Planning to Serve

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1

Many ‘secular’ money advisors teach, “Pay you first.” This means saving money should be one’s first priority. We know Biblically, giving should be first. Let us look again at the ‘plan’ budget to eliminate debt.

We came up with a ‘prioritized’ budget (‘Rose Colored Glasses’)
1. Giving
2. Pay Off Debt
3. Mandatory Expenses
4. Expendable Expenses
5. Slave Expenses
6. Exigent Circumstances Expenses


We need a new ‘plan’ budget that looks something like this:
1. Giving
2. Pay Off Debt Pay Self - Save Money
3. Mandatory Expenses
4. Expendable Expenses
5. Slave Expenses Unchained Expenses
6. Exigent Circumstances Expenses

We are making two changes to the budget, Pay Off Debt and Slave Expenses. Let us discuss the second, first.
We ‘defined’ slave expenses as:
Credit Card Bills
Car Payments
Cable TV Bill
Internet Service
Mortgage Payments
Cellular phone

In additional to ‘Slave Expenses’, there are expenses in ‘Mandatory Expenses’ that may be affected, like car insurance. One no longer has credit card bills, car payments and mortgage payments. This means that the ‘Mandatory Expenses’ associated with them may also be reduced. Reducing the level of car insurance ‘ordered’ by the slaver may or may not be a wise decision. The decision needs to be based on ‘needs’ and stewardship.

One may continue with Internet and cable TV service. Remember the guidelines of signing the ‘least’ package to make a ‘commitment’, then adding services as they are needed or can be afforded. The first principle to any service contract is it a need or a want, and if it is a ‘want’ does it ‘pass’ the principles for wants (When ‘Want’ is Not Sin). The second principle to any service contract agreement (cell phone, Internet, TV) is it ‘living within ones means’? The third principle to any service contract what happens if there is income decrease? Remember, God promises to provide our needs, Philippians 4:19 “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Psalm 37:18-19; Hebrews 3:5; Matthew 7:11; Romans 8:32). While He does promise to bless us beyond our comprehension, He does not promise to meet all our ‘WANTS’.

Entering into a term service contract for services is a kind of slavery… One must pay the contract or one suffers consequences. Unfortunately, we live in a wicked world. There are some things one cannot have without a term service contract. Carefully consider how much of a ‘need’ is involved. It is suggested that one consider the merits of want/need verses the slavery aspect. The recommendation is that one ‘has’ the price of freedom before one enters the contract. That means if one is going to enter a one year service contract for TV service at $50 per month, that one has $600 in savings. Then one is not enslaved, one can pay the price for freedom at any time.

Leases (for a house or apartment) are also a form of slavery. If one has paid one’s mortgage, and owns one’s home, this is not an issue. However, there are many that ‘rent’ because we do not have the funds to buy a home outright. A term lease for an apartment or home is usually less than a ‘month to month’ lease. That is true. Many places require an initial term lease, and then it becomes a month to month lease. Again, few have the ‘cash’ on hand to pay for a six month or year long lease.
For years, financial planners have suggested having in savings three months expenses in case of emergency (though very few actually do). This is not a bad idea. It does not address the initial questions of ‘lease’ slavery. There is no easy answer to this question. (There is but many do not want to hear it - “Owe no man anything”.) Reality check, one has just spent months and possibly years earning freedom. Yes, it is a hassle to find a place, or save the money to be able to pay off the lease. That does not change the fact that slavery is slavery.
One must fall-back on the promises of God, and then, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.

God knows what our needs are. God knows what our desires are. God knows what our abilities are. God knows how far we can be tempted and still endure.


TRUST this; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 If one trusts, God will direct.