Richard Hollerman
A thoughtful discussion on the financial trials that may come to the devoted child of God in this world as he or she follows the Lord Jesus as a true disciple.
The Lord Jesus declared, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Mark 8:34). He also plainly said, “He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life” (John 12:25). John, the disciple of Jesus, further said, “The one who does the will of God lives forever” (John 2:17b).
This is the side of Christianity that tells us what following Jesus means. Following Jesus means loving Him, loving our fellow-believers, and doing the will of God in a practical way. Are we—you and I—following the Lord Jesus like this?
We know that the Scriptures clearly show that following Jesus as a true disciple will result in trials—and some of those trials may be financial ones! We all know that when one comes to Christ and chooses to follow Him, there will be a wide range of adversities, tribulations, problems, and perplexities. As God says, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Some of these adversities may be financial ones—even dreadful and extensive trials.
This is one aspect of the Christian life that many would like to dismiss. They want a pleasant life, an abundance of material things, and religion on top of all this. They somehow think that it is possible to find fulfillment in this life and live in financial and material wealth. Seemingly, this just overlooks the more difficult aspects of serving Jesus. They either deny or reject the many passages that promise a life of trials: “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).
I have often thought of this since moving to this present location. I’ve been told that there are about 365 houses in this development, thus there could be 1,000 people living here—perhaps more and perhaps fewer. By God’s unexpected grace and a series of unusual circumstances, we were able to obtain this house some years ago since it was a “repossessed” one that required extensive labor before living in it. As I recall, some twelve parties bid on the house—and, quite amazingly, we were able to obtain it—by God’s rich grace. (This is the first time in my life that God had provided a house of any kind.) The work on the house took some half of a year, about 6 months, before we could move into this place. But the point is that we are aware that other people living here may be paying three or four times the amount that we were able to purchase this house for—all by the blessing of God.
In light of this, I’ve often had to ask myself, “How could anyone live in this area—for financial reasons—if he or she were totally living for Christ and doing His will?” (Surely this would be nearly impossible in some areas of the United States—such as the West Coast, New England, and other high-cost areas.) Let’s do some surmising and analyzing that will make this plain. Suppose that a given house in this area were selling for about $200,000 ($150,000-$250,000). How could a typical family pay for this—even if they have 30 years to do so? We are convinced that if a family were serving and obeying God, it would be difficult if not impossible to pay this amount and survive! It would be far too high to afford.
There are many reasons why it would be nearly unfeasible for a truly Christian family to handle all of the pressures and trials of meeting expenses—either here or elsewhere. In order to determine whether this is so, let’s see what could possibly happen—if the family did put Jesus first in all matters of life.
We realize that many kinds of people will probably be reading our words, thus we assume that a lot of the following points are not even ones that many of you have imagined. This will become clearer as we proceed. Just bear in mind that we are referring to a family that is thoroughly Christian and willing to follow the Lord Jesus and His Word in a realistic, active, and practical way—regardless of the consequences.
First, probably most housewives here and elsewhere in America leave the house and spend all day serving a secular employer. We know that in some cases, the wife is gone from early morning until night! Can you imagine the strife, confusion, and conflict that come to the family because of this arrangement? Further, imagine the havoc that would come if one of those housewives actually quit her job and stayed home as a full time mother! If she happens to be bringing in one-third to one-half of the family income and that amount ceased, the family would probably be in a serious situation. We don’t know just what they would do! This would merely be the “tip of the iceberg” regarding finances if our family did put Jesus first!
Further, if this typical housewife would have refused to leave the house and pursue schooling, think of the amount of false teaching, humanistic indoctrination, evolutionary exposure to which she would have been subject. Don’t forget the massive amount of finances it would have taken just to go to college and graduate (tuition, supplies, transportation, etc.). Maybe we would see the nearly impossible for such a woman (or man) to complete an education in this way.
We read the following:
- The median home sales price in the United States is $436,800 as of the first quarter of 2023. That’s down 9% from the fourth quarter of 2022 when the median home sales price was $479,500.
- Hawaii is the most expensive state to buy a house, with a median home value of $835,000, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.
- West Virginia is the least expensive state to buy a house, with a median home value of $147,000, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.
https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/research/average-house-price-state/
Second, we are assured that many of those jobs filled by women would be inconsistent with Christian principles. In some cases, the wife is under the headship of a male employer instead of the headship of the husband. In other cases, the wife is in a managerial position herself over many men, and this does seem to be inconsistent with various scriptures that instruct a woman to submit to male leadership (the husband) and not be in a position of authority over the man (please see 1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:11-12; etc.).
Further, sometimes a male (or female) employer would want the wife to wear masculine or immodest clothing or engage in activity that is inconsistent with the ways of Christ. In such cases, the wife would definitely need to quit her job because of wrongful requirements for the position. Once again, the family income would be in serious jeopardy!
Third, if husbands were consistent in the Christian principles regarding male leadership, the husband’s duties, employment, and relationships, this would make living and working virtually impossible. Probably a half of those families would lose the husband’s/father’s income if he did work consistently or refuse to do wrong on the job. As you can imagine, many, many positions require unchristian duties of professing Christian employees.
Thus, the whole family’s relationships would collapse. They probably couldn’t continue to make their financial ends meet. They couldn’t pay their mortgage nor pay their regular monthly bills. As you can see, the family would be turned upside down! Thousands of families just can’t financially hold on, thus are living on the streets as homeless people in all the major cities. Would this describe you?
Fourth, at least some of our readers are aware that the public school system is not at all a place to educate our children. Think of the various factors: humanism, relativism, worldliness, pluralism, compromising entertainment, dishonesty, evolutionism, secularism, scientism, sports, false doctrine, and so much more that children are exposed to in such a setting.
Apart from the wife’s working, if one, two, three, or seven children immediately ceased going to school and stayed at home to be educated by the mother (and father), this could easily turn the lifestyle and finances upside down! Once again the family would be in a serious financial crisis! The reason that this is not happening presently is because there are so many inconsistent professing Christian families who are unwilling to apply what have been called the “hard sayings” of Jesus!
Fifth, probably some of our readers know this further: As shocking as this may be, they surely should rescue their children from the humanistic state schools and begin to provide education at home—or some other suitable venue. We know that some 90 percent of children are in the worldly state schools, but is there any other viable alternative for the Christian? The solution seems obvious. This would seem to mean that the wife (or husband) would need to stay at home (be a “stay at home” mother) in order to train and nurture her own children. How else could they protect their children and provide for their education!
