GAINESVILLE, Ga. (BP)--These days some economic experts appear to have started believing financial concepts that sound vaguely familiar -- perhaps even biblical.

Normally I don't overuse Scriptures for these articles. But, turbulent times call for God's stability, so I've put together a sampling of Scriptures that are important for us if we're to survive economic hard times.

If you're a Christian and you haven't been following God's biblical financial principles, isn't it time that you did? After all, "Who you gonna believe," bankrupted businesses and folded financial institutions -- or God?

Today's economic climate makes it important for Christians to review and practice what God has been telling us all along. Hopefully, we'll believe Him this time around.

So, fasten your seatbelt and let's take a quick review of some important biblical principles.

Christian Commitment

Christian commitment involves stewardship (management) of time, talent and money. Jesus spoke about commitment and gave us a clear outward indicator of our inward commitment: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).

Treasure refers to the way we use money and possessions and reflects spiritual truth in a material way. It is the same as the sowing-reaping principle that the Apostle Paul uses when he says: "Remember this: the person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously" (2 Corinthians 9:6).

Talent speaks of intelligence and natural gifts. Christians often waste their intellect and abilities by dedicating their lives to the pursuit of material success. Success is not a bad word, as long as it's a byproduct of a fruitful life dedicated to serving God.

Time is that "everyone has 24 hours in a day" thing. If Christians would honestly assess their available "net-time" (not including sleeping, eating and so forth) as 100 percent, what percentage would be spent in the first priority of seeking God? Unfortunately, a conservative estimate probably would be that less than two percent of the average Christian's day is given to godly pursuits.

Choosing which master to follow is a decision each of us must make every day. Are you committed to weigh every decision against God's Word and follow the path He requires of you? "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you" (Matthew 6:33).

Christian Contentment

Contentment is an attitude. Some people seem to have no regard for material possessions and accept poverty as a normal living condition. In contrast, others live in showplaces and drive automobiles that cost more than some houses.

Many have suddenly discovered that abundance doesn't guarantee contentment -- it's a matter of attitude. Poverty also doesn't eliminate the possibility of being content.

True contentment requires that we establish some basic guidelines: