God & Money

In our pre-marital counseling classes this summer, our pastor recommended Andi and I enroll in the Crown Financial Bible Study taking place at church this fall. A few weeks ago, we saw the announcement in the church bulletin and decided to sign up. It's a 10 week class meeting every Wednesday where we read and complete exercises in the Crown Financial Workbook. Crown Financial teaches the successful combination of God’s wisdom along with practical principles to implement in your daily life.

Enrolling in the class is something we both felt strongly about. But, at the same time, were hesitant about committing because life is so busy right now. Between both our jobs and especially Andi starting his own business, time is limited. But then again, there's never time for anything unless you schedule it into the calendar and make it a priority. And if our faith and marital foundation isn't important - what is?

So, we had our first Crown class tonight at church. It was a little uncomfortable at the beginning- we didn't complete the pre-work for the class because the materials we ordered online hadn't arrived yet. We were suppose to read a book, memorize a bible verse and complete the homework for week 1. The instructor said he wasn't sure we could even proceed with the class tonight because Andi and I weren't prepared (how bad would we have felt!). Luckily we were able to wing it.

Once we got into the class, I really started to enjoy it. I quickly realized life is bigger than work and daily responsibilities. How easy it is to be selfish and consumed with schedules and work projects when none of that really matters in the end. Is it more important to be cracked out after work, stressed about all the things you have complete? Or, is faith and family more important?

In case you're wondering, Crown doesn't directly teach you how to set a budget or manage your money. We're not meeting with financial advisors who analyze our finances and tell us where to spend our money. It's looking at the bigger picture. Money isn't everything; God is the basis of all. Be smart in the way spend. Be a servant to God in all you do.

Here was tonight's bible verse which I think is completely fitting for the framework of the class:
"Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?" Luke 16:11

I'm glad we made this bible group a priority. I'll let you know how it goes!