LESSON THIRTY-TWO (32) HOLY “MATRI-MONEY” (PART 2)
MEMORY VERSE: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 2.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 31:10-31.
INTRODUCTION: Most of us have strong feelings about money. Some people hoard it while others are carelessly generous. Some invest conservatively while others take great risks. The influence of our parents as well as our past experiences with money (before marriage), play a significant role in our behaviour towards money. Often, these factors create strain and tension in marriage. Remember, you are different from your spouse.
OUTLINES:
1. COMMUNICATION IS THE PRICELESS KEY
2. BUDGETING IS GOOD
1. COMMUNICATION IS THE PRICELESS KEY
Effective communication is a major key to financial success in marriage (Eph.4:15). Assumptions and lack of good discussion about money create room for marital conflict. During financial discussions, allow room for discussion about taking a loan, new purchases, day to day spending, etc., having the couple’s income in view.
A spender’s perception would be different from a hoarder’s perception. Be patient and show understanding to one another. Discuss financial transactions i.e. cheque/ATM transactions, credit cards and debit cards purchases. Discuss and pray together on all financial matters in the home (Col.4:2). When a spouse makes purchases independent of the other, it may create a danger in the home. “Two are better than one” (Eccl. 4:9).
2. BUDGETING IS GOOD
No matter how rich or how poor a couple is, one of the constant subjects of marital disagreement is money because money is a part of daily life (Eccl.10:19). Financial freedom does not come from having a large income (Prov.16:8). Instead, it comes from managing the money that you earn (Prov.14:18). Budgeting is good.
The very purpose of establishing a workable budget can help a hurting marriage simply because of the level of communication and cooperation it takes. Couples who use and adhere to their budget are more trusting and honest. Such couples also discuss more and argue less about finances. Budgeting will assist the home to spend less impulsively and encourage savings (Prov.16:9).
CONCLUSION: The key to financial success in marriage is for the couple to discuss their views on money and decide how they will make decisions about how the family’s money will be managed.
QUESTIONS:
1. What role does communication play in marital financial success?
2. Mention two (2) advantages of budget in marriage.
FURTHER READING:
MON: Col.3:9. TUE: 1Sam.25:37. WED: Acts 5:9. THUR: Gen.14:20. FRI: Lk.14:28. SAT: 2Kgs. 4:8. SUN: Prov.16:9.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) dangers of failure to communicate with spouse and to budget.
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
How do you deal with a situation where a spouse is not open for communication.