Years ago, I had a conversation with an older man who told me he doesn’t use an ATM card. I asked, “How is that even possible?” He smiled and said, “I plan my finances. Most ATM withdrawals are for things I didn’t budget for. I’ve trained myself to say no to those, and I only spend on real emergencies.” That answer stuck with me.
Friend, you need to structure for increase. Wealth is not an accident. There are rules. There are habits. Your financial habits are what determine your financial future. They are the structure that helps you carry the weight of God’s blessings when they come (Isaiah 54:1-3).
While you are praying for financial increase, also build the right structures (2 Kings 4:6). Fragments stay useless until they are gathered. The moment they are put together, they become enough (John 6:12-13). You should have a “fragments account” for the little extras that come in.
What do you do with unexpected income? (Luke 5:6). Don’t upgrade your lifestyle overnight. Don’t fall into impulse buying. Have a financial plan and a personal money policy. People don’t live well simply because they earn more. They live well because they are planned. To fail to plan is to plan to fail (Luke 14:28-31).
If your outgo exceeds your income, your upkeep will be your downfall. Good financial habits help you control your spending. You need a budget before the money arrives (Proverbs 6:6-8). What’s your money policy? It could be: “I don’t buy on credit.” “I won’t lend out money I’m not willing to give away.”
Any money you cannot account for has permission to disappear (Proverbs 23:5). If you run a business, separate your capital from profit and from personal spending. At the end of each week, you should be able to give a simple overview of your finances. Never forget: We form habits, and then habits form us.
‘Demola Awoyelw
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria