Zero Balance

It's a good thing for a credit card to have a zero balance, because that would mean that it is paid off, and we are free of the debt. Having a zero balance on a savings or checking account would not be good because that would mean that we have no funds to cover purchases or expenses. When in ministry, we must evaluate whether our personal or ministry relationships are draining us, costing more that we can afford, or keeping us in the place where we are unable to contribute.

Not understanding how balance works will usually have us carrying more than we can bear. Knowing when to say no and setting boundaries will help us to keep things in perspective. It is not selfish to make good decisions that will provide us with health, financial awareness, and spiritual longevity. We cannot fear that others are out to take advantage of us, but when we see that we are always giving and seldom receiving, the relationship is not operating according to the principles of sowing and reaping. When we give, it shall be given unto us.

It is easy to get carried away with the fame that movement ministry can bring. When we are not prayerful about each decision we make, we can find ourselves wondering how we got into a bind in the first place. Relationships can be for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Ministry is no exception. If we wait too long to close an account, we can end up in deeper debt or have the account closed without our permission. We do not want to be in a position where relationships end on negative terms. If we sense that the Lord is leading us into a new season, connecting us with new relationships, or helping us to grow as we move into a new place, proper planning will allow for a smooth transition as we step out on faith.

1 Samuel 20:42 (NKJV)
Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.’” So he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.

Acts 15:37-40 (NKJV)
Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.

Philippians 4:14-17 (NKJV)
Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.