For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true

faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

—1 Timothy 6:10 NLT

ompared to most of the world’s societies,citizens of the United States enjoy

unbelievable wealth and resources.Americans often live in such a way that tells others

we think our resources are limitless.However,resources are finite things for which we are

accountable.How a nation uses and maintains its resources is largely determined by its

priorities.In the same way,families determine how to use their resources based on their family

values and priorities.

When we think of family resources, we usually think of money. Money is only part of

the picture. Family resources also include issues related to time and energy. In this chapter,

we will examine how families manage time as it relates to the work-family interface, how

they manage their energy levels to thwart the stress of busy lifestyles, and how they

manage their financial situations. We also will give helpful suggestions for achieving

financial peace, as well as offer a Christian perspective on living the life of a good steward.

Time, Energy,

and Money

Managing Family Resources

C

10

Image from BigstockPhoto.com / WellfordT