__Jesus was a busy person, yet the Gospels reveal he had incredibly strong relationships. As Christians, we may not realize how unusual it is in religion for a deity to befriend humans, but this is the invitation of the Son of God – not only to cover our sins, but to know us and allow us to be known by him. Second only to offering himself on the cross, isn’t this offer of relationship with him the greatest act of generosity ever? The answer may be in plain sight, in an old story you’ve probably heard before.__

__Becoming known__

The women didn’t associate with her, or she didn’t associate with them. Who knew, by this point, who had separated from whom. It had been a long time. That’s why she was out with her water jug when the sun was at its highest point in the sky.

Walking in the heat of the day, she didn’t have to be concerned about how anyone looked at her or what they might call her. She didn’t have to endure their silence when they should have been offering her a greeting. At this time of day, she’d be alone and wouldn’t have to be reminded of her shame.

Except, when she got there, she wasn’t alone. Jesus was there, sitting, exhausted, no disciples in sight. *“Will you give me a drink?”* he asked her.

*“How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?”* she asked. It was almost certain in Samaria that you would not encounter a rabbi. Serious Jews did not come through Samaria (even though the only direct route between Judea and Galilee ran right through it), and if they did, they certainly didn’t start conversations with Samaritans. The dislike and distrust between them ran centuries deep.

As he did – so many times with so many people – Jesus said something perplexing, something she wasn’t expecting that forced her to think:

*“If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”*

She was doing chores under the hot Samaritan sun; it wasn’t really a good time for thinking metaphorically. What was Jesus asking her? What must she have thought? She bristled a little.

He doesn’t have a jug. He doesn’t know how deep this water source is. He’s saying his water is better than the water I get from our well. Who does he think he is?

*“Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself?”*

(The simple answer, we know, is [“Yes, he is.”](https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/jesus-is-better/) The writer of Hebrews lays out how [Jesus is better than everything](https://overviewbible.com/hebrews/). And he was the only one great enough to bear the weight of her hope, and ours.)

But if you read the rest of the story, you see it wasn’t just who he was that made this woman leave rejoicing, even though he told her he was the Messiah. There was something else.

Later, she would mention it when she told everyone she could find. *“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did,”* she said to the same people who used to make her feel ashamed. *“Could this be the Messiah?”* (John 4:29).

Who didn’t know what she’d done? Who hadn’t heard the gossip? Her shame was no secret. But she’d never run like this before, never spoken to so many people in one day. Why was the fact that Jesus knew what she had done so special?

For years, she had been known and rejected by her own people. Where she lived, they knew her sins, and no one wanted anything to do with her. Jesus knew everything about her, too.

*“Go call your husband,”* he said.

*“I have no husband,”* she answered.

*“You are right,”* he said. And then came all the details – her whole life of sin exposed under the hot Samaritan sun. And yet … there was no shame. He didn’t call her names or tell her how she should feel about herself. He didn’t punish or berate or proposition her. He just told her the truth about herself and remained. She’d known a lot of men, but this one was very different.

He knew her, all the ugly stuff. But he didn’t shame her or walk away. Instead, he offered himself to her, so she could know him, too. He gave her knowledge of himself even the disciples didn’t have yet. He taught her who he was the same way he had often taught them. Through a gentle, but firm, question-and answer-session, he led her to the fact that she was talking with the Messiah.

*“I know that Messiah is coming,”* she said.

*“I who speak to you am he,”* he answered.

Who else had ever heard this? Intimate knowledge of Jesus, knowledge so great, so profound that the rulers of Judea would later try to beat it out of him. Knowledge that would change lives of millions for millennia to come. And this one unknown, sinful, lonely woman would be the person he chose to reveal this to first?

*For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that*  __whosoever__ *believes in him ….*

__The sinful Samaritan and Sychar__

Why would Jesus come to this town, Sychar, the capital of Samaria? Why would Jesus come to this person, a woman, and a terribly sinful one? God sees individuals, but he is also, always, working to redeem peoples and places. Through this one woman, a representative of history, God would begin the work of redeeming an entire people group.

Sychar was likely not the original name of the area where Jesus sat and talked with this woman in Samaria. When Jacob had dug this well, [many scholars agree](https://www.bibleplaces.com/shechem/), it was called Shechem. The city of Shechem was a place of promise and of worship (Genesis 12:7, 33:16-20). It was where God had promised to give the land to a people – Abraham’s descendants – who would belong to God. Through an offspring from among those people, the promise went, the whole earth would be blessed (Genesis 12, 22, 26).

Centuries later, descendants of that promise would rebel against God (at Shechem) and establish their own nation, creating a syncretistic mix of worship according to God’s law and the idol worship of the people who lived in the surrounding nations. (1 Kings 12 tells the story of the division.)

Now, here was Jesus – the descendant of the promise, the offspring who would bless the whole world – sitting with a descendant of that rebellion, telling her that true religion was not found on the mountain her people called holy (Mt. Gerizim), but in *him*, the source of life, the Messiah.

The beginning of John 4 says Jesus *“had to pass through Samaria.”* Why? Because in Samaria lived a whole group of people who would be lost to idol worship, lost to history and eternity, if he did not go and redeem them. This seemingly insignificant person he spoke with, a sinful woman among a sinful people, became the first in the nation (the first ever) to hear from Messiah himself that he had come.

No wonder she didn’t care what anyone else thought as she spread the word. The Messiah of the world knew and loved her. Nothing else mattered.

__Known__

To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. – Tim Keller

This form of generosity our God and Father offers us through Jesus is extreme and immeasurably kind. It is the same kind of generosity he offered to the woman he met in Sychar. And we don’t talk about its value enough.

Romans 5:6-8 says that while we were ungodly, unrighteous, sinners, totally powerless to do anything about it, Jesus died in our place. Why? That was the only solution that could save us and satisfy God’s wrath toward sin.

