"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
-Matthew 6:33 NIV

Oftentimes, money is a source of conflict in marriage. We focus too much on materialism.In today's message, we are talking all about finances, stewardship, and budgeting.

Materialism: I need it, I want it, I have to have it.

Stewardship refers to God’s ownership and a human being’s partnership. When we give first place to the Father’s agenda, the Son’s priorities, and causes of God’s church, we invest in things that last forever.

We misunderstand money and it’s used when we think it’s all ours, or even as 90% ours and 10% God’s. Today, we are going to challenge you to readjust, reschedule, replan, reprogram so that we put God first.

Budgeting can also help couples with financial stress.

10-70-20 Budget
1. Subtract your tithe and taxes from your gross income.
2. Take 10% of what’s left and invest it.
3. Use 70% of the remainder for life expenses.
4. Apply 20% to pay down debt.

Too often, we turn to greed. In the beginning of our current series, we talked about selfishness and self serving. Nothing will push you into the quicksand of materialism and debt more than greed. Greed is the mishandling of blessings.

How do we overcome greed?

1.) Learn the secret of admiring without desiring

2.) Learn the secret of being generous toward God

3.) Learn the reality of death in relationship to things

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matthew 6:21 NIV

Jesus said we are to seek first God‘s kingdom and everything we need will come as a result of such priorities! When God gives us more than the basics, he wants to use our abundance as a blessing to others, for his kingdom, for things that will last forever.