Genesis 41:33 “Now, therefore, let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.”
The opening scripture was Joseph’s counsel to Pharaoh when he had revealed to him how the land of Egypt would go through seven years of great plenty followed by seven years of severe famine. Speaking by the wisdom of God, Joseph advised that the only way Egypt would survive the next fourteen years was for a man, discreet and wise, to be put in charge of the nation’s economic affairs to manage it, both in times of plenty and of scarcity.
It is important to note that in the kingdom, God will do His part in providing for us, but we must also do our part by managing our money wisely. By default, each of us is “set over” our own finances, but the right choices do not happen by default but by wise discretion.
Here are three discreet and wise choices we can make as stewards over our incomes:
1. Disciplined saving.
“Let Pharaoh do this…and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years” (Genesis 41:34).
Joseph recommended saving 20 percent of all harvests. It will do good for Individuals, businesses, and churches alike to save part of their incomes for at least two reasons: one, for investment purposes; and two, for contingency purposes. It takes the lifestyle of constant savings to secure a strong financial future.
2. Decisive avoidance of unnecessary debt. The Bible says,
“The wicked borrow and pay not again [for they may be unable...” (Psalm 37:21, AMPC).
We may not have the wicked intention of borrowing and not repaying, but if we allow ourselves, the wicked one himself would trap us into unrecoverable indebtedness. To live without borrowing, we must be decisive about ending a life of habitual indebtedness.
3. Determined budgeting.
Genesis 41:35 says, “And let them gather all the food of those good years that come…and let them keep food in the cities.”
Joseph directed that every city be given an allotment of food which would reasonably be according to the population of each city. A budget is simply a plan telling your money where to go and where not to go. A budget facilitates our ability to save and spend purposefully, eliminating the propensity of overspending or wastage. Without a clear budget, we would lose control of our finances, and consequently lose our peace of mind.
Precious one, God wants us to enjoy financial freedom. For that to happen, however, we must save, avoid unnecessary debt, and live by a budget.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your supply in my life. Right now, I bind every foul spirit that destabilizes and disorganizes my financial life through circumstances; and I ask that You empower me by the spirit of wisdom to live in financial freedom, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Related Topics : Charles Agyinasare, Discipline, Wealth,