But then, instead of being disgusted with us because of what he had to do, Jesus does the unthinkable. He invites us into his family, into a loving relationship in which we will be known by him. We are offered relationship with the Messiah, the Creator of the world. In any other religion, it is unthinkable that God and man could be family, could each offer themselves in intimate relationship, to know and be known. Yet this is exactly his generous offer to us.

- *“If anyone loves God, he is known by God.”* – 1 Corinthians 8:3
- *“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”* – James 4:8
- *“He rewards those who seek him.”* – Hebrews 11:6
- *“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. [But] when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”* – 1 John 3:1-2
- *“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”* – 1 Corinthians 13:12

Brothers and sisters, let us rest today in this grace. Contemplate the unfathomable generosity of a perfect and holy God offering himself not only *for* us but *to* us. Oh, how much we are loved. How wonderful and how generous is our God!

__Knowing__

*“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.”* – Psalm 73:28

If the woman from Samaria had been listening to the songs of the nation her people hated, she would’ve heard these words. She would have seen herself in them. That day, she drew near to God, and Jesus became a refuge for her. Then, she began to tell everyone she knew.

John 4:39 says that many Samaritans of that city came to believe because of her testimony. These people – separated, geographically isolated, and culturally ostracized from the Jews who lived north and south of them … These hated people could’ve gone the rest of their days never knowing the Messiah if he had avoided them to get to Galilee.

But he didn’t.

As we are transformed by the renewing of our minds with Scripture, and as we are conformed to the image of Christ, doesn’t it make sense that we will become people who love like Jesus did – in spite of our flaws, in spite of the sins from which he would rescue us? Could we become a refuge for the unloved? Could we offer them close relationship? There is no more personal gift and no relationship more likely to move them further along the path to salvation. No greater generosity than to become like Jesus for the sake of bringing them to him.

Could we do it even if they were unpleasant, had a bad reputation, were even *known* for their sin? Isn’t that what he did for some of us?

__Jesus knew the Samaritan woman the moment he saw her. He loved her. He let her know him. And in the span of this this short interaction, he brought her (and her people) eternal life. Let us find a way to go and do the same.__

__[Image](https://www.ncfgiving.com/stories/the-generosity-of-knowing/)__ used with permission

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Passions

We may not realize how unusual it is in religion for a deity to befriend humans, but this is the invitation from God.

The Generosity of Knowing

__Earlier this year, I heard a message that had a profound impact on the way I look at my money. Paul David Tripp was one of many speakers at the Kingdom Advisors conference earlier this year. During his message, he spoke about Ephesians 4:29:__

*"Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need"* (ESV).

What makes this verse so profound is how the verse ends. Tripp explains that we would expect the verse to end with something like, "so that he may provide for himself and his family."

But that's not how it ends. Instead, the verse concludes with, *"so he may have something to share with anyone in need."*

Frankly, this is something I have never thought about. The thief, who has been transformed, is to use his resources to further God's mission. This has a major impact on how we are to view our resources as followers of Christ. As I pondered on this, it led me to meditate on three thoughts on how one of the natural results of transformation is generosity.

__1. Transformation leads to recovering and pursuing the image of God.__

In Genesis 1, we see that man was unique in comparison to all the other creatures. Namely, God made man in his own image. In essence, this gives us status that not even God's angels have. We alone bear the image of God, or the Imago Dei.

As we know, people do not perfectly reflect God's image because of sin. That is why Jesus came. He perfectly reflected the *Imago Dei*, offered himself as the perfect sacrifice, and offers eternal life to all who believe. Not only do we have eternal life in Christ, but we also become new creations in him (2 Corinthians 5:17). As new creations, we seek to recover and pursue God's original design, which is a greater reflection of the Imago Dei.

The *Imago Dei* gives us amazing insight into human nature. For example, because God creates, we also have an innate desire to create. Similarly, just as God cares for the world, we also seek to steward the resources of the world.

If we truly believe all people bear the *Imago Dei*, then it also affects how we relate to others. Namely, we desire for our fellow image-bearers to come into right relationship with their Creator, which leads to my next point.

__2. Pursuit and recovery of the image of God leads to joining the mission of God.__

After the fall of man, God did not stand by idly. He took immediate action by covering Adam and Eve with the skins of sacrificed animals. The rest of the Bible is the unfolding of God's plan to redeem his creation. We call this the mission of God, or *Missio Dei*.

God has always invited his people to participate in the *Missio Dei*. Some wrongly assume that God only cares for the people of Israel throughout the Old Testament. On the contrary, there are multiple references to caring for foreigners (Exodus 23:9), being a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:1-3), and God's desire for praise from all peoples (Psalm 67).

Jesus continues to make known God's love for all peoples. Before his ascension into heaven, Jesus commands his disciples to go and make disciples within their city, their region, and the whole world (Acts 1:8). As people who have been transformed by the grace of God, we must consider how we are to use our resources to participate in the *Mission Dei*.

*As people who have been transformed by the grace of God, we must consider how we are to use our resources to participate in the Mission Dei.*

__3. Joining the mission of God leads to generosity.__

The book of Acts is a personal favorite of mine. Throughout the book, we see numerous examples of self-sacrifice for the sake of the advancement of God's kingdom. This includes those who go as well as those who give generously to both the local church and to missionaries.

I acknowledge that not everyone will go overseas to become a missionary. However, that does not absolve us from participating in the Missio Dei. For those of us who stay, we must ask ourselves what we are to do with the resources entrusted to us by God.

Do we truly believe God deserves the glory from our fellow image-bearers all over the world? Do we truly believe they will spend eternity in hell, separated from their Creator, if they don't repent and believe in Jesus Christ? If so, we must do what is necessary to ensure our neighbors, our community, and our world has the opportunity to hear about what Jesus has done for them. This includes going to them, supporting our local church, and generously giving to those who go in our stead.

__Will you be generous?__

Generosity is a gift from God. It provides us with a way to participate in God's mission, even if we cannot go ourselves. And I get it, giving is hard. It's difficult to relinquish control of the resources we've earned. However, Scripture makes it clear that these resources are not our own. They belong to our King. Therefore, we must ask ourselves what our King wants us to do with them.

