Our Foundation: Our Money Attitudes
Humility
An attitude of humility is necessary to ensure obedience to God’s Word, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 8 (if you missed Part 1, click here). Often in the Bible, when we see the words humility or humble, submit or submission is not far from it. James 4:6-7 says “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God.” Humility says, I am second. Humility considers others as more important.
In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, we find Paul giving Timothy instructions with how to deal with the wealthy people of Ephesus: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” An attitude of humility will not be arrogant, prideful, or self-centered. When it comes to money, being humble can positively impact the lost, our neighbors, and our church family.
Prudent & Thrifty
In the feeding of the five thousand from John chapter 6, when everyone had eaten enough, Jesus instructed the disciples to gather the leftovers so nothing may be wasted. This passage doesn’t directly talk about money, but the financial implications of being prudent and thrifty with our money and our possessions can be life changing. The attitude of being prudent and thrifty can take on many forms with our finances: buying a used car instead of new, buying just enough house verses the 3,000 square feet we really want, reusing things more than the one time purpose, clipping coupons or shopping around for savings, ensuring our online purchase gets free shipping, waiting to see a movie after it’s released on DVD or a streaming service. I’m sure you have your own unique ways to save money.
But being prudent and thrifty, can be taken to an extreme. There are scores of best-selling books with methods to be thrifty. There’s tv shows based on coupon clipping, refurbishing old furniture, and storing up in excess for no particular reason. We must be sure to not place our focus and spend so much time on these things that we’ve taken our minds off what’s most important. The extremes of this world have left people literally obsessed with ways to save.
Giving Cheerfully
A generous attitude is essential as a Christ follower. As the church, being able to bless others through giving is a direct demonstration of God’s love. I’ll devote more time in future posts specifically on giving, but the attitude that is essential to the act of giving is cheerfulness. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. God knows the condition of our heart when we give. Are we giving begrudgingly? Are we giving so that others can see what we’ve done? Are we giving with worry or fear of having enough for ourselves?
God has never been concerned over the amount that we give. Whether it’s to our church as a tithe, or helping a missionary, or a neighbor, or a family in need, God is focused on our heart and our attitude toward the act of giving.
What drives your decision making when it comes to finances?
I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to email me at Christopher.Hull@CeteraInvestors.com or call me at 716-707-1818.
Next in this on-going series: Our Foundation: Our Responsibilities
The views stated in this letter are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Investors and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Due to volatility within the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results.