Remember Paul’s strong words: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). This would be true of mothers as well. Can there be any other alternative—if we want to both have children and educate them in Christian principles? Under Moses, the fathers were to teach their children the commands of the Lord “diligently” (cf. Deuteronomy 6:5-7). This huge decision would definitely bring great disruption into the marriage and family. But is there any other responsible decision that can be made?
Sixth, we have little doubt that many parents feel ill-prepared to teach and train their children at home and just wouldn’t know what to do. However, suppose that they are part of a Biblical assembly of believers; perhaps with the help, instruction, and encouragement of other Christian parents (as well as the helpful input of older and experienced women in the body), they could begin to train their own children instead of sending them to the compromising and corrupt public schools. But if this is not available (e.g., if the assembly is small or even if there is no community of believers, locally), could the husband or wife learn enough and find enough energy, time, and means to teach and train their own children in the ways of God? Remember that this would not only be a reference to first-graders, but also seventh-, ninth-. and twelfth graders and others! This would virtually be a full-time job! (This also if there be “special needs” or retarded children!)
And also we need to remember that, if nothing is done, most of these children would surely be lost for eternity—something that is not pleasant to contemplate—but is true. (Many studies assert that fifty to ninety percent of young people “fall away” from “church” after high school as they enter college.) Be willing to start small—for if you only have one, two, or three children, start with these and educate them carefully yourself. If God does give additional children (perhaps 7 or 8 or 10), you will be able to have the experience of teaching and training the others.
Seventh, perhaps these believers (in the family we are imagining) might choose to use a “Christian” school to educate their children. This may seem like a convenient way to avoid some of the negatives associated with home schooling. However, this in itself is not without serious difficulties. For example, the cost of this would probably be very, very great, especially if the number of children were many. Notice these results for the present school year (in Texas):
- The average private school tuition in Texas is approximately $9,361 per year (2019-20).
- The private elementary school average is $7,653 per year and the private high school average is $10,943 per year.
- We surmise that in schools located in high-wage districts, the cost per year could easily amount to $20,000 a year per student. For about eight students, this would be $160,000 a year! Yes, you read this correctly!
(https://www.privateschoolreview.com/tuition-stats/texas)
Taking the Texas figures again, this would mean that for six students, for example, the cost would be an average of $56,166 for the schooling (this would be $45,918 for elementary and $65,658 for high school). The kind of family we are discussing would have no way to pay this much! (If the family income were, say, $25,000 a year, how could it pay $56,000 a year?) And keep in mind that the average cost for one student could be as high as $41,050 for high school costs! Of course, the costs on the West Coast and North-East would be much higher than here in Texas!
Remember too that almost all private “Christian” schools are very “unchristian” in many ways! They may use unsaved teachers, they are involved in the sports and entertainment industry, they observe the world’s religious and military holidays, they promote immodest unisex clothing, and they may use secular textbooks or ones filled with false doctrine. Further, the parents have a responsibility to either teach or oversee the teaching of their children—something very difficult with private education. In all, private schooling seems nearly impossible.
Eighth, let’s discuss another area of concern. The husband and father may be involved in a worldly, unscriptural, and compromising field in his employment. He may have maintained this position for a year, five, ten, or twenty years! But if there is a compromising part to this position, he would certainly need to quit this job and this would probably plunge the family into a severe economic crisis! He might lose his pension—providing he even has one. He might lose the medical and dental insurance. He could lose money in various ways. He may discover that his own training just doesn’t prepare him to hold down an honorable and worthy position elsewhere, thus even leaving a given job would definitely thrust him into a job-hunting nightmare. This could take weeks or, more likely, months!
Ninth, we must admit that even if the husband can retain his job, as a Christian who follows Jesus, various problems may surface. Further, this wage-earner may need to find a lower-wage type of employment. For example, all of my life, I was forced to work in menial jobs that provided just enough to “get by” and sometimes it was not even sufficient for this. Thus, either a Christian man may lose his job, may find difficulty working, or may find working in a particular field nearly impossible. He may be forced to work in a field in which he has no training, no education, no experience, and no interest. This would probably result in a very disagreeable, defective, and trying situation. Further yet, the Christian husband and father may find himself without employment! To use myself as an example again, on four occasions, I lost my job because of Christian commitment! It could easily happen to you if you choose to live fully for the Lord Jesus!
Tenth, some employment may be impossible to maintain since it is associated with some sort of sin or worldly activity. If this is so in regard to a higher-paying job, it could also be the case in regard to a lower-paying position. Either the worker must deaden his conscience to allow the job to continue or follow his sensitive conscience even when this requires that he lose his job. Once again, such a person might need to lower his expectations in finding acceptable work. Further, if the person is seeking to find work that doesn’t require questionable education, we know that such work may be very difficult to locate.
If the job is associated with sins of various kinds, the sensitive Christian would need to renounce this involvement—and face the consequences. For example, if the Christian refuses to join the local labor union, again he may find himself without employment! (This did happen to me once.) A man (or woman) in the military would probably face serious consequences in remaining in this position—and seeking to leave because of conscience. A financial crisis may easily ensue!
Eleventh, although there may be some people who live alone (they may be widows or widowers, they may have never been married, or they may be separated or divorced), there are many who are married—as many as 50 percent of people. Many of these situations could bring major difficulties and financial pressures. For example, many people are divorced and remarried (sadly, most divorces are not for Biblical reasons as found in such places as Matthew 19:9; Mark 10:11-12; or Luke 16:18) and they must repent and make restitution for this unlawful union. But if they separate from a questionable or adulterous mate, what can they do—and still financially survive?
Many others are “living with” a boyfriend or girlfriend and these fornicators must also repent and leave their unholy relationships. Obviously, homosexuals would also need to repent and forsake such immoral unions. These are some of the living situations that must be changed through genuine repentance before God. We might think of the chaos that could come to many “families” if they do implement this sort of Biblical change! There could be major disruptions regarding relationships, housing, finances, employment, and other factors!
Please check “Living with a Girlfriend or Boyfriend
Twelfth, the income of these Christian families needs to be considered. Notice the following excerpt: Recent figures for this would show these results:
“The 2017 nominal median income per capita was $31,786. The mean income per capita was $48,150. The Census Bureau reports those in the Current Population Survey, Table PINC-01. Real median household income was $61,372. These statistics can be found at: https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-average-income-in-usa-family-household-history-3306189.