Will you use your home to host your neighbors? Will you give abundantly to your church? Will you give to a missionary so they can proclaim the gospel to the unreached?

__There are numerous ways to be generous. But remember, these resources are ultimately God's. Thus, my challenge to you is this: consider how God wants you to use his resources for the advancement of his kingdom.__

__[Image](https://www.christianmoneysolutions.com/post/transformation-that-leads-to-generosity)__ used with permission

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Generosity

There are numerous ways to be generous. But remember, these resources are ultimately God's to be used for his kingdom.

Transformation That Leads to Generosity

__A *USA Today* last week caught my eye: ["Why Americans Plan to Take Social Security Earlier, and Even Leave Retirement Money Behind."](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2023/08/08/social-security-fears-spur-early-retirement-plans/70551333007/)__

Any person who has paid into Social Security and has [sufficient credits](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/credits.html) can apply for retirement benefits as early as age 62 (even earlier in some cases). But waiting to apply at a later age means a significantly larger monthly benefit — 45% larger if one waits until ["normal retirement age"](https://www.ssa.gov/oact/progdata/nra.html) (about age 67) and 77% larger if waiting until age 70.

But most Americans don't intend to wait.

A [new survey](https://www.schroders.com/en-us/us/institutional/clients/defined-contribution/us-retirement-survey/) from Schroders (Schroder Investment Management) found that roughly 90% of not-yet-retired Americans say they will claim benefits before age 70. About 40% won't even wait until their normal retirement age.

It's not because they don't understand that waiting translates into a higher monthly benefit. They do, but are choosing to file early anyway. "The choice to forgo larger Social Security payments is a deliberate one," according to Schroders. "72% of non-retired investors — and 95% of non-retired ages 60-65 — are aware that waiting longer earns higher payments."

The concern that's prompting a "sizeable number" of them to claim early — more than four respondents out of 10 — is that they're uneasy about Social Security's financial soundness and want to receive as much money as possible before benefits are altered.

__From *USA Today:*__

*Forty-four percent [of respondents to the survey] said they were concerned that Social Security may run out of money and stop making payments....*

*[The] Social Security [trust fund] is expected to be depleted in 2033, a year earlier than prior forecasts, the Congressional Budget Office [said](https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2022-12/58564-Social-Security.pdf) in June.*

*"We have a crisis of confidence in the Social Security system and it’s costing American workers real money," said Deb Boyden, Schroders head of U.S. defined contribution. "Fear about the stability of Social Security has people walking away from money that could improve their quality of life in retirement. Many are not even waiting for their full benefit [at normal retirement age] let alone the maximum, which means they will have to create more income on their own, making it even more important to save and invest earlier for retirement."*

It's essential to clarify a point here. The idea that Social Security "may run out of money and stop making payments" — the survey's wording, quoted in the *USA Today* story — is not credible. Whatever may happen with Social Security in 2033, the system will not run out of money or stop making payments. Social Security will continue to take in more than $1 trillion in taxes yearly and pay out more than $1 trillion in benefits.

As [explained](https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/countdown-to-change-social-security-s-deteriorating-finances) in SMI's May issue, the problem is that annual tax revenues are *no longer sufficient to pay all the benefits that have been promised. *For the next 10 years, Social Security's "trust-fund reserves" (hundreds of billions in Treasury Department bonds) will be redeemed to make up the funding shortfall. But by 2033, those reserves will be depleted.

By law, the Social Security Administration can't pay out more in benefits than it receives in tax and bond revenue. So when the current bond reserves run dry, Social Security must reduce benefits or raise revenue — or some combination thereof.

__"Fear" or rational concern?__

Schroders and *USA Today* suggest that "fear" motivates those who claim early because of concerns about Social Security's financial health. Perhaps. But it could be that early claimers are making a rational choice.

In a r[eport](https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/solvency/provisions/summary.pdf) (PDF) issued earlier this year, the Office of the Chief Actuary of the Social Security Administration laid out a series of proposals that could be implemented to close Social Security's massive long-term funding gap. They include:

- Changing the formula for calculating benefits (which would have the effect of reducing benefits)
- An increase in the tax on retiree benefits (essentially the same as a benefit reduction)
- Modifying the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) (meaning the annual inflation adjustment would be less generous)
- More means-testing (perhaps meaning a reduction in benefits for people of greater wealth)
- Raising the retirement age
- An increase in tax rates for both workers and employers

__Making a prudential judgment__

I plan to wait until age 70 to claim because when Congress finally does something about Social Security, it isn't likely to cut benefits for those in (or nearing) retirement. Older people tend to vote in large numbers, and no member of Congress wants to alienate likely voters by reducing their monthly income. At least, I don't think so.

Yet, I sympathize with those who are wary about how Social Security's shortfall situation might play out. Undoubtedly, many near-retirees are deciding to claim early based on reasonable caution, not irrational fear.

__What do you think?__

If you're nearing retirement in the next few years, what's your plan? Claim Social Security benefits at 62? Wait until "normal retirement age" (also known as "full retirement age")? Hold on until 70? Or are you still wrestling with this decision?

Let us hear from you below.

*[Image](https://soundmindinvesting.com/img/asset/Y2xvdWQvc29jaWFsLXNlY3VyaXR5LWFwcGxpY2F0aW9uLTYyNTg3MzYxNi1tb2RpZmllZC5qcGc=?fit=crop-1-98-1&w=1660&h=896&s=6d08e1572ace502fdccc0ed736fb2a90) used with permission. *

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Retirement

Others suggest that "fear" motivates those who claim early because of concerns about Social Security's financial health.

Uncertain About Social Security's Future, Many Opt for Early Benefits

__I’ve gone back and forth in my head as to whether I should write this.__

The plan was to write about something else today. You know, something that relates more closely with our finances, of course. But the Holy Spirit is pulling my heart in another direction…

I’ve probably written about this before: that the closer relationship I now have with Christ didn’t happen until I joined the Set Your House in Order (SYHIO) financial discipleship Bible study back in 2020.

