Believe it or not the number of zero’s in your bank account has nothing to do with fiscal freedom.
So, what is “Fiscal Freedom”? Well, ask ten people and you will surely get ten different answers. Here are some popular theories:
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Fiscal Freedom is having enough money in the bank to have anything I want at anytime.
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Fiscal Freedom is having enough money to ensure I stay debt free and can support my family without any outside assistance.
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Fiscal Freedom is having enough residual income so that I never have to work again.
While all these definitions are certainly great and are worth aspirations by the world’s standards, I don’t believe they fully encapsulate the true Biblical definition of Fiscal Freedom. Matthew 6:33 reads as follows
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (NASB)
I believe we, as Christians, can glean from this that the true definition of Fiscal Freedom is when our number one concern when it comes to our work and our money is does it please God? Are we using it to further His Kingdom? Does it allow us the time and opportunity to fulfill our duties in the world of ministry? Are we seeking after God first and not money?
To put it another way: Are we making sure the things of God are the number one priority in our life? Many will say that “Once I have enough money, then I can afford to serve God”. Sadly, for these people, no amount of money will ever be “enough”. The truth is that a Christian cannot afford to ignore the calling of God and follow the path of money… which leads nowhere and is nothing more than a vicious circle.
Am I saying it is wrong to be rich or to have lots of money? Absolutely NOT! What is wrong is to believe that having lots of money will add any amount of true joy to our lives or to think that we cannot serve God until we have lots of money. This type of thinking is completely backwards.
One only need examine the widow and the 2 coins to see that God is more concerned with sacrifice and faith than He is with amounts. He knows our hearts and our intent.
So practically speaking, what can you do to put yourself on the path to fiscal freedom?
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Understand that nothing you have is yours-God graciously gave it to you and He expects you to use it to expand his Kingdom
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Do not believe that once you have more money you will serve God better. Serve God with what you have now and let Him bless you as He sees fit.
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Reexamine your spending habits. Determine to tithe regularly and ensure you are giving your time, treasures and talents to further His Kingdom.
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Educate yourself on the subject of Christian fiscal responsibility. Crown Financial Ministries is one great source, along with The Simple Dollar…a layman financial advice blog written by a Christian man named Trent.
If you are counting on money to set you free, you are sadly mistaken…because it will only end up being your own personal green prison.
