As a pastor for 42 years, I spoke with many couples who struggled in their marriage and were even going through a separation. And I can tell you that the number one reason couples get a divorce isn’t adultery. It isn’t abuse.

It’s debt! In a 2023 survey, more than half of the respondents believed that having a partner who is in debt is a major reason to consider divorce.

It shouldn’t surprise us that debt causes so much trouble in relationships. The Bible makes it clear that it’s just plain foolishness not to manage your money wisely—and foolishness never ends well. Proverbs 21:20 says, “Wise people live in wealth and luxury, but stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it” (GNT).

So often our culture convinces us to buy now and pay later. The average U.S. citizen at one time put $1,300 on their credit card for every $1,000 they made. That leads straight to debt, and God calls that foolish!

Friend, no one just drifts into debt—or out of it, either. If you want to build your financial future on the commitment to be responsible, then you have to start with intentionality. After you’ve made that important commitment, you need a plan to get there.

My parents taught me the 10-10-80 principle when I was a child. It’s a great way to become intentional about your financial decisions.  

• Give 10 percent back to God. God blesses the areas of your life where you put him first.
• Keep 10 percent for the future. Commit to saving money every time you make money.
• Live on 80 percent. Only fools spend everything they get.

Like it or not, God uses money to test you. He is testing your responsibility. When God looks at your financial decisions when you get to heaven, he’s going to say, “Were you responsible with what I gave you on earth?”

How you answer that question will be based on the decisions you make today. Make a plan that stewards your resources wisely and gives back to God, saves for the future, and spends within your means.