Struggling with the issue of transgenderism, I really misused money. I broke the eighth commandment, “You shall not steal.” Every time that I went to stores to buy clothes, makeup, wigs, shoes, jewelry, etc., I was stealing from God. It wasn’t my money to spend as I chose … but, rather His money that He had entrusted to my care. I was to be a good steward of all that He had given me to use for His glory and honor … not on my fleshly lusts.
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10
I loved money for what it could get me that would take away my pain, comfort me, calm me down … it was an idol, so I was breaking the first and second commandment as well. If I had had enough money, I might have yielded to the temptation to actively pursue SRS and hormonal treatments. Thankfully, God did not give me that much money, and He also surrounded me with wife, children, and friends that I could not bring myself to betray.
In the gospels, Jesus has much to say about money and stewardship. Proverbs is another book that speaks to financial matters. Following are some basic thoughts about the use of money. More information can be found on-line.
1) We should regularly tithe to the Lord from our income. Some see this as ten percent, some even twenty percent. My wife and I have committed ourselves to giving ten percent. Jacob, in Genesis 28, says to the Lord, “And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” Study tithes and offerings.
2) Jesus, in Matthew 6, says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Here is a promise that if we put God first in our lives, He will provide everything that we need. We are to use money for God’s honor and glory.
3) I highly recommend developing a budget to guide you in your monthly expenditures and stay within your means. Putting some into savings is recommended. If you need to, cut up your credit cards.
4) Getting out of debt is important. My wife and I are almost out of debt.