Creating a Financially Healthy Marriage
By: Kia Stephens
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24 (NIV)
My husband and I were on two ends of the financial perspective when we met each other. He was a saver and I was a spender. He was a planner and I was not. He never bounced a check and I had bounced plenty. This is typically the case in a marriage. Not only do opposite personalities attract one another, but opposite financial habits also tend to attract in marriage as well.
God, however, says in Genesis 2:24 (NIV), “The two shall become one flesh.” Does this mean financially too? How can two people with different upbringings, perspectives, and financial behaviors come together as one when it comes to money?
Although it seems like an impossible feat, it can be done. In fact, financial agreement in a marriage is non-negotiable. This is why money is one of the top reasons marriages fail.
It is best to discuss how money will be managed prior to saying, “I do,” but if this does not happen two people can still figure out how to get on the same financial page. The best place to start is in prayer. Financial oneness in marriage begins here.
Couples must first acknowledge that all of their resources come from God. Philippians 4:19 (NIV) says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God is the giver of all of our financial resources, not our jobs. He gives us the ability to earn an income and pay for the things we need. This is a foundational understanding for creating a financially healthy marriage. The next step would be to ask God to help both spouses to honor Him with the resources they have been given to manage.
This requires a mutual acknowledgment that God gives us the ability to produce wealth. He, and not our finances should come first in our marriage. This is what it says in Matthew 6:24 (NIV), “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Knowing and acknowledging that we serve God and not money places God in the financial driver seat. In doing this both individuals are able to recognize God’s accountability in how we utilize the money we have been blessed with. Knowing we will one day answer to God for the way we spend our money will impact our spending on earth.
Placing God as the head of our finances helps us to prioritize what matters most. This includes tithes and offerings, monthly expenses, debt elimination and saving. Prioritizing expenses enables couples to create a monthly plan for spending before the month happens.
This is the beginning of a financially healthy marriage. It is not accomplished through nagging or begging the other spouse to get on board. It happens through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit causing both spouses to agree and be on one accord. God is the one who causes a couple to flourish financially.
Kia Stephens is a wife and homeschooling mama of two who is passionate about helping women know God as Father. For this reason, she created The Father Swap Blog to be a source of encouragement, healing, and practical wisdom for women dealing with the effects of a physically or emotionally absent father. Each week through practical and biblically sound teaching she encourages women to exchange father wounds for the love of God the Father. For more encouragement download Kia's free audio message, “Knowing God as Father.” Additionally, you can connect with Kia on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Related Resource: 4 Truths About Marriage Every Couple Needs to Remember
No matter how long you’ve been married, reminding yourself of fundamental marriage truths is helpful. In this episode of the Team Us Podcast, Ted and Ashleigh share four truths about marriage every couple needs to remember. If you like what you hear, head over to Apple or Spotify and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Thursday, 19 September 2024.
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