(It would be very different in other nations of the world. Some have higher figures but most have lower—much lower.) Obviously, we wouldn’t use the “per capita” figures since we are referring to families. The $61,372 figure would be for a family. If the wife does resign her employment “for the sake of the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:12), this figure might drop from $61,372 to $25,000, $30,000 or $35,000. Perhaps as low as $20,000!) But bear in mind that we envision that many or most of these families would disintegrate if Christ were put first. Thus, the family income might drop to $40,000 or $30,000. Because I worked quite menial type of work, my income was about $16,000 to $18,000 a year. We can see that one can barely support a family on less than $20,000 a year!
Thirteenth, if the above situations do bring major changes in peoples’ lives, surely many or most of them will need to move to smaller quarters. However, we face another problem! Christian families will probably have many more children and they do need larger homes—not smaller ones! Again, this factor may create huge problems in many families. Today in the United States, most newer houses (they call them “homes”) are large, roomy, and expensive. One report puts it this way:
As of May 2019, the U.S. median home price was $315,000. This marks an interesting point in housing pricing trends. While that price is a new record high (woo-hoo!), it’s the slowest rate of growth (6%) since 2015. (https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/housing-trends)
The costs may be determined by the location as well. Notice this other report on newer houses:
West: $362,400
South: $240,000
Northeast: $232,000
Midwest: $189,400
Home prices definitely vary widely based on your part of the country. Homes in the Midwest were the least expensive, while those on the west coast sold for the highest prices. For example, San Jose, California currently has the most expensive housing prices with median prices over—take a deep breath—$1.1 million.7 (https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/housing-trends
More recent figures would be:
- The median home sales price in the United States is $436,800 as of the first quarter of 2023. That’s down 9% from the fourth quarter of 2022 when the median home sales price was $479,500.
- Hawaii is the most expensive state to buy a house, with a median home value of $835,000, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.
- West Virginia is the least expensive state to buy a house, with a median home value of $147,000, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.
Then we must also reckon the following:
| Alabama | $206,044 |
| Alaska | $345,363 |
| Arizona | $409,038 |
| Arkansas | $178,744 |
| California | $728,134 |
| Colorado | $539,640 |
| Connecticut | $358,906 |
| Delaware | $358,686 |
| District of Columbia | $627,158 |
| Florida | $383,063 |
| Georgia | $306,278 |
| Hawaii | $834,583 |
| Idaho | $435,374 |
| Illinois | $236,049 |
| Indiana | $222,592 |
| Iowa | $200,038 |
| Kansas | $210,742 |
| Kentucky | $190,037 |
| Louisiana | $182,959 |
| Maine | $351,375 |
| Maryland | $387,872 |
| Massachusetts | $558,313 |
| Michigan | $218,684 |
| Minnesota | $315,122 |
| Mississippi | $162,292 |
| Missouri | $227,347 |
| Montana | $427,886 |
| Nebraska | $243,012 |
| Nevada | $412,244 |
| New Hampshire | $429,421 |
| New Jersey | $451,559 |
| New Mexico | $279,763 |
| New York | $411,304 |
| North Carolina | $309,861 |
| North Dakota | $242,261 |
| Ohio | $205,800 |
| Oklahoma | $188,453 |
| Oregon | $485,475 |
| Pennsylvania | $243,859 |
| Rhode Island | $413,948 |
| South Carolina | $273,977 |
| South Dakota | $284,308 |
| Tennessee | $291,354 |
| Texas | $294,336 |
| Utah | $506,072 |
| Vermont | $332,149 |
| Virginia | $360,873 |
| Washington | $562,936 |
| West Virginia | $146,578 |
| Wisconsin | $262,652 |
| Wyoming | $325,091 |
See: https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/research/average-house-price-state/
We suppose that one could find less expensive housing or find a cheaper place in the States or some other solution (we wonder what that would be), but we are left with the fact that there are massive costs for even housing, not to speak of the other costs of living, especially if one has a large family, if one is trying to live with a single-parent home, if there are financial drains, or if there happen to be other issues: such as an older wage-earner, if there is loss of job, if there are physical issues, etc.
Thus, houses can vary from $180,000 to $362,000 to $500,000—or even more, depending on the location, size, etc. If a family does have a larger number of children (perhaps six to ten rather than one or two), the costs for housing them will increase dramatically)! Bear in mind also that many (even the majority) of these families are not Christian and they may disintegrate. (This would come if they must leave an adulterous union or an unmarried union.) It may also come if the wife resigns to teach her own children rather than allow them to be trained by “Caesar” (the civil government).
People seem to have these “extravagant” dwelling places for reasons other than need. So Christian families are faced with a dilemma. First, they need larger houses since, hopefully, they will have larger families. Not only this, but as Christians, they will want to offer extensive hospitality—for Christian meetings, for fellowship, and for general board and room for both saints and sinners (cf. Acts 2:44-45; 12:12; 21:8-10, 16; Romans 16:1-16). Hospitality will also be important for believing families (cf. Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9).
Second, for many of the reasons we are examining in this study, Christian fathers will probably earn much less than they might otherwise earn. As you can see, this is a seemingly unbridgeable dilemma! Further, Christian families will probably want to live in honorable, respectable, and safe locations where they won’t be subject to crime, worldly activities, and loud worldly music, etc., and this too would put a strain on finances! How will the Christian family live in such an honorable neighborhood?
Fourteenth, most (and we emphasize “most”) families do not really give of their income as they should. While some churches encourage tithing, for instance, we find that most families do not even practice giving of the tithe. (A “tithe” would be ten percent of one’s gross income—not the net income.) It has been said that under the Old Covenant, people were required to give over twenty percent of their income (two yearly tithes and a third tithe every three years). How many even meet this Old Testament requirement?
In our research, we come to this information: “247 million U.S. citizens identify as Christian—only 1.5 million tithe. The truth about Old Testament giving is that the Mosaic covenant demanded much more than 10% of an Israelite’s income” (“Significant Statistics about Tithing and Church Generosity,” https://www.cdfcapital.org/tithing-generosity/). (Notice that this would only be about one [1] percent of adults!) However, under the grace of Christ, should not our giving be much higher? If people did give ten, twenty, thirty, or eighty percent of their gross income, we can see that this may turn the lifestyle of most families upside down! How could they continue to give in this way? How could they continue to pay their monthly living expenses at the same time? (See our booklet, “Christian Giving and the Question of the Tithe,” as well as the article with this name on our website: www.Truediscipleship.com).