I’d been a believer for 20 years up to that point, but only then did I realize I didn’t truly *know* the Lord like I should have. And I’m glad that now I do.

__However, I sit here very disappointed with myself…__

Although since participating in SYHIO I’ve been filled with more boldness to share with others that I am a Christian, that God is good, to proclaim what He’s done for me and to tell them I pray for them—whether they believe in God or not—in many ways, I have fallen short.

I’m sure (if you are a believer) you can relate that whenever a friend or loved one passes away, it’s sad, of course. But there is comfort when we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they’re going to Heaven. On the other hand, it’s torturous when we know they’re not going there, or when we’re just not sure.

I struggle with that every so often.

I do share my testimonies or words of encouragement with them in hopes that they will choose Jesus, but sometimes, there is still that fear.

The fear that they will get angry with me. The fear that they’ll think I’m some sort of “Jesus freak.” The fear that they eventually may not want to have anything to do with me.

__So, out of fear, I stay quiet and decide not to share what’s on my heart.__

The only problem is… every time someone I know is fighting for their life or passes away, the first thought that comes to my mind is: *I hope s/he was saved.* Then, here come the shoulda, coulda, wouldas…

*I should have tried to invite them to church. I could have prayed with them more. I would have said something sooner, had I known they didn’t have much time left.*

As a believer, part of my job is to be a disciple. To share the good news about God sacrificing His Son for us to be saved and have eternal life. To lay hands on the sick. To baptize others in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (__[Matthew 28:19-20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=NKJV)__). To strive to be more like Christ. To make other disciples. But sometimes, I try to start this job too late…

I’ll never forget the Sunday morning when Pastor Sean, a senior pastor at my church, said to the congregation: “The only thing better than Heaven is getting there and having your family there with you.” But on the contrary, he pointed out how devastating it would be to get to Heaven and not have your family there with you…

Pastor Sean reminds us of this all the time: You don’t become clean and then give your life to Jesus. You give your life to Jesus, and then He makes you clean. He loves and accepts us just as we are, but He loves us enough not to leave us the way we are.

Assure them that they don’t have to be perfect before they come to the Lord. None of us is perfect. We make mistakes. But the best thing about making mistakes is that God is gracious enough to give us a second chance… more than that, really.

__So, where are you going?__

I think that’s the most important question in life.

Will you be spending eternity in Heaven? In the end, that’s what really matters.

And for believers, the next most important question is: *Where are they going?*

Whenever that fear that I mentioned starts to creep back up, I want to do my best to push past it. I think I’d rather risk someone I know and care about getting annoyed with me for telling them about the Lord so they can have the opportunity to be saved than to face the possibility of them not going to Heaven simply because I stayed silent.

If you have not yet accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, it’s never too late. All you have to do is pray:

*Heavenly Father, I choose You. Thank You for loving me enough to send Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins. Thank You for bringing Him back to life. I choose to make Him my Lord and Savior. I ask for Your forgiveness for all of my sins, and I ask that You renew me. I accept Your gift of salvation. From this moment on, I give my life to You to guide me. I love You and thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.*

If you prayed that prayer, I say, welcome to the family, my brother/sister! And I implore you to get connected with a local church. Tell them you have just given your life to Christ and want to find out how you can get baptized (__[Acts 2:38](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A38&version=NKJV)__).

Now, if you were already a believer, I want to reiterate that the most important question in life should be: *Where are they (friends, family and loved ones) going?*

Whenever you have an opportunity, share about the goodness of God in the land of the living (__[Psalm 27:13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+27%3A13&version=NKJV)__). Tell your friends, family, loved ones and strangers alike about Jesus.

Share your testimonies with them when you have opportunities to do so. Love them wholeheartedly. Live your life as an example of who God is.

Tell them Jesus loves them. Show them that they can have the gift of salvation.

__Don’t wait. The next day isn’t promised to anyone. Not even the next hour, minute or second is.__

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The Bible on Money

So, where are you going?  I think that’s the most important question in life.

It's the Most Important Question

__A financial tidal wave is coming and it’s not what you might expect. It’s not about debt— it’s actually a tidal wave of *wealth*.__

You might call it the Baby Boomers’** last hurrah. As they pass away, Boomers will transfer an immense amount of assets to their children. Analysts are calling it “historic,” and our thanks to *The Gospel Coalition* for [reporting](https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/kids-ready-inherit/) on it.

A tidal wave of wealth is really an apt description for what’s coming. It’s estimated that by 2030, the Baby Boomer generation will pass nearly *$68* *trillion* in assets to their children.

Analysts say that by 2030— millennials— those born roughly between 1981 and 1996— will hold *five times* as much wealth as they have today. Obviously, not every millennial will have five times more in assets— that’s a nationwide figure. Still, it’s safe to say that the children of baby boomers will have a great deal more wealth within a few years than they have now.

The question then is, what will they do with it? More specifically, *“*What will *Christian* heirs do with that money? How much will be given to local churches and global missions? The answers, of course, depend on the generosity of future generations.

That’s a cause of concern. By one [estimate](https://pushpay.com/blog/church-giving-statistics/), Boomers and their parents have accounted for nearly 80% of church giving in recent decades. As Boomers pass away, churches are grappling with the loss of their giving.

That loss is only the latest in a decades-long decline in giving. Seventy years ago, religious giving made up 70% of all charitable donations in the U.S. By 2021, that had shrunk to just 27% of all donations.

__As one might expect, the passing of Boomers is having a significant impact on smaller churches, where any loss is felt more acutely, but large churches are seeing the downturn in giving, as well.__

It’s [estimated](https://www.thebanner.org/news/2022/12/report-us-charitable-donations-rose-last-year-but-giving-to-larger-churches-dropped) that the largest evangelical churches experienced nearly a 7% drop in giving during COVID, despite a 4% *increase *in all charitable donations for the period.

