Prepared Spiritually for Marriage

In last week’s Reflections we suggested that singles who wish to be married should begin to prepare themselves spiritually for marriage.  Singles should also prepare themselves financially.  Money problems and disagreement over money are a major reason for divorce.  If you begin getting a handle on your finances now, it will make the transition to married life easier. 

​Proverbs 6:6-8 teaches us the wisdom in saving to prepare for future needs.  Now is the time that you should be building your nest egg.  Practice living off of less than you make and designate a significant percentage of your income to savings. 

Pay off your debts.  Try paying more than just the minimum payment.  When you pay just the minimum payment each month, those shoes that you bought on sale for $50 can end up costing you a lot more once you add up the interest that you are paying.  Remember that it is okay to say no to yet another credit card.  The borrower is slave to the lender (Proverbs 22:7).  That means that the more people you owe, the more masters you have. 
Stay current on your bills so that your credit score doesn’t take a hit.  Plus, when we purchase things on credit, we are making a commitment to pay according to the terms prescribed.  As Christians, when we fall behind on our bills, it is as if we were being untruthful when we signed for the credit to indicate that we would pay our indebtedness.
Once you pay off your debts, strive to avoid incurring future debts.  If you exercise discipline and get on a written spending plan now, it will make marriage a lot less stressful. 

​Most importantly, give to God as you should.  Our giving should reflect your income.  If you make $50k/ year, you should be giving more than $20 a week.  Do you really expect God to bless you with abundance when you are only giving Him 2% of what He has given you?  Try God in your giving.  You will see that He is faithful to His word.  Honor Him with the first fruits of what you receive.  Remember that God blessed you so that you can be a blessing to others.  Don’t hoard what God has given you to share.