Fifteenth, as we read Scripture we know that God loves children—for “children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3; cf. vv. 4-5). Our children are the expected outcome of a Christian marriage. As God told Adam in the beginning, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28a). And after the worldwide flood of Noah’s day, we read God’s directions: “Be fruitful and multiply; populate the earth abundantly and multiply in it” (Genesis 9:7). Today some people only have one or two children—or even none! (Population will merely maintain itself with 2.1 or 2.2 children per household!) Thus, on average, the population is shrinking! The exceptions would be Muslims, African-Americans, and a few others who have a higher rate.
Others, of course, may have a few more. If a believing family does have six, eight, or ten children, we can see that this brings a huge additional expense for families and this also could cause many financial needs, medical expenses, needs for food and clothes, and other serious concerns! If some families need to separate to prevent continued adultery, and especially if they may be composed of children from “blended families,” this could cause huge problems! (See Be Fruitful & Multiply by Nancy Campbell; Three Decades of Fertility, by Carmon Friedrech, et al; Family Shepherds, by Voddie Baucham, Jr.) Remember too that if following the Lord Jesus brings problems with multiple children, we would need to deal with this extensive issue elsewhere.
Sixteenth, another reason why people may have serious financial problems if they are Christians would be the matter of desertion. If the believer is living for Christ but his or her spouse refuses to do so, this could easily bring on the departure of the unbeliever. The unbeliever may refuse to submit to the Lord’s will and insist on living for self (2 Corinthians 5:15). The wife “should not leave her husband” (1 Corinthians 7:10; cf. v. 11), and the same is true of the husband.
Yet we know that sometimes—even often—this happens. If it does, the faithful Christian must do all he or she can to prevent it, but if this does not avail, this saint must not fight (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:12-16). Peter gives instruction on how to deal with an unbelieving spouse (1 Peter 3:1-7). But let’s realize that separation and subsequent divorce may actually occur in “mixed marriages” (a Christian married to an unbeliever) and the result could be serious financial problems, especially if there are children involved in this arrangement. If the unbeliever does leave and ceases to educate the children, how is the believing spouse able to continue to home educate his or her dear children? We know too that unbelieving judges may tend to side with the unbeliever, considering the Christian to be too radical, too extreme, and too much of a misfit!
Seventeenth, continuing this thought, we must remember that many of the homes in this country would be divided—with one partner for the Lord and one against Him. We may recall Paul’s warning: “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness” (2 Corinthians 6:14a). Even if this doesn’t lead to overt disruption, separation, and divorce, it may likely lead to much disagreement and dissension. When two are divided in their loyalties, one going one direction and the other heading in a different direction, the marriage may be one of continual strife. Life would be very distressful!
Then there is the additional pressure that may come if a separation or divorce does occur. One partner may want the children part-time and the other partner may want them at other times! This is a subject it itself but obviously family life could be turned on its head! Further, there is the additional pressure of a second marriage with the huge problem that this will entail. And if dating occurs with one or both of the partners, this will complicate things all the more! Financial troubles will surely be part of this mess.
Think also of the children who often bear the brunt of this sad situation. One may want the children home-schooled while the other may insist on pursuing secular education. The children may then feel pulled one way or the other. If one chooses the Christian alternative, the other may insist on worldly schooling. All of this may create massive chaos in the household. Perhaps the marriage may continue, but the unity has been shattered. All of this may create massive dissention in the household. Think of the divisiveness and disruption to the unity that has been crushed. In many occasions, the unbeliever may insist on divorce and this could turn lives upside down—with huge financial issues (besides emotional, relational, and other issues).
Eighteenth, when the family has different perspectives, with one person choosing God’s way and the other person choosing their own, think of the internal marital disruption. For example, the unbeliever may insist on listening to her (his) own worldly music. Maybe the unbeliever will continue using tobacco or drugs. Maybe he or she will continue to use alcohol, continue to dress immodestly, and continue to prefer junk food rather than nutritious fare. And the unbeliever may continue to have and watch TV. Further, the unbeliever may be glued to the internet (perhaps even with exposure to pornography). The Christian may oppose such things but the other may insist on her/his way. This could eventually bring massive discord and division!
Further, along with the discord, the unbeliever may insist on leaving with or without the children. Surely the couple are not together in walking the narrow way (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). But this illustrates that “mixed marriages” (composed of a believer and an unbeliever) will make the marriage much less than “heaven on earth.” There may be huge differences and massive disagreements in these unions. (One is controlled by fleshly passions and desires whereas the other is under the holy will of God, his or her Savior.) Lives will surely be turned upside down!
Nineteenth, another consideration is that the Christian family may well have massive medical expenses that overwhelm. It is true that we can avoid some of the expenses that unbelievers have—such as those related to smoking, drugs, drunkenness, immoral sex, unwise driving, use of junk foods, lack of exercise, and numerous mental and character sins. This suggests that Christian families will generally be healthier, will avoid worldly activities, and will not suffer the outcome of unhealthy practices—but this is not the total picture.
Serious financial problems may still overwhelm. For example, if the family refuses to be part of labor unions and partake of medical benefits attached to this, and must pay huge medical expenses on their own, there could be catastrophic expense if sickness or injury should come.
We may make wrong conclusions when it comes to health insurance. For example, we have seen that $1,168 is the monthly insurance cost for a family, regardless of the number of children. This would be for a deductable of $8,803. This may seem, at first, like a reasonable price to pay for this kind of coverage. (ehealthinsurance.com/resources/affordable-care-act/much-health-insurance-cost-without-subsidy).
However, the cost for insurance, according to another well-known source, would be $28,166 a year for a family of four. This is probably much more realistic. Another source puts the figure at $20,576, before deductibles and copayments (“Medicare for All” won’t fix souring health care costs, Fort Worth Star Telegram, November 20, 2019, p. 15A). We suppose that the cost for a family of eight (8) or twelve (12), including the adults, might go for $56,332 or even $84,498. That is, unless, of course, one appeals to the government for help. Thus, in our discussion on the high cost of daily and yearly expenses, we can see that health expenses could be extremely high. (We must wonder how someone with an income of $20,000 or $25,000 a year could pay $60,000 or $80,000 annual insurance!) (https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2018/06/06/health-care-costs-price-family-four/676046002/.)
