Financial responsibility

13th February 2025 question-box

Today’s question is:

How can we counsel / support a brother or sister struggling with being financially responsible?

OK, this is a difficult question, because I feel like there is a particular situation behind it. And, I’m note sure if this is someone who earns only a little money, and can’t manage to make ends meet; or someone who earns a lot of money but wastes it. Perhaps a way to approach this is to try and identify why it is that they aren’t being financially responsible:

“Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge
or puts up security for debts;
if you lack the means to pay,
your very bed will be snatched from under you.”
(Proverbs 22:26–27)

That’s just good financial advice, isn’t it?

Or to what extent is this a question of a lack of self-control? People get addicted to gambling, or substances, or shopping…

“Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.” (Proverbs 21:17)

And in that case, I would focus less on the money, and more on what you love, and how to grow in love for God, and let the Holy Spirit enable you to have self-control.

Or is it a question of conscience? Is it that they are comfortable spending money on things you wouldn’t… I think we have to be careful in imposing our conscience on others… Paul says:

“why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience?” (1 Corinthians 10:29)

And so maybe we just let the regular teaching of God’s word convict people over time.

I don’t know if that answers the question. I think if there is a particular situation, I think you should talk it through with a wise person you know. And maybe there’s some good advice that you can give your friend… or maybe they just need you as a sounding board.

This question was originally answered in our evening service on 27 October 2024. I’ll aim to post another question and answer next week. You can read about how our question box works here.