Access is in the middle of a series called LO$T, talking about the freedom and joy that God wants for us through how we handle our finances (not just what the church wants from you in terms of giving). The overarching theme has been that one way you can be free and available to God is in your financial margin (expenses< income).

Andy talked about margin being “give first, save next, live on the rest”. Be generous back to God first- pick a percentage. Save second- an emergency fund, retirement, kids’ educations. Then live on the rest guilt-free.

Kristen and I have had the chance to see this actually work a couple of times in our own lives. One of those is right now. We have been a part of some big decisions recently that have made a significant impact on income. I won’t lie and say it was or is easy to make those kinds of decisions. But we believe in what Jesus is doing and we want to put all of our chips on the table. We’re bullish about God’s future. It has been the principle of give-save-live that has allowed for the financial margin to be free to do this.

Please don’t think I’m patting myself on the back or that I haven’t worried, felt insecure, cried, and laid awake at night. But God has put wise people in my life for years preparing us for this. My wife’s faithfulness, discipline, and shrewdness in handling money is inspiring. I’ve had friends and mentors directly spur me toward living with margin. It certainly wasn’t close to being about what I’ve done well. I’m just grateful to have been given this way of life.

Do you have margin financially? Do you want to be free to respond to God? Do you need practical help? Email me or leave a comment. I’ll share family budget tools I’ve created and used. I’ll pray with you. I’ll point you to godly, wise money managers.