We add this point here. We know that there are a few religious groups and denominations (although there are not many) who determine to do without insurance of any kind. They rely on each other to help defray the cost of their medical expenses. It seems to work for them, as best I can see. But they do make non-insurance a requirement for membership and the amount one would use in buying insurance is then used to help support those of their number who need medical treatments. This could be a problem for a very low wage-earner who has a large family that he must support. Further, if the given person cannot endorse the doctrines and practices of such a religious group, huge problems may ensue! What can be possibly do?
Twentieth, another factor that will definitely bring financial distress is that pertaining to the employment of the husband/father. It is obvious that in many cases this employment will be questionable—or, more likely, negative. More plainly, this sort of doubtful or compromising job is something that the conscientious Christian employee must not continue. Why? Because many positions will require the worker to engage in a wide variety of sinful and fleshly practices. The examples are too numerous to mention.
For example, suppose the Christian employee must engage in a dishonest activity on the job. Personally, this happened to me years ago. I was able to avoid a certain dishonest practice for about eight months. Then I was dismissed from the position, not for incompetence (for I was a model employee) but for non-compliance with the dishonest practice! Hundreds of illustrations could be offered. Of course, if the breadwinner must renounce a sinful job, he may then have difficulty locating acceptable work. Or he may only find employment that offers half the pay. All of this can work havoc on the family finances!
We presume that in some cases, the breadwinner may be tempted to work a second job (thus not just work 40 hours a week but 50, 60, or more hours)! But to do this, he would need to leave his family and not have the essential input into the life of his wife and children that there needs to be! This means that losing a job and inability to find other work could result in terrible family relationships. Further, with all of this description of an employee (as God would want it, how can the Father have daily teaching of his dear children?
Twenty-first, a further reason for financial concerns would be related to restitution. This term means “the restoring to the rightful owner of something that has been taken away, lost, or surrendered.” It means “the act of making good or compensating for loss, damage, or injury; indemnification” (The American Heritage College Dictionary).
Thus, this restitution may refer to making reparations for past misdeeds or wrong decisions. It would especially relate to “paying back” for sinful choices of the past. Most people recognize “repentance” as a change of heart and mind that issues in a change in life. But here we are referring to paying back for financial issues of the past. For example, Zaccheus said to Jesus, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much” (Luke 19:8). This tax collector realized that he should or must do something to make amends for his past misdeeds.
In your own case, have you sinned in the past regarding money you have taken, or money you received for sinful occupations, or money you have stolen in the past? Have you been employed in a sinful position that required you to sell, produce, advertise, or supply a product that compromised the way of God? If so, and this requires repayment, you can see that this may result in a cost of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars! And if this would need to be done as evidence of repentance (the “fruit” of repentance—Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8; cf. Acts 26:20), as you can see, this may totally bankrupt a person financially! It may turn his mind, his family, and his life completely upside down.
Also, suppose that you were employed in a position that was unworthy of a Christian. You may have spent $100,000 a year for ten years—a total of $1,000,000! If you spent $2,000,000 in total, wouldn’t this be virtually impossible to pay back? Again, this sort of restitution may totally bankrupt you and the family! This often causes people to just throw oneself on the mercy of God and assume that past deeds like this do not need to be rectified. And what if one’s spouse does not agree with this at all? (We have written on repentance and restitution, with articles on the website. Other larger books are now out of print.)
Twenty-second, we are all aware that numerous “marriages” are held together with very little holding them. Even if they are lawfully and morally married in God’s sight, such unions may not continue. If one person refuses to submit to the ways of God, he or she may choose to “call it quits” and separate. (Millions have!) But when two people do separate—especially if young, defenseless children are involved—we also know that massive financial results may come! Think of the thousands of dollars of “child support” that some people must pay every month!
Debts could mount. Children would be without a father, without a mother, and without a teacher for their education. The alienated father and mother would need to pay for two dwelling places rather than one. For instance, instead of the mother staying with the children, caring for them, and educating them, she would be forced to enter the job market. And with this, there is the question of whether the position may require sinful or compromising activities, whether the children would be without a supportive teacher, and whether they could get by with paying for two places rather than only one. Financial distress is nearly guaranteed!
Twenty-third, we may want to remind ourselves that income is related to education, training, experience, and the like. Of course, it also has to do with inheritance and what we’ve been given. But consider education as it relates to our income. Notice the following somewhat dated facts. This is an American government report:
The higher income that results from a college degree is sometimes referred to as the “college wage premium.” Research shows that this premium has grown over time.7 In addition, in general, the more skills people have, the more employable they are. As a result, workers with more education have a lower average unemployment rate than those with less education (Figure 4).
In the original presentation there is a section below that shows that a person with different levels of education will earn more, depending on the education received. We find no way to transfer that chart to this booklet. Thus we will simply need to summarize that information here.
With no high school diploma, we have 12% of families. Median income is $22,320 a year (2013 figures). Medium wealth is $37,766, wealth-to-income ration is 1.43, and there are 1 in 110 millionaires.
Next is the people with a high school diploma, which would be 50% of families. Median income would be $41,190 a year (2013 figure), with $95,072 median wealth. The Wealth-to-income ratio would be 2.15 and there would be 1 in 18 millionaires.
Third, we come to the “two or four year degree.” This would include 25% of people, with median income being $76,293 a year. Median wealth is $273,488, with wealth-to-income at 3.45 and there would be 1 in 4.6 millionaires.
Fourth and final, we come to “advanced degree.” This would include 13% of families, with $116,265 a year as the median income. Median wealth would be $689,100, wealth-to-income would be 5.58, and there would be 1 in 2.6 millionaires.
This may be a little misleading, of course. First, the figures are a little dated (we don’t know what the current amounts would be). Second, this would be worldly people, thus probably very few choose to give financially of their income to the work of the Lord. Third, nearly all of these people use their income in ways that would not please the Lord. Fourth, many of these families have two wage-earners, including the husband and wife. Fifth, most of these families have very small (or no) children. Sixth, most of these families are working at jobs that would not please God. Of course, many other factors make the above statistics faulty. But at least this does show that the more education, generally speaking, the higher the income.
(See: https://research.stlouisfed.org/publications/page1-econ/2017/01/03/education-income-and-wealth/)
We’ve already mentioned that when one is exposed to higher education, there is a tendency for one’s spirituality to go down. Secularism increases. A massive amount of worldliness, secularism, evolutionism, and every other sin comes in! While education beyond high school can be good in regard to yearly income (as seen in the chart above), still we can see that one then exposes himself to greater and greater spiritual dangers. In this case, one may gain earthly income but lose his soul for all eternity! (Mark 8:34-37). Because of the latter, one may choose to forego this advanced education but surely will face financial ramifications. This much lower income will put a great strain on the family income, standard of living, marriage itself, and so much more.
