Cashflow Management, from a Christian’s Perspective

Cashflow management is a critical part of our financial planning and overall financial health. From a Christian perspective, the foundation of wise cashflow management is being a good steward. Of course this means not spending more than we earn, but it is more than that.

When we enter retirement, cashflow management shifts to creating income from various sources to replace the paycheck, so we can continue to provide for our families. 

We believe that this ties to the biblical principle of providing for your household, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:8. Creating retirement income is, in essence, providing for yourself and partner during the next stage of your life.

Tithing and Giving

One important aspect of cashflow management, especially for Christians, is giving.

In Malachi 3:10, God tells us to bring our tithe into the storehouse and test Him in this: “If you do, I will open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

This is the only place in scripture where God invites us to test Him, demonstrating that everything we have belongs to Him, and our tithing is a way of acknowledging His provision.

Giving back to God is not just about supporting our churches; it’s about funding God’s work in the world—whether it’s missionary work, Bible translations, or meeting the needs of the community.

The concept of tithing 10% comes from the Old Testament, but in the New Testament, we see a radical example of generosity in the early church. In Acts, the believers sold their possessions and shared everything, ensuring no one was in need. 

While I don’t believe we are all called to give everything, I do think tithing 10% should be a minimum, not a maximum, for Christians. Giving should be an essential part of our financial life, focused on advancing God’s kingdom, both through local churches and global missions.

In my experience, some people question whether they can still give to the church or to God’s work when planning for retirement or other financial goals. But we should never stop giving to God, even in changing or difficult financial times. 

God promises to provide for us, especially when we make a commitment to give. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “God loves a cheerful giver,” and He will bless us abundantly in return.

In summary, as Christians, we must make giving a priority in our cashflow management. Whether it’s through tithing or supporting other ministries, investing in God’s kingdom is an essential part of how we handle our finances. 

At the same time, we are also called to be wise stewards, managing our resources to ensure we have enough for ourselves and to provide for others. So, as you plan your financial future, don’t forget to incorporate giving as part of your cashflow strategy.

A few additional Scripture References:

Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. Proverbs 3:9-10

But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. 1 John 3:17-18

And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. Acts 4:32-35

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed. Proverbs 28:27

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

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:15-16

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Proverbs 11:24

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:37-40

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38

But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 1 Chronicles 29:14

 

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