Tim Shirley on LinkedIn: Should a couple be financially stable before getting married The Bible… (2024)

Tim Shirley

Regional Vice President at Primerica Financial Services

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Should a couple be financially stable before getting marriedThe Bible makes a distinction between what is required and what is desired for a Christian considering marriage. Of course, it is desirable for a couple to be financially stable before they marry, but is financial stability a biblical requirement?There are many biblical passages that speak of the importance of financial responsibility. A man should plan for the provision of his household (1 Timothy 5:8), and his financial stability prior to marriage could be an indication of his ability to provide after marriage. It is wise for a man to maintain a fair amount of financial stability prior to marriage, and it is wise for a woman to look for a pattern of financial stability in a man, and, of course, vice versa.A person should not marry for money, but money is an important part of life and should be a point of discussion prior to the wedding. Financial stability is helpful in any marriage. The mishandling of money is often cited as a reason for marital problems. Money woes can limit a couple’s giving and their opportunities to serve in ministry. If a person has a history of financial instability, the potential future spouse has a right to know the cause of the instability.In discussing money prior to marriage, it is important to learn how money is currently earned and spent. It would be harmful for two people to marry without this knowledge only later to find out the combined income is insufficient to provide for the couple’s basic needs. In addition, how a person spends money reveals important information about that person’s character. Is the prospective husband’s or wife’s financial stability the result of a large inheritance or hard work (or both)? Is money spent wisely or selfishly? Is a lack of financial stability due to unforeseen tragedies, or is it a sign of laziness, foolishness, or disorganization?A couple’s financial stability prior to marriage can also be affected by the timing of the wedding. For example, if a man and woman are both in college and not earning an income, then neither of them is likely to be financially stable. In most cases, it would be better to wait until at least one of them is able to work. “Living on love” is a romantic notion but impractical. Also, if one or both of them carry significant debt, it may be wise to delay marriage to allow time to focus on improving the financial situation beforehand.Of course, financial stability is not the most important consideration in marriage, and a stable financial life is not always possible for a couple. In places where poverty is widespread, limiting marriage to those who are financially stable would mean only a small number of people would ever be married. More important than financial stability are stability of character, moral stability, and spiritual stability.

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    Regional Vice President at Primerica Financial Services

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    In the Bible, there is a proverb that relates to the topic of removing wood from the fire. Proverbs 26:20 says, "For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases." This proverb is often interpreted to mean that removing fuel, or in this case, wood, from a fire can cause it to go out. Similarly, it suggests that avoiding gossip or spreading rumors can prevent conflict and quarrels from escalating.

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  • Tim Shirley

    Regional Vice President at Primerica Financial Services

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    Joshua 24:15 is a call to wholeheartedly serve and worship the Lord, urging the Israelites to make a deliberate choice between following God or turning to other gods. It encourages individuals and households to prioritize their devotion to God above all other influences and temptations. The verse carries the message of personal responsibility and the importance of making a conscious decision to serve the Lord.

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  • Tim Shirley

    Regional Vice President at Primerica Financial Services

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    1 Samuel 2:30 serves as a warning and a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and dishonoring God. It emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting God in all aspects of life. The verse highlights God's faithfulness to His promises, but also His righteous judgment when His people turn away from Him.

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  • Tim Shirley

    Regional Vice President at Primerica Financial Services

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    2 Corinthians 6:14 serves as a reminder for believers to carefully consider their relationships and associations, encouraging them to maintain a distinction from unbelievers in order to protect their faith and values. It does not imply a complete isolation from non-believers, but rather a caution against entering into close partnerships or relationships where there may be a fundamental conflict of values and beliefs.

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  • Tim Shirley

    Regional Vice President at Primerica Financial Services

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    Ecclesiastes 9:10 urges individuals to approach their work and responsibilities with diligence and wholehearted effort. It reminds them that life is fleeting and that they should seize the present moment to make a positive impact and fulfill their responsibilities to the best of their abilities.

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  • Tim Shirley

    Regional Vice President at Primerica Financial Services

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    Hebrews 3:12-14 is a passage from the New Testament that speaks about the importance of perseverance and faith in the Christian life. The verses state:"12 Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end."In this passage, the writer of Hebrews urges fellow believers to be cautious and guard against having hearts that turn away from God. They emphasize the importance of faith and trust in God, warning against developing a heart of unbelief or being deceived by sin.The writer encourages believers to support and encourage one another daily, reminding them of the need for ongoing exhortation and accountability. By doing so, they can help prevent the hardening of hearts and the potential drifting away from God's truth.Verse 14 reminds believers of their identity as partners of Christ. It emphasizes the significance of holding onto their initial confidence in Christ and remaining steadfast in faith until the end. This verse highlights the assurance of salvation and the need to persevere in faith in order to fully experience the blessings and benefits of being united with Christ.Overall, Hebrews 3:12-14 serves as a reminder to believers to be vigilant, encourage one another, and hold fast to their faith in God, knowing that they are partners with Christ and can find strength and assurance in Him.

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  • Tim Shirley

    Regional Vice President at Primerica Financial Services

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    Trust in God's plan plays a significant role in navigating the storms of life according to the Bible. In Proverbs 3:5-6, it says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."The Bible teaches us that God is sovereign and has a perfect plan for each of our lives. When we trust in His plan, we acknowledge His wisdom and submit ourselves to His guidance. This trust allows us to surrender our own understanding and rely on God's divine wisdom and direction.In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." This verse reassures us that God's plan for us is good and filled with hope. Trusting in His plan gives us the assurance that He is working for our ultimate welfare, even in the midst of life's storms.Additionally, in Psalm 56:3, it says, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Trusting in God's plan helps us navigate the storms of life by providing us with comfort and peace. It allows us to cast our fears and anxieties upon Him, knowing that He is faithful to sustain us and carry us through difficult times.Furthermore, Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. Trusting in His plan means believing that even in the storms, God can use our trials and challenges to bring about growth, transformation, and ultimately, His glory.In summary, trust in God's plan is not only a source of comfort and peace, but it also allows us to rely on His wisdom and guidance. By trusting in His plan, we acknowledge His sovereignty and believe that He is working all things for our good. This trust empowers us to navigate the storms of life with hope, confidence, and a steadfast faith in God's unfailing love.

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  • Tim Shirley

    Regional Vice President at Primerica Financial Services

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    Why?In the Bible, the concept of God breaking or allowing us to go through difficult experiences is often associated with the idea of refinement or pruning. Just as a gardener prunes a plant to promote growth and fruitfulness, God allows us to go through challenging situations to shape and transform us for His purposes.One biblical passage that speaks to this concept is found in Psalm 51:17, where King David writes, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Here, David acknowledges that a broken and contrite heart is pleasing to God. It is through brokenness and humility that we can come to a place of repentance, surrender, and dependence on God.Another passage is found in Isaiah 64:8, where the prophet Isaiah compares God to a potter and us to clay: "Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." This imagery suggests that God shapes and molds us according to His will, even if it involves breaking and reshaping us.Additionally, in the New Testament, Jesus speaks about the necessity of dying to oneself and taking up one's cross in order to follow Him (Matthew 16:24). This implies a willingness to let go of our own desires and submit to God's will, even if it means going through difficult and challenging experiences.Overall, the biblical perspective suggests that God allows us to experience brokenness as a means of refining and transforming us, deepening our relationship with Him, and conforming us to His image. It is through the process of breaking that we can experience growth, spiritual maturity, and ultimately, a closer walk with God.

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  • Tim Shirley

    Regional Vice President at Primerica Financial Services

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    It Is Well With My Soul!https://lnkd.in/e-aVJmcS

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Tim Shirley on LinkedIn: Should a couple be financially stable before getting married

The Bible… (2024)
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