In Due Time

Wow, a budget is hard work. Are they really worth the hassle? When I ask myself this question, hassle is the last thing on my mind.

A budget reveals our priorities. I spend money on things important to me. You spend money on things important to you. Really, it’s that simple. You can spend $5 on a cup of Starbucks coffee, or orange juice for your entire family, or lunch with a friend. But not all three.

It sounds so dramatic. Truth be told, we make these decisions all day long. Every time you pull out cash or a credit card, you made a decision. You chose groceries over eating out. Or you chose coffee over investing in a mutual fund. You spent your money on the things most important for you — priorities.

I’m a selfish person. Left on my own, I would spend everything on stuff that makes me feel good right now. Shocking, isn’t it? That is our sin nature at work. John 3:19b says but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Writing a budget exposes our spending habits to the light. The budget isn’t magical. It confronts you with your own behavior.

Personal finance is 20% knowledge and 80% behavior. The budget draws a line in the sand. It marks a clear boundary. And I cannot hide my selfishness in the darkness of ignorance. Paul says in Romans 7:7b — Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law.

That is why I resist doing a budget. Because it requires discipline over my sinful nature. And discipline is really hard work.