Family Government (3) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Author: Pastor faith Oyedepo

Topic: Family Government (3)

Dear Reader,

Last week, we saw the place of the woman in handling her primary responsibility to her husband in the area of family government. When the Word is discovered and applied with wisdom, treasures are uncovered that makes for fulfilment in family life.

Handling finances is a very sensitive area in the family. It is important to understand the place of money in the family to avoid tension. That is why, today, I shall be unveiling some key spots about Family Finances.

God’s Word says: For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence… (Ecclesiastes 7:12). Money is simply a medium of exchange, but it is referred to as a defense, because with it you are not embarrassed.

Right from the time God blessed Adam with a wife, he has been the head of the family. This placed upon him the responsibility of providing for his household (1 Timothy 5:8). So, by God’s arrangement, you, as the man, are to provide for your family. You are the one who must ensure that there is food for members of your family. You must also ensure that your family members are well taken care of, especially your immediate family members (Song of Solomon 1:6).

Thus, as a husband, you cannot afford to be lazy. Your hands must be working hands. God’s Word says: Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase (Proverbs 13:11). There is dignity in labour. In fact, God’s Word enjoins that a man who is too slothful to find gainful employment should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

You are also responsible for catering for your wife and children. If you fail in this duty, you are a failure indeed! It is a curse for the wife to take on this responsibility.

To the woman, everything you have belongs to your husband, even your income. If you are employed outside the home, you must submit all to him. This is so because in family finance, there should be no ‘his’ and ‘hers’. Both should have access to each other’s money. Where there is a joint account, no one should spend money without informing the other.

Trust is the key word in family finance. Husband and wife must trust each other enough to put their money together and be prudent in spending it. Note that accountability boost trust. In a situation whereby no one wants to be accountable to the other, there will be no progress financially. The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:11 is trustworthy!

Another key point in the area of family finance is giving.  God is a giving God. He demonstrated His love for man by taking the initiative and giving us His Son, even when no man understood what He was doing and could not say, “Thank you”.

Therefore, if you claim to be God’s children, you must imitate Him in all things (1 John 4:7). Giving gifts to one another spices up the family. You can take initiative to surprise your spouse and children with thoughtful little gifts. If it did wonders for you during your courtship days, it will do you no harm to carry the habit over into the family.

Since two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9), you can “better” your giving to the Lord by giving as a family, thus making better your receiving (Luke 6:38). As a family, you must be encouraged to sow seeds. Ensure that your tithe and offering are paid, either separately as husband, wife and children or together as a family. There is a portion to eat and a portion to sow (Proverbs 11:24).

As a family, you must also be generous to the poor, the underprivileged, and those who do not have as much as you do.  God loves the merciful and releases blessings upon them (Proverbs 28:27). When you reach out to bless the poor, God ensures that you do not lack.

It is also wisdom to give to men of God. As a couple, especially, you must provoke each other to do right things. Sowing to men of God, who are placed over us is right and provokes great blessings from the Lord. God is glorified when you handle your money this way.

Also, you have an undeniable responsibility towards your parents. It is your duty to honour your parents according to how God has blessed you. You must honour your parents if life must be well with you (Ephesians 6:1-3).

The “grace to be responsible” in the area of finances is the privilege of those born again. You can become born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus Christ into your life. If you are ready for this, please say this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, pstfaithoyedepo@gmail.com; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).