Ignoring money problems? The Bible warns it will cost you

Dear Chuck,

I have several financial problems that I call my “thorns.” I know I need to do something about them, but I keep putting it off. How do I become more motivated about dealing with them?

Financial Thorns

Dear Financial Thorns,

Small problems have a way of becoming big problems if we continually ignore them. My motivation usually comes from wanting to avoid more pain caused by procrastination. The Bible speaks to this very problem.

Inaction has consequences

There is an interesting warning in Numbers 33. The Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho. He instructed the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the Promised Land and warned them what would happen if they failed to obey.

“But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell” (Numbers 33:55 ESV).

Though this passage describes a specific command God gave Israel concerning the Promised Land, the principle illustrates something we see throughout Scripture: problems we knowingly ignore can eventually cause serious pain. He even calls them “thorns in your side.” We know that is true with money.

Financial thorns

It is easy to procrastinate when danger does not appear imminent. For instance:

• A small credit card balance, if it remains unpaid and interest accumulates, can become a significant burden.
• Occasional impulse spending repeated month after month can prevent you from saving.
• Ignoring a budget for a time can leave you unprepared for emergencies and retirement and forfeit opportunities for a more purposeful life.
• Lifestyle inflation requires increased spending, which delays financial progress.
• Unused subscriptions, neglected maintenance, unpaid taxes, inadequate insurance, or a lack of emergency savings can quietly drain resources, turning manageable expenses into expensive crises.

These problems rarely disappear on their own. Bad habits must be replaced with good ones. Self-control and perseverance must be practiced. Accountability and wisdom must be sought. Problems ignored can become serious, life-altering pain.

Get motivated to take action

Proverbs 27:23 says, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds” (ESV).

That means pay attention. Know what you earn, owe, spend, give, and save and the condition of your investments.

Now act on what you already know

Sometimes, we don't need more financial information; we simply need to act.

Perhaps you already know your credit card balance needs attention. You know you're spending too much on eating out. You know you need an emergency fund. You know you're paying for subscriptions you don't use. You know you should be contributing toward retirement.

Don't wait for a financial crisis to motivate you to do something. List the financial issues you have avoided. Then prioritize them according to urgency and potential consequences.

Don’t expect to solve everything today. Simply begin the process. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cancel one unnecessary expense.
• Make an extra debt payment.
• Open a savings account.
• Review your insurance.
• Start giving, saving, and investing regularly.
• Schedule the home or automobile repair you've been delaying.

Take one concrete step. Work your way through your list, and keep it posted where it cannot be ignored. Taking control now will prevent larger problems later.

Address bad habits

Hebrews 12:1 tells us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (NIV).

Barbs in the eyes affect clarity and distort discernment. Faithful stewards must recognize the attitudes that Scripture tells us to resist: greed, envy, materialism, discontentment, dishonesty, and the desire to impress others.

Ask God to remove the barbs and reveal financial attitudes or habits that may lead to serious issues. Is comparison repeatedly driving your spending? Does unrealistic fear keep you from being generous? Has pride prevented you from admitting that your lifestyle is unaffordable?

Address these at the heart level. Repent, and ask God for the wisdom and strength to manage the resources that He has entrusted to you.

Financial freedom is rarely achieved through one dramatic decision. More often, it comes through hundreds of small, faithful decisions made over time.

Numbers 33 reminds us that what we tolerate today may trouble us tomorrow. So don't ignore small warning signs. Face them honestly through prayer, counsel, and accountability from trusted, wise stewards. Then, create a realistic plan and act on it.

Removing one small financial thorn today can prevent a more painful problem tomorrow.

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5 ESV).

A good steward responds wisely to financial emergencies but also deals faithfully with problems before they become emergencies.

Crown has many biblically based, practical, and empowering courses and studies that can guide and encourage you to be a faithful financial steward of the resources God provides.