Margins Matter

"Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds." — Proverbs 27:23

Do you know where you actually stand financially?

Here's a tough pill to swallow: Great generosity is hindered by excessive debt. God wants us to leave margins in our lives and not spend everything that He has blessed us with. He wants us to honor Him with the first fruits of His blessing.

Many of us wrestle with the issue of giving because we have spent it all. We have already out-kicked our coverage, and we have no margins left. Our response is, "God needs to bless me with more money." But we have not been faithful with what He has already given us.

Some people say, "As long as I have a line of credit, it is there for me to use." But if you use all of your line of credit, when you had the ability before to be generous, it thwarts your generosity. When there is no margin left, you will be hindered in being generous.

Some people will say, "I still have blank checks left." Just because you have a battery of checks at your disposal doesn't mean you have the funds to cover those checks.

When I was growing up in Texas, there was a farm radio show hosted by Dewey Compton. Dewey had this great saying: "If your outgo exceeds your income, then your upkeep will be your downfall."

God wants you to be generous. But generosity requires margin. You can't give what you've already spent.

Know your condition. Analyze where you are. Formulate a plan to create space in your finances. Put God first in your giving, not last.

Margins matter. Create some room so you have something to give.