FINANCIAL - SAVINGS
Scripture Reading - Genesis 41:33-37 KJV
33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.
35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
36 And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.
37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.
When speaking of the subject “Saving” we (ihlcc) are speaking to various opinions throughout the Body of Christ. Although the topic of “saving” is clearly endorsed in the Holy Bible, it seems because it is not taught on repeatedly in the New Testament some may think it is not important. The funny thing is the people who put more emphasis on “giving” over “saving” are generally “savers” themselves. We all must be “savers” to be good stewards over the resources God has placed in our hands. No one can thoroughly predict all future events but we all can show some discernment when it comes to preparing for the known future affairs of our own life. In the scriptural example of Joseph the Lord revealed to the Pharaoh, the King of Egypt, that prosperity and famine was coming. Notice that God put the prosperity first to make provision for the famine. We also notice the “savings” should be done in increments over a long period of time. We should not schedule to make a onetime payment toward “savings” for a large amount, like taking our whole check, but we should take a percentage of each check to put away for “savings”. In the example with Joseph he suggested the fifth part which equals twenty percent (20%). In the years of prosperity it could very well be possible to put away 20% when you bring in a lot more money than what you normally would have. However, today many financial advisors are recommending to put away around ten percent (10%) if you can. The ideal here is to put away enough money now so that when a rainy day (so to speak) comes upon you, you already have enough money “saved” up to handle the situation (possibly an emergency). “Saving” for some known upcoming events is also wise, like college tuition for a child or an automobile for the family to drive. Generally, when it comes to “saving” for a home it used to require a twenty percent down payment to establish immediate equity in the home. We have seen the disaster of people not “saving” money by the results of no retirement money or the children having to borrow for college and in some cases not able to go to college at all. The Word of God cannot be corrupted so when God encourages “savings” we better listen and obey. Yes, we (ihlcc) firmly believe one should learn the skill of “saving” first to buildup abundance, then they will always be in a position to give to those less fortunate. “Saving” is a lost art here in America and many other nations but we as children of God can do our part to “save” a portion of the money that comes through our hands because then and only then will we be in the proper (right) position to leave an inheritance for our children and grandchildren. Amen!