Before we get off the road to financial freedom, there are a few things we
need to remember. First, God created work: the first thing the Lord did with
Adam was to assign him work. However, after the Fall, work was made more
difficult. Second, God has a perspective on work: (1) work is necessary,
(2) it develops character, (3) we should work as for the Lord, (4) there is
equal dignity in all types of work. Third, God has promises for us in our
work: (1) He gives us our job skills, (2) He gives us our success, and (3)
He controls our promotions. We also have responsibilities. First, we have
responsibilities in work: We are to work hard, but not to overwork. We also
have responsibilities in regards to our relationship with our employers: we
must me absolutely honest with them, we are to be faithful to them, we are
to pray for them, honor them (and fellow employees), and we must share our
faith with them. With these final truths we can safely take the off-ramp
and begin our lives of being financially responsible for God’s glory.

Gen 2:15; Gen 3:17-19; Col 3:23; Exod 36:1; Gen 39:2-3; Prov 12:27; Exod
34:21; Dan 6:4; Dan 6:10; 1 Pet 2:18

As we make the third turn of our adventure, the landscape is filled with idea of giving. In this week’s lesson, we find that there are three important things to remember in regards to giving: (1) giving with the proper attitude is crucial, (2) we must give to God first, and (3) 10% of our income is only foundational for our giving. We also saw that there are four advantages to giving: (1) giving draws our hearts toward Christ, (2) giving develops character, (3) giving allows us to invest for eternity, and (4) giving produces a material increase to the giver. Finally, we learned that there are three entities to which our giving should go to: (1) our local church, (2) Christian ministries, and (3) the poor. Next week we will pass the final mile marker and complete our journey to financial freedom!

As we shift into second gear while on the road to financial freedom, we find many practical steps we can take to begin our journey out of debt. First, we must know what Scripture says about debt: it is discouraged, it is slavery, and we have a responsibility to repay what we owe (Rom 13:8; Prov 22:7; Prov 3:27-28). Second, we must know how to reduce our debt: keep the car long enough to pay off the loan; prepay a little each month on your mortgage; borrow for investments only when the investment is the sole collateral for the debt; and carefully consider the stability and edge that accompany operating a business debt free. Finally, we must learn 11 ways on how to get out of debt: (1) pray for strength, (2) start giving regularly, (3) do not accumulate more debt, (4) establish a budget that allows for debt repayment (5) set up an emergency account of at least $1000, (6) list your assets – determine if you should sell some items, (7) list your liabilities, (8) establish a repayment schedule, (9) consider earning additional income, (10) consider changes in your lifestyle, (11) don’t give up! With the Holy Spirit’s leading, we can be confident as we cruise to the next mile marker on the “Road to Financial Freedom.”

While getting on the on-ramp of the road to financial freedom, there are three key things that we must do to help us navigate our course.

First, we must know why the Lord cares so much about money. He cares because how we handle money has a significant impact on the intimacy of our relationship with God (Luke 16:11), and He has given us a blueprint for handling money (Isa 55:8-9). Second, we must recognize God’s part in our finances: He owns everything, He is control of everything and He provides for our needs (Ps 24:1; Luke 14:33; 1 Chr 29:11; Dan 4:34-35; Rom 8:28; Matt 6:33; Ps 139:3-4). Finally, we must recognize our part in handling out finances. This is the responsibility of that of a faithful steward, how to handle the 90% of our finances that we don’t tithe, and how to be faithful in little things (1 Cor 4:2; Luke 16:10).

When we truly understand these three concepts, we have a foundation on which we can start. Only then can we press the accelerator down and continue on the road to financial freedom.