“He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in that which is greater: and he that is unjust in that which is little, is unjust also in that which is greater.”

The Bible contains more than 2,000 references to money, not because it is the root of all evil, but because the misuse of money is the root of all evil.

Studies show the great majority of married couples talk about money at least once a week. Often, these discussions become heated arguments about borrowing, overspending, saving, risky investments or loaning money to kids. Money is the number one source of spousal conflict and a leading factor in divorce.

Since the average household earns about  $47,000 annually, there are 47,000 opportunities for either spouse to misuse it in what can amount to “financial infidelity.” When that occurs, it is often due to the fact that one or both spouses do not appreciate the importance of being “faithful in a very little thing.”

Small, impulsive purchases add up fast, especially when both spouses are “shopaholics.” Once couples start tracking their spending, many are surprised at how much they squander on unplanned, impulsive purchases. Budgeting can take considerable effort at first, but as the Good Book reminds us:

“The thoughts of the industrious always bring forth abundance: but every sluggard is always in want.” (Proverbs 21:5)

To illustrate how small expenses can make a big difference in your household budget, let’s examine the impact of a few discretionary purchases, none of which amounts to much by itself. We’ll assume that, you avoided these expenses and saved the money at 5% for 10 years:

– Skipping three Starbucks' java chip Frappuccinos and gourmet muffins a week saves $14,716.

– Brown bagging your lunch saves $17,295.

– Skipping a weekly TGIF drink at the local pub saves $2,453.

– Quitting a pack-a-day habit saves $11,005.

– Avoiding non-networked ATMs once a week saves $1,308.

The point is, within ten years, at 5% interest, these “minor” savings can add up to a whopping $46,777 - - essentially equivalent to one year’s household income.

Of course, added savings can be achieved by trimming other discretionary expenses such as premium cable service, caller ID, call waiting, etc. And for really big savings, couples can switch from a gas guzzling SUV getting 12 miles per gallon to a sedan getting 28 miles per gallon. On a 40-mile week day round trip commute, the 10-year savings on gasoline (at, say, $2.75 a gallon) amount to another $13,640 plus interest.

Keep in mind that, if these savings are invested in your company’s 401(k) plan, matching funds from your employer could effectively double your savings. All this bounty from being “faithful in a very little thing.”

In Luke 16: 9-115, Jesus warns us that, “If then you have not been faithful in the unjust mammon; who will trust you with that which is the true?” if we are not trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, we will not be entrusted with true riches. Good stewardship calls for us to spend our money wisely.