It’s not all bad news on the giving front, however. Another study is showing that younger generations do see charitable giving as a priority, even if it means putting off spending in other areas.

This is where Christian Boomers can have a huge impact, by modeling generosity for their adult children. They are more likely to take on the generous traits of their parents and grandparents if those values are clearly communicated. *The Gospel Coalition* gives three ways to do that:

__First, you need to engage with your family.__ Meeting and communicating with family members is a key part of setting up a plan to transfer wealth. Avoid surprises and all heirs should feel included in the process and mutually responsible for its success.

These discussions don’t have to be formal, stiff affairs. They can provide an opportunity for parents and grandparents to express their wishes and share stories about how God provided for them. The older generation can encourage the younger to think about an inheritance in a purposeful way and how it can further the Kingdom, but it has to be done while the benefactors are still living.

__Next, Boomers must actually plan their estates.__ This is the point where values are expressed in money itself and it presents an opportunity for a well-planned estate to carry a legacy of generosity to future generations.

An estate plan can do much more than simply hand out wealth. It can also define a charitable giving strategy and the means for making that strategy a reality. When the plan is in writing, confusion is minimized.

Not everything must be left to the next generation. An estate plan may involve a trust or another form of asset gifting to the Kingdom. These instruments will determine how wealth can support one’s church, or a favorite ministry or missionary operation.

Another item that aging Boomers may want to consider is something called an ethical will. This is basically a document that captures your life’s story, your religious values, ethics and beliefs. It helps to convey those details to future generations.

__The third way the older generation can leave a legacy of generosity is to educate and encourage their heirs.__

Financial literacy is a major problem in the U.S. By some [estimates](https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/living-paycheck-to-paycheck-statistics/#:~:text=Living%20paycheck%20to%20paycheck%20is,until%20their%20next%20paycheck%20arrives.), almost two thirds of consumers live paycheck to paycheck and three out of four are in some type of debt. Leaving large sums of wealth to the next generation could do more harm than good if the heirs are unprepared to handle it.

__Christian Boomers must pass on their wisdom and values, in addition to wealth, to leave a lasting legacy of stewardship and generosity.__

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/faithfi/a-tidal-wave-of-wealth-5952)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

FaithFi

Articles

You might call it the Baby Boomers’ last hurrah. They will be transferring an immense amount of assets to their children

A Tidal Wave of Wealth

__Generosity is the foundation for biblical financial health. So, we save for retirement to protect, support, and accelerate our generosity, even during our retirement years. Retirement is a phase of life that requires careful financial planning and preparation. Without wise preparation, a retirees finances becomes characterized by thin margins instead of generous living. This is why the Bible stresses the wisdom of saving for future needs.__

However, for many parents, saving for retirement takes a backseat to more immediate financial priorities and responsibilities. While providing for their children's needs and creating a better childhood for them are noble intentions, neglecting retirement savings can have serious consequences in the long run. Let’s look at six common reasons why parents often fail to save adequately for their retirement.

__1. Their list of financial priorities does not include retirement.__

One of the primary reasons parents don't save enough for retirement is that their financial priorities are focused on immediate needs. Responsible parents face numerous financial demands, including mortgage payments, children's education expenses, medical bills, and day-to-day living costs. The pressing nature of these expenses often leaves little room for allocating funds to retirement savings. Parents may feel compelled to prioritize their children's well-being and education over their own long-term financial security, inadvertently neglecting their retirement needs.

__2. They are overly focused on the present and rarely focused on the future.__

For parents, living in the present moment is a necessity, but it can also lead to overlooking the importance of planning for the future. Parents may get caught up in the daily routines and challenges of raising a family, losing sight of the fact that they will eventually retire. The sense of urgency to save for retirement might not hit them until it's too late. Without proper foresight and financial planning, parents can find themselves unprepared when they reach retirement age.

__3. They attempt to give their children the childhood they didn’t have.__

Some parents, who may have faced financial hardships or a lack of opportunities during their childhood, strive to provide a better life for their own children. They might go to great lengths to offer their children experiences, opportunities, and material items they feel like they missed out on. This can sometimes lead to overspending, communicating that more stuff equals a better life, and neglecting retirement savings. Parents should find a balance between providing for their children's needs, teaching their children to place their hope in God instead of stuff, and securing their own financial future.

![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_555862bf7c284b01beb199465166d831~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1108,h_746,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/11062b_555862bf7c284b01beb199465166d831~mv2.jpg)

__4. They assume they have more time.__

Time can be both a friend and a foe when it comes to retirement savings. Many parents assume they have ample time to start saving for retirement and delay making financial decisions. However, compound interest plays a significant role in building retirement savings, and starting early can make a massive difference. A little bit of money, plus a lot of time, equals a lot of money. By postponing retirement savings, parents miss out on the potential growth of their investments, which could have provided a more flexible and generous retirement.

__5. They don’t understand how their current financial habits impact their children.__

Parents' financial habits and attitudes towards money can significantly influence their children's current and future financial behaviors. If children grow up observing their parents not prioritizing retirement savings, they may adopt a similar approach to their own finances. This lack of financial education and role modeling can perpetuate a cycle of insufficient retirement planning and financial insecurity.

__6. They don’t understand how their future financial health will impact their children.__

Parents might not fully comprehend the potential consequences of inadequate retirement savings on their children's lives. If parents don't have enough savings to support themselves in retirement, they may end up financially dependent on their adult children. This situation can place a significant burden on the next generation, potentially hindering their own financial aspirations and goals.

Parents face various challenges when it comes to saving for retirement. The demands of the present, the desire to provide for their children, and a lack of awareness about the impact of their financial choices can all contribute to inadequate retirement planning. However, it's crucial for parents to recognize the significance of securing their own financial future to avoid becoming a burden on their children and to ensure a flexible and generous retirement. By striking a balance between current responsibilities and future needs, parents can take control of their financial well-being and provide a positive example for their children to follow.

