Several years ago, my husband deployed two years with only three months between. The first year, I focused on my physical, financial and spiritual health. On Sunday mornings I was sure to calculate the correct amount of tithing money. Despite my husband being away, things were good.
The following year when my husband deployed we had a substantial savings set up for both our children and ourselves however, I became distant from the church, my family and my friends. I felt jaded by the military, my husband and even God. “Why would we have to go through another deployment when we just managed to survive the last?” I would ask. Bills started to pile up, things broke and our financial security disintegrated.
My husband would ask me what happened but I could never quite explain where all the money went. I would say, “Student loans, phone bills, cable, internet and credit cards.” I was dishonest to my husband and myself by not telling him that I had spent several hundred dollars buying new clothes, shoes and jewelry. I tried to justify that shopping was my comfort for him being away. It was at that moment that I realized the meaning of Luke 16:10-12.
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?
The prior year, I was mindful of tithing and responsible spending and we were rewarded when we found out that we had too much taken from our bonus for that year. Then the year when we had much, I wasted it and became dishonest. Therefore, my husband has kept a closer watch of the bank account. Sometimes I get upset about him not trusting me but truly I gave him a reason.
Looking back now, I can see my faults and I know that if I do not simplify my life by taking out my dishonest and materialistic behavior God will not be able to trust me with the true riches of heaven.
Today, I challenge you to simplify your life by evaluating your finances. Are you trustworthy in handling worldly wealth? Are you truly doing what Jesus taught you by his example or are you being dishonest and justifying your behavior as I have mine?
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. (Hebrews 13:18).
Praying!
Rita Metcalf
Rita Metcalf married her high school sweetheart, Brandon, more than eight years ago. Together they have struggled and continue to struggle to avoid becoming another statistic for young, military couples divorcing. Through these struggles, Rita has grown to know more about life, sacrifice and love but most importantly, Jesus’ love for her. The Metcalfs have been blessed with three beautiful children, Kiera (6), Adam (4) and Evan (1). While Brandon is conducting his Marine Corps duties, Rita is a stay-at-home mom who strives to better the life of her children and anyone who may cross their path.
Rita is a 2009 graduate of the University of Phoenix with a Bachelors of Science in Business Management. Though her original goal was to become a lawyer, every job position Rita held, lead her to management roles thus, determining her major. Currently, Rita leads the children’s program along with assisting in community services and fundraising for a newly established MCAS Miramar Military MOPS. Additionally, Rita, along with her husband and kids participate in walks/runs to raise money for charities and other programs designed to give back to the community. Rita also co-leads, with Amanda Hughes, the Facebook group The Imperfect Wives ~ Living God’s Portion, which focuses on health and wellness through obedience to God.
I had read through most of this earlier, but read through the challenge just now. Boy did that get to me. God has been working on me on that, and really gotten my attention. I was trying to “justify” a trip a group of ladies is doing to NYC next month because my husband is taking a motorcycle trip next weekend with some friends. I have wanted to do this trip for so long, but this is now the last one this group is putting together. God keeps reminding me that as of right now, we will only have a small retirement check coming in in just over a month. It is not a wise decision at the moment. I want to do what others are doing, but God keeps showing me that I need to be wise in what I am doing with the family income. My faith is being tested right now, and I want to make myself feel good by doing what I want, but in the end, I must do what God would want of me.