Wealth-building is worthless if you don’t know what to do with the money once you have it. Every so often, it’s important to remind ourselves that piling up cash is in vain unless we purpose it for something bigger than ourselves. No amount of stuff is going to satisfy.
So what’s your purpose? Why do you want to build wealth? What good is money anyway? When I consider these questions in relation to personal finance, two answers come to mind:
- Money helps us accomplish more than we are able. For example, I can be really good at one or two trades, and support all the other areas of my life where I lack understanding (fixing cars, building homes, etc.). Therefore the pursuit and acquisition of money helps me live a more focused life – where I can do what I enjoy without worrying about other areas of my world.
- Wealth-building gives us the opportunity to take more responsibility with what God has given us and do good with it. Our focus on financial efficiency allows us to give more, be responsible with more, and give glory to the one who made it all. This is a holy purpose: to work and to build God’s kingdom.
It’s not about the money. It’s what we do with the money. It’s about what we do with our lives. I view financial responsibility as one of the cornerstones of our existence; if we don’t have that piece in place, much can fall apart.
Again, I ask, what’s your financial purpose? Is it to live day to day without giving thought to the future? Or is it to build a solid foundation for your family, giving more than others can imagine, and glorifying God in your pursuits?
Too many people have income and outgo before they can purpose their dollars for a higher calling. Being responsible with what you have requires sitting down and doing a written budget every month, before the month beings. Be intentional with what you have! It’s a gift!
Just a few thoughts.
! John wrote two articles for the book: "Budgeting for Groceries" and "How Grocery Stores Work."