*[Images](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_555862bf7c284b01beb199465166d831~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1108,h_746,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/11062b_555862bf7c284b01beb199465166d831~mv2.jpg) used with permission. *

By striking a balance between current responsibilities and future needs, parents can take control of their finances.

6 Reasons Parents Don’t Save for Retirement

__Christians don’t like to agree on much, but I think we can all agree there are few things as hotly debated in churches as:__

- women’s role in the church and/or leadership
- tithing or giving financially to the church

And lucky me, I get to work as a woman in ministry __*and*__ in the world of biblical and financial stewardship. Call me a lover of opposition.

It’s no easy task trying to get people to understand the beauty of giving and generosity. Giving is an expression of worship, an invitation to partner with God in everything. It requires you to “place your bet” on the work of God over the physical comfort of predictability. Many of us have felt the discomfort of calculating the amount of money God has deemed his tithe and tried to do the math on how that would impact our wallet. There are times it may hurt, but it makes us face a powerful question: __*do we really trust God?*__

__Why is it so *hard* to give?__

Believe it or not, I don’t think the answer is greed or hard-heartedness. Stewardship and generosity just have not been taught well enough in churches today. Pastors tend to bend in one of two ways: they either turn to the message of generosity when there is a financial need in the church, or, they avoid the topic altogether.

Jesus spent a significant portion of his ministry bringing to the attention of his followers the pull of wealth and riches on the human heart. Here are just a few of his powerful one-liners:

- *'I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”* [Matthew 19:24](https://my.bible.com/bible/116/MAT.19.24)
- *'Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. '* [Matthew 6:21](https://my.bible.com/bible/116/MAT.6.21)
- *'The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. '* [Matthew 13:22](https://my.bible.com/bible/116/MAT.13.22)
- *'Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”* '[Luke 12:15](https://my.bible.com/bible/116/LUK.12.15)

__Money and wealth has the potential to bind up the human heart, just as the thorns in the parable of the sower choked out the plants as they grew.__

When pastors ignore this area of discipleship, it allows people to become complacent in this area of their lives. It’s easier than ever to be pulled away to chase after the materialistic things of this world. We are baited every day by thousands of ads curated just for us. Like the adulteress Solomon warns us of in Proverbs, __money and what it can buy__ is the ever-tempting threat that wants to drag us down into the pit of debt, depression, and shame. It’s ever lurking, and not only does it wreak havoc on our family and finances, but it devastates our relationship with God.

On the other end of the spectrum, pastors who only preach about giving and generosity when they are trying to raise funds through a capital campaign or other financial need become a deterrent to generosity. __There is so much mistrust in the church and how it spends funds, that giving is completely misunderstood as an obligation to the church rather than a sacred act of worship.__ People are so guarded and hesitant to give because their focus is outward, on where the money is going, rather than why they should give.

__There are a million reasons *not* to give, but what are the reasons *to* give?__

Giving financially to the church is a thorny subject that pokes a lot of hearts. People are quick to come up with a reason why giving is irrelevant, unnecessary, or corrupt. Have you ever taken time to think of reasons to give? Perhaps the Holy Spirit keeps bringing it up to you because he wants to do a work in your heart. __Undeniably, if you believe the Bible and the words of Jesus, the issues of money are an issue that is worked out in our hearts.__ Jesus didn’t ask the rich young ruler to change his behavior, because he had obeyed all of the commandments; he asked him to give everything because __*his heart was wrapped up in his wealth.* __Did Jesus ask him to give to the poor because it would help the poor, or was it because it would impact the man himself?

*'Jesus told him, “If __you__ want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and __you__ will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”* ‘ - [Matthew 19:21](https://my.bible.com/bible/116/MAT.19.21)* (emphasis added)*

__Giving isn’t about the gift; it’s about the giver.__

One day, we will all stand before the throne of God and give an account for our lives. God won’t ask you whether the gifts you gave to the church were well managed; he will ask you what __*you*__ did with the things you were entrusted with.  Our prayer for you is that you will learn to understand the depths of God’s heart for you as it relates to giving and generosity. God doesn’t want to take money from you, he wants your heart to be closer to his.

__For Further Reading__

[Five Ways Budgeting Makes your Life Easier, Not Harder](https://www.faithfi.com/christian-stewardship-network/5-ways-budgeting-makes-your-life-easier-not-harder-5888)
[Seven Reasons to Offer Estate Planning at your Church](https://www.faithfi.com/sound-mind-investing/seven-reasons-to-offer-estate-planning-at-your-church-5745)
[Unconventional Ways Churches Can Inspire Generosity ](https://www.faithfi.com/christian-stewardship-network/unconventional-ways-churches-can-inspire-generosity-5744)
[Biblical Financial Principles and 5 Practical Steps to Live by Them](https://www.faithfi.com/christian-stewardship-network/biblical-financial-principles-and-5-practical-steps-to-live-by-them-5661)
[The Importance of Financial Habits](https://www.faithfi.com/christian-stewardship-network/the-importance-of-financial-habits-5660)

. . .

*If you're a pastor or spiritual leader, consider joining our CSN community. We are a group of passionate Christ-followers with a burden to teach and equip God's people with God's financial principles so they can live purpose-filled and generous lives. [Sign up for our mailing list](https://mailchi.mp/christianstewardshipnetwork.com/signup) to get new content from CSN directly to your inbox!*

We teach church leaders the biblical perspective on finances.

Christian Stewardship Network

Blog

Christians don’t like to agree on much, but I think we can all agree there are a couple of more hotly debated topics.

Why is it So Hard to Give?

__Crazy things happen regularly. Unexpected things. Unimaginable things. Often, such things are expensive. And without fail, they happen at inconvenient times.__

I suppose the most surprising thing about surprising things is that they so often take us by surprise.

As John Jennings wrote in his book, *The Uncertainty Solution*,

“The highly improbable happens all the time…. Being surprised by unlikely occurrences can leave us unprepared both in our portfolios and in our lives.”

