I’m financially solvent because I am Christian

Some people have asked with all the horrible things going on in the world what good does it do me to be a Christen. At times I have a hard time trying not to laugh. The Tim of a little over a decade ago may have responded “being a Christian keeps me from being you. Someone with a broken marriage, substance abuse issues, poor health, and little understanding of what the future holds.” I guess I’ve matured a little.
With all the gloom and doom that goes about in the world many people have become concerned about their personal solvency. Like many others I have seen my investment portfolio lose well over 50% of its value in the past few months. I am concerned but not scared. Below I have listed the principles I’ve learned from the scriptures to help me stay financially solvent.
Tithing: Malachi 3:8-10 Gen 14: 17-20
I pay 10% of what God blesses me with back to Him. I have seen him open the windows of heaven for my family as we have lived this law. It truly is amazing when you have scholarships almost fall in your lap while attending college or you’re able to find a job during a rough economy. If we look at the Book of Genesis we see that Abraham paid his tithes and he prospered in land. Because the Laws of God are eternal just as Abraham was blessed for paying tithing we will be too.
Financial planning: Luke 24:28, Genesis 41:30
The Bible has also taught us that before we invest it is wise to sit down and make a plan. If we are going to buy a house, car, education etc. we need to sit down and check our finances and make sure we can afford the purchase and make sure it will not place undue burden on us in the future. We are also taught in Genesis that during the times of prosperity we should put resources away for the future. By putting resources away for the future we are prepared if the economy crashes or if an investment opportunity comes our way.
Word of Wisdom
Some of the most devastating expenses a family can face directly relate to medical expenses. Since the beginning of history Heavenly Father has directed his children on how to care for their bodies. He told Adam and Eve which plants to eat (Gen 2:16-17), and gave them work to perform to keep his body strong and his mind active (Gen 2:15 Gen 3:19.)
To Moses, God revealed divine laws instructing what the children of Israel should eat, and what they should not drink (Lev 10:9.) Later we hear of Daniel and others who stayed true to the Law of Moses and were found to be healthier and more intelligent than their peers (Dan 1:8-17.)
Later to, Joseph Smith, God continued to reveal his laws of health instructing disciples to not take stimulants, alcohol, tobacco, or any other harmful substance. Disciples were further instructed to eat healthy foods, meat in moderation, and to get sufficient sleep. With these instructions came a promise of health in mind, body and spirit. Having lived this law my entire life I have been able to avoid sickness while those around me have suffered, I have had the energy to work long hours for extended periods of time, and I have a higher chance of survival should I contract an illness.
Eternal marriage
Another devastating experience some face is divorce. In my house this is considered worse than a four letter word. We’ll joke about a lot of things but the “d” word is not one of them. The social, economic, spiritual, and physical impacts of divorce are too great to enumerate. The number one reason for success in my family comes from a strong marriage. (It always helps when you have a rocking wife.)