Twenty-fourth, another point is worth making. We expect that most of those reading this monograph will be from America—or at least other English-speaking countries. However, other countries may also be reached. We should remind ourselves that the income level of different nations in the world do differ. Norway has the highest “median household income” (with $51,489) and Togo has the lowest (with $578 per year). A few of the countries, for our interest, are as follows:
Norway $51,489
Sweden $50,514
Australia $46,555
France $31,112
Israel $30,364
Madagascar $1,013
Rwanda $1,101
Zambia $1,501
Uganda $1,775
Kenya $1,870
These statistics date from 2006 to 2012 rather than offering up-to-date figures. Incidentally, the median income per family for the United States was $43,585 in this study. (http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/median-income-by-country/
This shows that living in various countries may bring more financial pressures to those families resident there. Christians should also be aware of this as they look at their own income and the problems that come with seeking to follow the Lord Jesus. In light of what we learn above, Christians in other world nations may have even more trials to face in life! (And, in some measure, may be kept from further trials too!) Just remember the words of our Lord: “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:23; cf. vv. 21-25).
Twenty-fifth, one of the chief issues related to finances has to do with food. Although this may sound like it has no substance, actually if true believers did watch their diet in every way, so many financial problems could be solved. Food does cost so much. Think of the junk food consumed in the developed countries. Think of the food wasted, the visits to expensive restaurants, the poor health that may come from irresponsible eating and lustful or carnal consumption!
We encourage you and all believers to take this issue seriously and the result will surely be a great savings of money over the months and years. If an assembly cannot raise their own healthy food for some reason, they could begin a food co-op that offers nutritious grains, vegetables, fruit, and other staples. One or the saints who is nutritionally educated could regularly teach the brothers and sisters how to choose healthy fare, buy the less expensive foods, and how to prepare food that would be appetizing as well as nutritious.
One of the saints, living in the country, could stimulate the believers to aim toward saving finances in the area of food production and consumption. The result would be great savings in the realm of food. But we know that many professing Christians will not want to take the time to grow health food, prepare nutritious dishes, or make foods that may not be as appetizing as what they formerly consumed back before coming to Christ—when fast food was consumed. (See Joel Fuhrman, Fast Food Genocide.)
Twenty-sixth, we would also encourage the community of Christ to aim for enhanced health. Knowledgeable saints could encourage the brothers and sisters to eat in a healthy way. They should also encourage believers to renounce obesity (some two-thirds of adults are overweight) for this clearly leads to unhealthy conditions that cost an exorbitant about of money! Good health practices could and should be promoted by the saints that would bless them in eating better, sleeping better, exercising better, and so much more. Beneficial health practices should be encouraged for the blessing of all. We need not become Adventists in the process but simply Christians or believers who are very health conscious. The result would be the saving of huge amounts of money!
Twenty-seventh, this may sound somewhat dated to a few of the more liberal readers, but we encourage believing sisters to make their own clothes. It is virtually impossible for Christian women to find and buy modest, honorable, and basic dresses and other clothes today, as bought in regular worldly stores. Along with this, clothing is very expensive and the saints should probably refuse to pay these sort of prices for what they wear. This means that we should probably encourage women (and men) to wear clothes just as people did in former generations. They made their own modest, plain and respectful clothes and in this way they could both avoid the wicked clothing of the world around them as well as promote modest and honorable clothing that should suffice for true believers. (Notice our article, “Women, Make Your Own Clothes!” https://truediscipleship.com/women-make-clothes/
This would not only serve the saints in providing modest, holy, and appropriate clothing but they could save much money in the process. Further, if a wife and mother had little time to devote to this worthy endeavor, other sisters—perhaps older and experienced ones (Titus 2:3-5; Acts 9:36-42)—could volunteer to make appropriate clothing for these sisters and their families. And they could perhaps even work with the males to help with their own wardrobe.
Twenty-eighth, another point is worth noting here. We must be aware that yearly income is not just a matter of education or a matter of where in the world one lives, but there are also other factors. It is not merely a matter of working longer hours on a low-paying job. It is not only a matter of living in this community or that community. But what else may be considered?
While the believing father/husband may wish to spend more time on the job, he also wants to spend more time with his family. That family needs the father and the father will want to teach and train his children as much as he can. Yes, the wife may home school their children, but many valuable lessons may come through the means of the father. Further, the father may want to take the children out to reach the neighbors for Christ. He may want to teach the children extensive truth from Scripture. The father will want his children to be greatly involved in hospitality efforts. The father may also want to lead his children into planting, cultivating, and weeding a family garden! This takes time but it is part of child-nurture.
If the home is open most days or nights of the week, the children need to be involved in home worship, home lessons, home fellowship, and helping mother prepare meals. The father also will want to have this valuable time with his children that they may learn directly from their father (and mother)! So instead of the father working long hours to support his family, he also is drawn to spending long and quality hours with his children—not just on the Lord’s day but every day of the week! All of this will affect the income that he can generate for the blessing of the family.
Twenty-ninth, we have referred to the matter of one Christian relating to another one or one family relating to another Christian family. This would be one way for financial distress to be either settled or at least partially solved. We must emphasize that here that we are not speaking of bartering between people or families.
Nor are we speaking of communism that says its “long range goal is a society that provides equality and economic security for all. Communists traditionally have called for government ownership rather than private ownership of land, factories, and other economic resources, called the means of production. They also have called for government planning of economic activity, and for strict rule by the Communist Party” (World Book). The early Christians were not communistic for they willingly and lovingly cared for each other (cf. Acts 2:42-47; 4:32).
And we are not speaking of a commune, which would be “a small group of persons living together, sharing possessions, work, income, etc., and often pursuing unconventional lifestyles” (Random House Webster’s College Dictionary). I’ve visited several communes in the past and these people would force members to give all of their money and possessions to the leadership of the group. It would be a tightly-ordered group of people with no freedom to pursue anything other than the welfare of the group and often these groups are ruled by one person or several with very strong personalities. If a person or family chooses to leave, they also relinquish whatever they earlier donated.
No, the better elements of the commune could be used in helping, blessing, providing for, and counseling one another in their mutual desire to love and serve God and each other. There are certain aspects of this arrangement that would promote financial help and blessing to each other, but this would require a radical change of thinking in the hearts, minds, and lifestyle of people. We encourage you to study this matter and consider how some of this could be used in a Christian context. Again, we are not referring to the Bruderhoff system (founded by Eberhard Arnold), the Hutterite system (originally from Germany), the “Hippy” communes, or the like, but we are referring to what we read on the pages of Scripture.
