45 rpm record

I don’t know about you, but I can be a sentimental old fool (SOF). I like looking at old stuff. That’s why I still have an 8-track player and lots of 45 rpm records in the entertainment cabinet, much to the chagrin of my wife. But I like new technology as well, as this blog and website would certainly not be possible without it!

This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls”. Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

But what do “ancient paths” have to do with finances? Does this mean we have to go back to a columnar pad and pencil – I hope not!

Columnar Pad

But I do think this passage gives us some clear guidance for not neglecting those timeless and ancient truths about how we handle finances. Here are my takeaways:

Ancient Paths are there to guide us

What are some of those timeless truths? Here are several that I think we would be wise to heed:

1. Acknowledge God’s ownership (tithe) of all your finances
2. Get on a spending plan (budget)
3. Set aside something for emergencies/future events
4. Get out of debt
5. Teach your children

Ancient Paths provide rest for our souls

Proverbs 10:22 notes that “It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich and He adds no sorrow to it”. When we handle our finances properly, even if everything doesn’t turn out like we want it, we can have peace.

We stray from Ancient Paths at our own risk

The rest of this passage was a warning to Israel that they had rejected God’s commands and were about to be sent into exile. When we overextend, get involved in hasty speculation, have poor communication with our spouse about our finances, etc., we find ourselves with holes in our financial net.

If you find yourself with a hole in your financial net, then stop, take a deep breath, and get some help.