. The next time you hear of a need, seek to give. Ask God to give you the mindset of abundance, believing that He will provide what you need.

 

Money is mine to control. As we get a handle on budgets, build up savings, and get comfortable with giving, we can get the feeling that we are in control of our money. But then, an unforeseen expense comes along and suddenly we're having to spend money we didn't want to spend. It's makes us angry and reveals our true heart - we thought that we were in control. Just like the other examples above, there is nothing wrong with having good control of our money - it's all about being a good steward with what you've been given! But, it's when we believe we hold the control, instead of God, that's where we go awry. Intentionally turn to God with your expenses, with your hands wide open. Acknowledge that you want to steward well what He has given you, and that He is the ultimate authority of where your money should go. If, this month, it means an unplanned medical bill, then so be it. It wasn't your money to begin with anyway.

 

Where do you see yourself when it comes to your perspective of money. Not one of us has it all figured out. And, it will take a lifetime of reflection, re-balancing, and growth to be good stewards with what God has entrusted us with. Let's be intentional this week in seeking God's heart when it comes to our finances. Ask Him to reveal to us where our blind spots are. And then be intentional with chasing after what He reveals to your heart.

 

GET YOUR FREE GUIDE TO MANAGING YOUR MONEY, INTENTIONALLY