9-11 April 2010
It was a great privilege to have Br David Zic, General Conference Stewardship Department Leader visit Australia and have a financial seminar at the AUC Headquarters Schofields NSW. The Schofields centre was full for all the meetings with many visitors attending.
The opening meeting on Friday evening was: “Setting Your Priorities.” Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
All our means belong to God; we are only custodians of some of His riches. Our faithfulness is tested by the way we deal with the means that has been entrusted to us. The talent of money has been entrusted to us to be used to the good of mankind and for the spreading of the Gospel to the world.
Sabbath divine service was entitled: “The Good Samaritan.” Brother Zic took us through a very interesting aspect of the parable of the Good Samaritan.
We then had a combined buffet vegetarian lunch and in the afternoon there was another interesting meeting, “Get Rich Quick.”
Sunday morning, there were two excellent meetings, “Biblical Principles of Finance” and “Personal Finance Workshop.” Br David related some of his personal experiences in regards to keeping financial accounts; he was taught by his parents from a young age to do book keeping and that has helped him immensely throughout his life.
“In all our expenditure of means, we are to strive to fulfill the purpose of Him who is the Alpha and Omega of all Christian effort.”
Some points brought out:
- It is the Lord’s desire for His children to prosper financially as well as spiritually (3 John 2). There are Biblical guidelines which He has given to us in His Word that when we follow these principles, He will pour out a blessing that there will not be enough room to receive it.
- Budget is a must.
- The importance of keeping accurate record of income and expenditure.
- Never buy anything the first time you see it, always go away and think it out and ask yourself, do I really need this item or can I do without it?
- Live within one’s means.
- Do not have a credit card unless you can fully pay back the balance each month. Preferably use cash. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it.
May each endeavor to care for the financial talents which the Lord has entrusted to us, so that when He returns we will be found as a faithful servant.