Most people are familiar with the term budget, and many understand that budgeting is a smart way to keep track of their money. But how many actually use a written budget as a part of their personal or family finances?
Not many.
Today’s Newsday has it under its good authority that the law-enforcers in Mutawatawa, Mashonaland East Province have arrested an elderly Pfungwe man for allegedly axing his wife, accusing her of recklessly using grocery without putting into consideration the current economic challenges.
Patricia Nyauziyo (41) of Siyakurima village, under Chief Chitsungo, was rushed to Mutawatawa District Hospital by villagers after she was struck with an axe on the forehead by her husband Fanuel Madzonzoni following a dispute over groceries.
Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed the incident and said the suspect was charged with attempted murder.
“I confirm the incident of a Pfungwe man who struck his wife with an axe over a misunderstanding concerning groceries. Police would like to urge members of the public to desist from using violence as a way of solving disputes. It is imperative to use peaceful means such as the use of third parties to assist in resolving any misunderstandings,” he said.
According to police, on February 26, at around 8:45 pm, the suspect and his wife were in their bedroom when they had a misunderstanding over groceries.
It is reported that Madzonzoni accused his wife of giving their 17-year-old daughter some sour milk meant for him.
The suspect allegedly became violent, dragged his wife outside the bedroom and struck her once on the forehead with an axe. Nyauziyo sustained a deep cut.
It is reported that the complainant escaped into the darkness and fell down about 50m from the homestead.
She was later assisted by her daughter and a fellow villager who ferried her to Mutawatawa Hospital where she was admitted.
This is a sad development, and it could be more dispiriting if one is to bear in mind that Zimbabwe is increasingly becoming a Christian nation. Reports of late have said that over 80% of the country’s population are church-going or affiliated to certain parishes.
The Madzonzoni family could be a Christian family, and the church could not help but be embarrassed at how a trivial argument over sour milk could culminate to the point of axing each other. That is not Christ-like.
Perhaps it is financial illiteracy, more than anything else that pushed Fanuel to this Wrong Turn mode, so let us try to assist him, and any other families on how they handle their finances.
At this point, it must be noted that having a good sense of money management skills is an effective way to reduce misery, save marriages, improve health and reduce stress.
Raising a Christian family means remembering to incorporate good morals and ethics into your structured home – engulfed in those elements should be the beliefs centered within the Christian faith. Christians live at a high standard of honesty because God is always by their side.
There will be times money will cause disagreements and/or episodes of frustration however, it’s important to know that even during these times God is surrounding us. Therefore, when Christians evaluate their financial situation God should also be considered in the equation.
Thus, if money is causing tension in your family, consider this five-step plan.
God is the Provider
Try to engulf Matthew 6:31 in your regiment of money management. Don’t become materialistic but keep in mind Christians are not supposed to constantly worry about money. Living by faith is no longer the way to manage your finances.
God provides you with property to manage and it is your duty to be responsible for those blessings. People who live without being responsible for their funds and leaving it completely in God’s hands will end up being in debt. Be thankful for the opportunities within your career and the financial blessings that God provides but be willing to own your obligations.
Giving is Important
Luke 6:38 says,
“Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
It’s important to factor in charity when organizing your funds. This is another way God is put first on a daily basis. As a Christian, it’s important to remember that God provides you with the strength to work each day therefore, it’s only right to give back to the church and to charities that have the intent to better the world.
Saving
It’s important to make your money work for you. Proverbs 21:20 says,
“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.”
Christians should be able to see the bigger picture and identify what saving a little money each month can equate to. As a family grows over time, parents will need to get their children ready for college or perhaps embark on new career adventures. Having a savings built up will provide the family with a foundation to stand tall on.
Stay Out of Debt
A lot of people get caught up with the concept of borrowing money. Borrowing funds for a house or a car is one thing, however, when you’re borrowing to pay another debt that’s another. In many cases, easy credit causes problems later because the amount you could save on the interest paid is substantial. Proverbs 22:7 says,
“The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Budget
In order to truly understand your financial situation, you must keep and maintain a budget. Keep records so you can know where and what your funds are being spent on. Proverbs 24:3, 4) says,
“Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”
Families will feel more secure knowing their income and debts – and will be less likely to get into financial troubles.
Money management tips are essential in Christian homes – especially the biblical aspect that’s associated with budgeting. It’s important to remember God within everything we do, especially finances.
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