Falling off the horse of the other side….
Martin Luther said that the human race is like a drunkard who falls off his horse on the left side and makes up for it by falling off the next time on the right side.   This is how many of us handle money management.  We make one mistake and complicate it with another.
In October 2008, personal and business finances changed very suddenly.   All of the sudden the concept of increasing home equity loans, credit cards, investing  and flipping houses changed to” how do I become debt -free.“  Everyone began to rethink their financial position.  MONEY MANAGEMENT became the big consideration in homes and businesses across the country.  
For a Christian, money management means

• God owns everything and we are just his stewards

• We aren’t in it just for ourselves – We can’t ignore the need to of others around us

• Just because we are Christians, we aren’t supposed to ignore money.  “Living by faith” sounds good, but God has expectations that we manage what we have wisely

• We are held to a higher standard of honesty.  Ethics is not just whatever you can get away with

• Money does not buy happiness…. Contentment comes with a determination to live within your means.  

• Marriage is a permanent commitment.  Marriage may not seem to fit with money management, but marriage cannot be viewed as temporary just because you disagree strongly about money or have tough financial issues.

• Bankruptcy is a last option.  It does not, however, erase our moral duty to pay debts

Do we really believe in God;  that he is sovereign over everything, not just a part of our life called “religion?”  Money is involved in all parts of our lives.   It makes no sense to keep God and money in separate compartments.  If you try, they will just pull you in opposite directions.  Your use of money needs to take place in submission to God – note: not your church, but to God.  You make the decision, not your finance or stewardship committee. Tithing/giving comes from a generous heart.
Christians believe that wisdom comes from God and the beginning of wisdom is to acknowledge God’s ownership of EVERYTHING.  It is hard to submit our wishes, talents, desires – our very being - to Him. Instead, as humans, we try to use  purely human efforts.  Money management, like life management, centers on Christ.     
                                                                 
Paraphrased  from http://www.covingtoninnovations.com/chrmoney.html