Financial Problems Will Surely Come!
The points that we have made above show that marriages may often disintegrate with calamity in many and diverse ways. Financial trouble will nearly always be part of this or will follow. Try as we may, financial struggles may result from loss of employment, a lower form of employment, loss of one’s house, the number of children, and education of children. This may come from differences in spiritual outlook, issues relating to Christian convictions, differences regarding child discipline and training, differences in lifestyle, in-law issues, smaller housing, location of housing, the kind of education, health and nutrition, overspending, and so much more!
Lest we think that our discussion only relates to the expenses listed, we must admit that there are many other expenses that the Christian family must face. For example, there are necessary utilities and expenses such as use of water, cell phone, house phone, car maintenance, car repairs, buying a car, yard expense, electricity, gas, car use (such as gasoline, etc.), buying gifts, clothing, social security, property tax, income tax, and so much more. While conservative living and a modest lifestyle may ameliorate some of this, still there will be many expenses that we have not discussed at length. As you can imagine, this might easily amount to thousands or many thousands of dollars a year!
Ironically, some naïve people who profess Christianity may assume that if people come to Christ, all will be well and there will be no disruption in the marriage or family. I say “naïve” since anyone who has an idea of what true Christianity is should be able to see the radical differences between the way of Christ and the way of the world! This will inevitably bring huge differences—even catastrophic differences—and will surely bring financial problems!
Paul the apostle says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed way; behold, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). We assume that in many (most?) cases, conversion to Christ on the part of one will bring confusion and disruption on the part of the other. All of this will almost inevitably bring massive financial problems, something that can’t be avoided.
The problems that we have discussed are part of our new life in Christ for, as we have seen, “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). It is true, as Jesus forewarned, that “in the world you have tribulations” (John 16:33). Paul also wrote that we might be “considered worthy of the kingdom of God” for which we “are suffering” (2 Thessalonians 1:5). Yes, even financial distress will be part of our lives in Christ!
Searching for Answers
Completely acceptable answers are few and difficult to find, but some may come with God’s help. Numerous problems can be solved and prevented if we are earnestly involved in life! We should refuse to give way to laziness, inactivity, slothfulness, or discouragement. Instead, we must be zealous in our life endeavors. We will discover that our financial needs and many other problems can be alleviated if we apply various Biblical principles.
Notice these:
- Zeal for the Lord and His cause (Romans 12:11).
- Faith in God and His Word (2 Corinthians 5:7).
- Holiness of heart and life (Hebrews 12:14).
- Love for God (Mark 12:28-30).
- Love for others (Mark 12:31).
- Love for Jesus (John 14:15, 21-24).
- Love for our fellow-believers (John 15:12).
- Separation from the world (Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-17).
- Devotion to Scripture (Acts 17:11).
- No love of money (Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:6-10).
- Diligence and fervency in our endeavors (Romans 12:11).
- Sharing with other followers of Christ (Romans 12:13).
All of the “fruit of the Spirit” are applicable here (Galatians 5:22-23). This means, of course, that we must have God’s Spirit dwelling in us and empowering us (John 7:37-39; 14:16-17, 26; Acts 2:38-39; Romans 8:9-11, 26-27). So much that is found in our earlier suggestions will mean little or nothing without the Spirit’s presence and power!
Conclusion
Why do we mention all of this? We could just do what “religious” people around us may do—that is, they assume that everything will be well and such people will “live happily ever after.” How naïve—and how the way of Christ is turned upside down by such thinking! We have shown the facts that should remain imbedded in our minds as we face these issues ourselves as well as brothers and sisters who have come to Christ and encountered financial issues as an outcome.
We should not only be aware of the financial difficulties that will probably come but must be prepared if this should happen to us. We should also determine to help brothers and sisters in Christ who may be facing financial difficulties just as we have discussed. Peter says that “the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” (1 Peter 5:9). It is the common lot of true believers to face immense trials in their walk of faith. As Paul said, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (2 Timothy 14:22). Are we facing such tribulations? And are you prepared to encounter many more as you put Jesus first in all things?
Any Way Out?
The Christian approaches life with the realization that life brings substantial problems and some of these are not simple to solve. If they do exist and if some of them bring serious financial struggles, what are some of the answers?
We do know that not all of them can be solved while we dwell in this fallen world. The words of Eliphaz are true when he said, “Man is born for trouble as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7a) and Job expressed the same sentiment: “Man, who is born of woman, is short-lived and full of turmoil” (14:1). But if our life is filled with trouble, this is particularly true of the faithful child of God!
How then can we meliorate at least some of these trials? Perhaps a few of these suggestions will help:
- Minimize your desires. We are to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) and are to be content with what we have (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
- Seek counsel from wise and godly saints—in what you do when adversities come in life because of Christ. We read, “In abundance of counselors there is victory” (Proverbs 11:14b; see also 12:15 and 15:22).
- Put Jesus first in all things at all times (Matthew 10:37) and love Him with all of your heart (1 Corinthians 16:22).
- In your life, put first things first. There are many things we can be doing but the most important is to seek God and His will (Matthew 6:33). Everything else is secondary.
- Be involved in a sharing relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ. This begins while you have abundance and it continues when you may be in need. God uses His people to share with each other. (See 2 Corinthians 8:11-15).
- Renounce all compromising churches and seek a true fellowship in Christ with genuine saints. Be part of a sharing assembly of loving brothers and sisters (see Acts 2:44-46; 4:32).
- Grow your own food. This is one of the largest parts of the family expenses, thus seek to grow your own nutritious food in your own garden. Seek counsel from brothers and sisters who have experienced this. It could well be a special project of the fellowship of believers. Besides, this would provide nutritious food that contributes to good health. (Granted, this is much easier in the far south where there may be two growing seasons rather than in the north where there is barely one good season.)
- Start your own home business that can help with the family finances. This could be something that your children are involved in—for their own training and benefit and to bless the family as well.
- Work on each other’s houses. Some brothers and sisters have much experience and great knowledge in building houses, repairing houses, and working on mechanical things. If this describes you, make use of this knowledge that God has given to you to bless others. If you are the recipient of this kind of blessing, be willing to share what you have with others.