Last week, just a couple of days before my family was set to take a five-hour road trip, I noticed what looked like a pebble in one of our car’s tires. But it wasn’t a pebble; it was a screw. At first, I was surprised. Then I was frustrated at the inconvenience. But then I thanked God for helping me notice.

At a car repair shop the next morning, hoping the tire could be repaired inexpensively, I was surprised and disappointed to hear the mechanic tell me that the location of the screw meant that a repair might work and it might not.

It was frustrating to think of having to replace the tire in order to have peace of mind in taking the car on our road trip, and it was even more frustrating to realize that you really need to replace two tires at a time. Soon enough, though, I was thankful to have enough money in our car maintenance and repair fund to pay for two new tires.

Far worse than my unexpected, inconvenient, and expensive car repair, a good friend’s father-in-law died suddenly last week. Aside from the emotional toll, one of my friend’s take-aways from the experience was, “Make sure you have your affairs in order.” Apparently, his father-in-law did not, and already that is taking an additional toll on his family.

__Striking a balance__

Don’t you love how practical the Bible gets in its teaching about life and money? For example, it tells us in no uncertain terms to expect times of trouble.

*“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”* – [Proverbs 22:3](https://biblia.com/bible/niv/Prov%2022.3)

And it instructs us to maintain a reserve.

*“The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.”* – [Proverbs 21:20](https://biblia.com/bible/niv/Prov%2021.20), TLB

By the same token, God’s most frequent command is, “Do not fear.” The challenge, then, is to be wise in preparing as well as we can for times of trouble by maintaining an emergency fund and adequate insurance (and having our estate planning documents in order!) while at the same time not living in fear that at any moment something bad is going to happen.

__The market in surprises__

There’s a lot of application here for us as investors. With great regularity, the market behaves in surprising ways. Of course, it isn’t really “the market.” It’s investors reacting to world events. And there are plenty of surprises in the world.

Even if you zoom out and look at world events over the past 100+ years by the decade, as Chad Gordon documented in his book, “Wealth by Virtue,” each one had its share of major market-moving events, many of which came as complete surprises:

- 1920s – The Great Depression begins
- 1930s – Germany invades Poland
- 1940s – Pearl Harbor, nuclear bombings in Japan
- 1950s – The Korean War
- 1960s – JFK, MLK, and RFK assassinations, Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War
- 1970s – Vietnam, Watergate
- 1980s – Falklands War, Iran-Contra scandal
- 1990s – Persian Gulf War
- 2000s – September 11th terrorist attacks
- 2010s – Boston Marathon bombing
- 2020s – COVID-19 pandemic

What’s an investor to do?

__1) Take the long view.__ As the Bible says,

*“Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty.”* - [Proverbs 21:5](https://biblia.com/bible/niv/Prov%2021.5), TLB

On any individual trading day, there’s about a 50-50 chance that the market’s return will be positive. In other words, in the short-term, there’s a lot of noise. However, the longer the time horizon, the more the odds move in your favor.

__2) Understand that the market moves in cycles.__ Bull markets are followed by bear markets, which are followed by bull markets, and on it goes. Historically, bull markets have lasted longer than bear markets and they’ve added more value than bear markets have taken away. We shouldn’t be surprised by bear markets, nor should we fear them.

__3) Use an objective, time-tested investment process.__ As I saw in a blog post from Mike Repczynski the other day,

*“Motivated reasoning is a pervasive tendency of human cognition.... People are capable of being thoughtful and rational, but our wishes, hopes, fears and motivations often tip the scales to make us more likely to accept something as true if it supports what we want to believe.*

*The value of quant work is that there is no motivated reasoning. A trend is either up or down. A signal is yes or no…. There is a belief — a belief in the system.”*

__Eyes up__

In managing money, as in life, there’s a certain living in the tension that’s required. We understand that bad things will happen, but we don’t let fear get the best of us. We take prudent precautions, but most of all, we live with confidence and joy because our trust is in the Lord ([Psalm 20:7](https://biblia.com/bible/niv/Ps%2020.7)).

What have you found helpful in striking the balance between knowing that bad things will happen and living with peace?

*[Image](https://soundmindinvesting.com/img/asset/Y2xvdWQvaXN0b2NrLTE1MjE4MjAzMy5qcGc=?fit=crop&w=1660&h=896&s=a9c5b4d5c641813a63463ba02ae8aef7) used with permission. *

Personal Finance

Crazy things happen regularly. Unexpected things. Unimaginable things. Often, such things are expensive.

Expecting the Unexpected

__Should you pay off your mortgage? In some circles, this simple question can create significant debate. For many homeowners, the mortgage loan has a relatively low interest rate, leading some to question whether additional money is better put toward investment vehicles that provide a higher rate of return.__

Paying off your mortgage may not be the most glamorous investment strategy, but it comes with numerous benefits that can significantly impact your financial well-being, overall quality of life, and generosity. Let’s explore six compelling reasons why paying off your mortgage can be a wise financial decision.

__1. Return isn’t everything.__

When discussing financial health, people often focus solely on returns. However, financial health goes beyond return on investment. Return is not unimportant, but it is not always the most important, depending on your financial situation. Cash flow, peace of mind, and increased generosity also matter. Paying off your mortgage can increase each of these aspects of financial health.

Regarding investments, it's equally crucial to consider the risk associated with those investments. The stock market and other investment options come with inherent risks, and their returns can be unpredictable, especially in turbulent economic times.

Paying off your mortgage, on the other hand, offers a guaranteed return in the form of reduced interest payments. By eliminating the interest burden, you essentially earn the mortgage interest rate in savings. This predictable and risk-free return can be a powerful aspect of your overall financial strategy.

*When discussing financial health, people often focus solely on returns. However, financial health goes beyond return on investment.*

__2. Reduced interest paid.__

Mortgages often span several decades, resulting in substantial interest payments over the loan's lifetime. By paying off your mortgage early, you can significantly reduce the total interest paid, potentially saving tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. These savings can then be redirected towards other financial goals, such as investing, saving for retirement, funding your children's education, and living more generously.

