A Fresh Start test

Welcome to The Bible Money Journal, a brief for Christian professionals who want to learn more about God’s ways of managing money. In each edition, I share a verse, a story, and a money lesson to help you in your journey.

This brief is a resource for navigating the scriptures through the lens of financial planning and learning how to apply them in your life.

Let’s get started!

Leviticus 25:15-17, 21-22
15 When you buy land from your neighbor, the price you pay must be based on the number of years since the last jubilee. The seller must set the price by taking into account the number of years remaining until the next Year of Jubilee. 16 The more years until the next jubilee, the higher the price; the fewer years, the lower the price. After all, the person selling the land is actually selling you a certain number of harvests. 17 Show your fear of God by not taking advantage of each other. I am the Lord your God.
21 Be assured that I will send my blessing for you in the sixth year, so the land will produce a crop large enough for three years. 22 When you plant your fields in the eighth year, you will still be eating from the large crop of the sixth year. In fact, you will still be eating from that large crop when the new crop is harvested in the ninth year.

I want to share a unique perspective on financial planning that draws inspiration from a centuries-old concept found in the Bible - the Year of Jubilee. You might be wondering how this ancient principle can relate to your modern financial goals and concerns. Stick with me, and you'll discover its surprising relevance.

The Year of Jubilee: A Fresh Start

Imagine living in a time where every seventh year was a reset button for your finances. It was called the Year of Jubilee. During this special year, all debts were forgiven, and property returned to its original owners. It was a year of liberation from financial burdens and a fresh start for everyone.

In modern terms, we can liken this to hitting the financial reset button. It's like wiping the slate clean and starting anew. While we may not have a Year of Jubilee in the 21st century, we can still learn valuable lessons from this ancient concept to help us make smarter financial decisions.

The Sixth Year Bumper Crop: A Strategy for Abundance

Now, let's talk about a key aspect of the Year of Jubilee - the sixth year's bumper crop. In this year leading up to the Year of Jubilee, the land was expected to yield an especially abundant harvest. This bumper crop was essential to ensure that everyone had enough to sustain themselves during the Year of Jubilee when no crops were sown or harvested.

So, what does this have to do with your financial planning? Well, think of your financial journey like a farming season. The sixth year's bumper crop can be seen as a critical strategy to set you up for financial abundance in the future.

Applying the Bumper Crop Principle to Your Finances

Saving and Investing: Just like the ancient farmers who prepared for the Year of Jubilee by maximizing their harvest in the sixth year, you can focus on saving and investing during your career's prime years. Consider allocating more of your income to savings and investments, which can grow over time.

Debt Reduction: In the Year of Jubilee, all debts were forgiven. While we can't expect such debt forgiveness today, you can work on reducing your debts strategically. Paying off high-interest debts can free up resources for other financial goals.

Diversification: In farming, diversifying crops helps ensure a robust harvest. Similarly, diversifying your investments across different asset classes can spread risk and potentially yield better returns over the long term.

Financial Planning: Just as farmers plan for the seasons, you should have a comprehensive financial plan that outlines your goals, including retirement, taxes, and estate planning. A well thought out plan can help you navigate various financial seasons.

Conclusion: Your Path to Financial Freedom

Incorporating the lessons of the Year of Jubilee and the sixth year's bumper crop into your financial planning can set you on a path to financial freedom and abundance. Just as ancient wisdom has guided generations before us, it can serve as a guiding light for your financial journey.

Remember, the Year of Jubilee teaches us the importance of liberation from financial burdens and the potential for a fresh start. By adopting these principles, you can work towards a future where financial abundance and security are not just dreams but achievable realities.

As your trusted Christian financial advisor, I'm here to help you navigate this journey. Together, we can apply these timeless principles to create a financial plan that aligns with your values and aspirations. Feel free to reach out to me anytime to discuss how we can integrate these strategies into your financial roadmap. Your financial future awaits!

Leo Marte is a Christian financial advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. Abundant Advisors provides financial advice for Christians with convenient virtual meetings. Let’s talk if you are ready to make the next move.