How to Create a Budget That Honors God

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How to Create a Budget That Honors God

One of the ways to avoid rancour in relationships and marriage is to budget. Not just a budget, but a budget that honors God. 

As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of our resources, including our finances. Creating a budget that honors God requires us to prioritize our spending, live within our means, and trust in His provision. 

In this devotional, we will explore practical steps to create a budget that aligns with biblical principles and honors God.

Step 1: Identify Your Income

Start by calculating your total monthly income from all sources, including your job, investments, and any side hustles. This will give you a clear picture of how much money you have coming in each month.

Step 2: Categorize Your Expenses

Next, categorize your expenses into needs, wants, and giving. Needs include essential expenses like rent/mortgage, utilities, food, and transportation. Wants include discretionary expenses like entertainment, hobbies, and travel. Giving includes your tithe (10% of your income) and any other charitable donations.

Step 3: Prioritize Your Spending

Prioritize your spending based on biblical principles. Here are some guidelines to consider.

1. Give first: Set aside your tithe and any other charitable donations as soon as you receive your income. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7

1. Meet your needs: Ensure you have enough money for essential expenses like rent/mortgage, utilities, food, and transportation.

1. Save for the future: Set aside a portion of your income for long-term savings and investments.

1. Live within your means: Avoid overspending and debt by living within your means.

Step 4: Create a Budget Plan

Using the 50/30/20 rule as a guideline, allocate your income into the following categories.

• 50% for needs (essential expenses)
• 30% for wants (discretionary expenses)
• 20% for giving and savings (tithe, charitable donations, and long-term savings)

Step 5: Monitor and Adjust

Regularly monitor your spending and adjust your budget as needed. Consider using a budgeting app or spreadsheet to track your expenses and stay on top of your finances