Saturday, February 21, 2009
Providing for Your Own
(I Timothy 5:1-8)
Scripture enjoins Christian men to many duties, not the least of which is providing for the needs of their households. Paul’s command to the male breadwinner is heightened by his warning that failure to provide is a denial of the faith and places the professed believer in a class “worse than an infidel” (8). Providing for our families is a fundamental of our faith and should be a top priority for every Christian man.
We live, however, in tough economic times. For some (through no fault of their own), providing basic needs has become a real challenge. Today, as never before, men must be careful and conscientious regarding financial matters.
Being careful involves establishing a workable budget and living by it. It also requires establishing an “emergency fund” for use on the proverbial “rainy day.” Dave Ramsey’s book The Total Money Makeover is an invaluable guide to financial issues.
Being conscientious involves keeping priorities right before God. No matter how tight things get, you should not neglect faithful tithing. In addition, you should willingly sacrifice any luxury item in order to afford life insurance—just in case. That way, you’re providing for your own even when you’re not there.
Careful and conscientious—these two words go a long way in protecting the integrity of your faith.
