You may or may not be a list-maker. It doesn't really matter. Because whether you are or you aren't, we all live by a list. We all do what's most important to us-our ones, twos, and threes. The tens, twelves, and fifteens rarely make an actual appearance.
The same goes for our money. We may or may not live by a budget-(Ron Blue will get us for that)-but we have our reasons for spending and saving the way we do . . . or don't. Our first things come first, whether they're sound or just selfish.
Thankfully, the Bible comes right out and tells us what our first financial thing needs to be: "Honor the Lord from your wealth, and from the first of all your produce" (Proverbs 3:9). Before one dime goes toward dinner out or a new DVD-or even toward your mortgage, insurance, and utility bills-giving to God through the church where you worship should come right off the top. First thing.
Or how easily it becomes a forgotten thing.
If this sounds a little too radical and expensive, seek out someone you know who manages their money by this principle. Ask if it's proven to be a bust to their financial health, a decision they've grown to regret. See if instead God hasn't opened up the "floodgates of heaven" and poured out on them a blessing "without measure" (Malachi 3:10). When the Lord comes first, everything else just falls into place.
Pray this prayer: I ask you, Lord, to help me realize that everything I own or earn comes from you. May I be grateful enough to honor you with my giving, and to grow my trust in you at the same time.