- Help each other (examine the Scriptures to find verses that encourage this attitude). Let each person employ his gifts and talents to bless brothers and sisters (Romans 12:3-8). “. . . the members may have the same care for one another” (1 Corinthians 12:25b; cf. vv. 12-27).
As we apply these suggestions to our own life and that of our family, hopefully we will find at least some of the solutions to our financial distress.
The last two points above are important. This means that brothers who have farming experience can help others in growing food for others. Sisters may help to prepare or plant this food. Auto mechanics can often find ways to help believing families repair their cars rather than employ very expensive auto shops. Those who know accounting or bookkeeping may be of use in helping saints and their own home businesses. Handy men may help saints with their home-repair needs and projects. Those with nursing experience can volunteer their knowledge in many ways with needy families in the fellowship. Painters can often be useful in helping others. As Peter wrote, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).
Since many of our financial expenses are related to living in larger cities, it may be that you would be able to move into the country. There you could find a plot of land (perhaps 5, 10, or 20 acres) on which to raise your own produce as well as livestock. Your fellow-saints could also partake of this project. Further, this may be a more conducive place to raising your family. (On the other hand, since people live in cities, you may want to reach out to them with the good news of Christ!). This will require living near urban people, to some extent. (After all, it is in the urban areas where lost sinners often live. And it is there that one’s employment may be rooted.
Learn to do things yourself—such as selling products, making your own clothes, doing your own cooking, and others. For years in the past, I subscribed to Mother Earth News that has many tips and instructions on homesteading. Sadly, this is not at all a “Christian” publication, but it did offer helpful instruction on making a living in rural areas. Also, there are several home schooling magazines or journals available. You could subscribe to these and share them with your fellow-believers. Thus, whatever we can do, let us do this for the Lord and His ways—unconventional though this may be!
These are only suggestions but you may be able to find others. We are just saying that there are some things that you and I can do to help work on or even solve some of our many financial problems. We are not speaking here of compromising truth and righteousness, which most people are willing and eager to do, but we refer to honest and good ways to meet and overcome some of our financial problems.
We must guard against thinking that all of our problems can be solved in this life. If we wholeheartedly are involved in the Lord and His will, we will definitely find difficulties—even massive ones—that we will need to wrestle with. We know that even sharing will not at all deal with the problems that could arise. There just isn’t enough money to solve our life situation. We definitely need God to intervene and help.
Financial problems will not be the only ones that arise. Relational issues will also come—and many others. In all of this, be willing to put God first and actively serve Him.
In our discussion here, we have emphasized the financial disturbances and economic consequences of following Jesus in an uncompromising way. Have you experienced some of these outcomes? It may be that you will if you dare to put Jesus first! Let’s be prepared and commit it all to God!
You are in the Minority!
We have discussed the difficulties of following Jesus in our world, especially in America. Just think of what might be the case if we and others did put Jesus first in all that we do!
First, what are the possibilities that a person would come to Christ? This is entirely unknown and God could change the situation so that many come to Him and receive His abundant salvation. But could there be one family in fifty (50) who would come in true salvation?
Second, but let’s go further. What if each of those families truly committed themselves to Christ and His way of life? Remember that we are merely thinking here and this is not based directly on fact. Could possibly one in ten (10 percent) of these families choose to put Jesus first?
Third, we are aware that most families are divided. We’ve discussed this on our website. See “Families Divided” (https://truediscipleship.com/families-divided/.) What we mean is that often (probably this is the usual case) one family member chooses to follow Jesus while the other does not. Or one family member wants to serve Jesus with a passion, while the other is indifferent to Him. Could it be that one in ten couples are described in this way?
Fourth, and finally, it may be that one in two couples are rightfully, Scripturally, and lawfully married. This would mean that half of the sample couples are not rightly married and are either living in adultery, not living in a lawful marriage, or perhaps are in “same sex” unions.
If we were to merely look at these three categories of married people, we would have one in 50, times one in 10, times one in 10, times one in two, equaling one in 10,000 couples. Of course, it is probably not like this, but at least this does show that it would be a rare occurrence for a couple to truly come to Christ and give Him all! The point is that of the 365 couples living in this housing development, probably very few would be willing to come to Christ for His forgiveness and begin to live wholly and completely for Him—with all that this entails.
If you and your spouse do love and serve God and are willing to “go the whole way” for Him, you are in the extreme minority! Many of the points we have made about the financial trials of living from day to day must be interpreted in light of the extreme rarity of loving Jesus and fervently serving Him!
We know that it would seem nearly impossible to sustain yourself and your family if you are putting God first, consistently and regularly. It would seem that this is so. However, there is another aspect to this that is a little brighter and may show that, while the circumstance seem difficult, there are several less severe consequences. Consider several:
- We have been assuming that Christian families are young and will have perhaps 8, 10, or more children. Yet, we must admit that some couples, beyond their control, just won’t be able to have any children. Obviously, if this is so, financial pressures should not be nearly as decisive.
- Some families may have additional means to help defray living expenses. For instances, some families may inherit a certain amount of money.
- We have suggested that medical expenses could be very high. Yet we must admit that Christian families may be in better health, partly because of the highest health practices. Further, these families may eat with more nutrition. While the food costs may be higher, probably these families can avoid eating out, junk food, and the like.
- In this essay, we have assumed that most families will waste a lot of money and will encourage others to waste such money. However, if the families are truly saved, they will be saving money instead of wasting it. This too will be a cost advantage.
- Probably many families will take unnecessary vacations and costly travel. But Christians may be able to save in this matter by taking few of these travels.
- Most people of the world will have many housing expenses that Christian families may be able to forgo, such as lawn care, keeping the house in excellent shape, buying expensive furnishings, etc.
- Most families of the world will pour vast amounts into entertainment expenses that the Christian families may be able to do without: TV, cell phones, internet expense, and general entertainment.
- Worldly families may spend a great amount on the latest transportation, such as cars and trucks. The Christian families, in contrast, may be content with serviceable but more economical means of transportation.
- Such expenses as books for your children may also be minimized. If, say, five or ten home school families were to share their Christian books with other home schooled families, one would be able to offer the children more books to read and you would need to buy fewer books yourself. (We suggest Christian Aid Ministries, PO Box 355, Berlin, OH 44610; Christian Light Publications, PO Box 1212, Harrisonburg, VA 22803-1212; Rod and Staff Publishers, PO Box 3, Crockett, KY 41413-0003.)
These would be a few of the obvious ways that Christian families may be able to cut some of the costs of everyday expenses.
You can reach us via e-mail
at the following address: