Financial Clarity – Step 2: Share Your List

Written by Special Guest Contributor: Alan Morgan.

We’re in a series of articles designed to help married couples achieve financial clarity. One of the biggest sources of conflict in marriage is money. If you missed the first two articles then simply head to https://www.christianfamilylife.com/blog/ to get caught up.

This article will take a deeper look into the second of the four steps for financial health – Share Your List. You may be wondering why on a marriage site, dedicated to oneness, this even needs to be a step. Shouldn’t that be obvious? Isn’t good communication a given in marriage?

The reality for many marriages is the household financial details are usually maintained by one person. One spouse may take the lead on finances due to natural interest, efficiency or to avoid conflict. Fairly soon into the marriage you’re making financial decisions unilaterally, in the name of ‘keeping up’ rather than maintaining open communication. The endless password resets to online accounts is headache enough for one person to get bogged down with.

As we saw in step one – Write It Down – the net worth statement is really one large prayer sheet. It’s a chance to unite together, share each others burdens, and submit to the Lord. This is also an opportunity for your spouse to know how to pray for you specifically in their own personal prayer time.

This financial list will contain numbers that you’re proud of and numbers you’re embarrassed about. As people of faith we ultimately know that God already owns all of it anyway (Psalm 24:1 – The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.)

Of course Jesus sees our value beyond just the numbers. He emphasizes our faithfulness with what we’ve been entrusted. “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much and one who is dishonest in very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteousness wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” Luke 16:10-11

A faithful steward gives an accurate account. Your spouse is your accountability partner. This is why step 2 is to Share Your List. So what’s the best way to do that?

  • First, kill shame with honesty. Be frequent, clear and accurate when sharing your financial concerns with your spouse. By turning your net worth statement into a prayer card you’ll be prompted to be specific when sharing your concerns.
  • Second, don’t assume your spouse knows your concerns or will ‘see it like you do.’ Their perspective is unique and designed by God to be a blessing. Despite our current culture, two people can disagree on a topic and commit to living without conflict.
  • Third, don’t assume every shortcoming you share with your spouse is a sin issue. Yes, we are to manage our assets well, however the Bible does not promise prosperity to believers. All earthly assets remain under the curse God gave to Adam after the fall. Genesis 3:17-19 says, “cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread.”

Each time you look at this list, there should be two questions you can ask your spouse: Where do we need God to work in these concerns? What action must I take today to be obedient to God’s Word?

In all things, God seeks our attention, and commands our obedience. He commands us to be good stewards with the assets and challenges He has temporarily placed in our care. The assets and liabilities, the debits and credits all add together to provide a glimpse into how we view God’s provision.

Christian Family Life is a marriage discipleship ministry. We are here to offer resources and support no matter what condition your marriage is in. Our passion is to Build, Enrich, and Reconcile Marriages. Find out more at https://www.christianfamilylife.com/

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 2b1-New-both-only.png

This book has helped thousands of couples like yours work through every marriage issue you can imagine.
Grab a copy today!

Learn About Christian Family Life

Christian Family Life is a marriage discipleship ministry. We are here to offer resources and support no matter what condition your marriage is in. Our passion is to Build, Enrich, and Reconcile Marriages.

Meet the team!

Connect With Us!

Two Becoming One

No matter where you are in your marriage the Two Becoming One resource will improve your marriage.

Get the book now!

Finding Identity in the Midst of Shame

Finding Identity in the Midst of Shame

Raul Gonzalez Shame, as defined by therapist Chip Dodd in his enlightening book "The Voice of the Heart," profoundly impacts not only individuals but also their relationships, particularly within marriage. It's more than just a fleeting emotion; it's a deep-seated...

read more
Managing Grief

Managing Grief

1 Peter 4:12 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”  There are many circumstances that fall under the term “fiery trial”.  Let’s talk about the fiery...

read more