FIRST STEPS

Toward Biblical Financial Health

THE REALITY IS most people are not living this way when they first become Christians. They often made choices putting them in a great deal of debt without much of a savings account. But, each person/family can take “annual baby steps” toward the 10-10-80 lifestyle – toward biblical financial health. By increasing both savings and giving in manageable steps, it’s possible to attain this goal in a realistic way without feeling overwhelmed in the process.

Biblical Financial Health consists of having an intentional plan of tithing, saving, and living. All three of these principles are referenced in the bible.

Tithing – 10%

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.
(Malachi 3:10 NRSV)

Saving – 10%

The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but the fool devours all he has.
(Proverbs 21:20 NRSV)

Living – 80%

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
(1 Timothy 6:6-10 NRSV)

Pastor John Longmire’s explanation of the 10-10-80 principle.

View the 10-10-80 PDF document Here