__3. Increased cash flow.__

When you pay off your mortgage, your monthly housing costs drop dramatically. Without the burden of mortgage payments, you will have increased cash flow at your disposal. This extra money can be used to bolster your generosity, invest in other assets, or simply improve your quality of life.

__4. Increased peace of mind.__

Debt can be a significant source of stress for many individuals and families. The constant worry of making mortgage payments, especially during economic downturns or unforeseen financial challenges, can be overwhelming. By paying off your mortgage, you free yourself from this burden and gain a sense of financial security and peace of mind. You can sleep better at night.

Having a fully owned home provides a safety net, ensuring that no matter what life throws at you, you will always have a place to live. This peace of mind is invaluable and can positively impact your overall well-being.

*Having a fully owned home provides a safety net, ensuring that no matter what life throws at you, you will always have a place to live.*

__5. One of retirement’s largest expenses is eliminated.__

Retirement is a phase of life that many people look forward to, but it also comes with its share of financial challenges. Housing costs, including mortgage payments, can be one of the most significant expenses during retirement. According to some studies, housing payments can consume one-third of a retiree’s income. By paying off your mortgage before retirement, you eliminate this major financial burden, allowing your retirement years to be some of the most generous, Kingdom-advancing years of a person’s life.

__6. Increased capacity to live and give generously.__

Financial freedom through a paid-off mortgage opens doors to live more generously. Without the obligation of monthly mortgage payments, you can allocate more resources to Kingdom causes or support others in need.

While it may be tempting to focus solely on investments with high returns, it's essential not to overlook the significant advantages of paying off your mortgage. Reduced interest payments, increased cash flow, and the elimination of one of retirement's largest expenses are just a few of the financial benefits. Beyond that, the peace of mind and increased capacity to live and give generously are intangible rewards that can bring immense joy and satisfaction to your life. So when you get to Money Milestone 7, consider making paying off your mortgage a priority in your financial journey.

__[Image](https://www.christianmoneysolutions.com/post/6-reasons-to-pay-off-your-mortgage)__ used with permission

Debt

Should you pay off your mortgage? In some circles, this simple question can create significant debate.

6 Reasons to Pay Off Your Mortgage

__What 1 Timothy 6:9-10 Has to Say to Entrepreneurs__

It’s ironic that “The Midas Touch” is one of the highest compliments in modern business culture.

Originating in Greek mythology, the “Midas Touch” belongs to King Midas, who, through a genie-like god, is granted one wish. Midas wished that everything he touched would turn into gold, giving him unlimited wealth.  Likewise, in today’s modern culture, the Midas Touch references a businessperson who tends to turn everything they touch into gold – i.e., a success.

But King Midas’s story doesn’t end there. As the king goes about turning twigs and roses into gold, he returns to his palace for a meal. There, his thrill turns to dread as his golden touch prevents him from eating or drinking. The pinnacle of the story occurs when the king touches his own daughter and realizes he wished for something that would become his own demise. Fortunately for Midas, his new talent is reversible.

Hence the irony of the compliment. Modern business culture views the golden touch to be a desirable skill. But that viewpoint omits the part of the story where that very skill would lead to Midas’s starvation, apart from the golden touch being reversed. It would be much more fitting if the Midas Touch were a warning: wealth and success can be a blessing, but the love of it can be deadly.

1 Timothy 6:9-10 says, *“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”*

It’s important to point out that Paul doesn’t say *“money is a root of all kinds of evil”* but rather *“[the love of money](https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/blog/letting-go-of-prosperity)”* is. There is a key distinction between the two.

__GOOD USE OF MONEY__

Money is a blessing and can be used for many good things. It can be used to provide for yourself and your family, for the enjoyment of travel or entertainment, and for generous giving to those in need or ministry/charitable endeavors. Money can be used as capital for a business to start or grow, by adding new products or services (and, by extension, value to consumers). It can provide employment and job satisfaction to the community and a return to shareholders.

In fact, the generous and business use of money provides a [great opportunity to expand the spread of the gospel.](https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/session-7-ministry-in-deed)

__BAD USE OF MONEY__

The contrary can also be true. Money can be used poorly. There are obvious indulgences that would bring shame to ourselves and God. But the less obvious, and possibly just as dangerous, is how money can allow us to feel – self-sufficient. Money can give us [a false sense of control over our lives](https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/blog/the-only-thing-we-can-control). As we accumulate wealth, we not only can take care of our needs but also many of our wants. In and of itself, that is a good thing. But in this, there is a tendency to forget who the provider really is.

There is a tendency to believe that “my” work earned this or that “my” business produced this.

Because of this, it becomes easy to believe that we succeed on our own, that we provide for ourselves, that we do not need anyone, or treacherously, God. He warns us of this concept in Deuteronomy 8:17-19: “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. And if you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish.”

__THE PURSUIT OF SOMETHING GREATER__

So, if money can be [used for good](https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/blog/creating-a-culture-of-philanthropy) or evil, how then do we discern our own use? What is our application?

Consider this: money is a tool, a means to an end.

It also provides a microscopic view into our hearts. Reflecting on our capital allocation reveals our true heart’s desire. Is it for God, or is it for self?

The rest of 1 Timothy 6:11-12, provides guidance. “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” In short, our capital, work, and wealth should be a tool in pursuit or a reflection of these, ultimately to the glory of God.

A few weeks ago, the FDE podcast honored the late Dr. Tim Keller, quoting him at a Sovereign Capital LP meeting: “Rejoice not that your name is written in the “Midas List,” rejoice instead that your name is written in the Book of the Lamb. Let your identity be as a beloved son of the Most High God that died for you so that you might be reconciled to him with the joy and gratitude that comes from that gift. Return to the altar with your meaningful form of worship.”

In the wake of modern culture worshipping the “Midas Touch” and the “Midas List”, faith driven entrepreneurs and investors should take it as a warning, remembering that our identity is rooted in the Lord Jesus Christ, who gives us an eternal joy that he gives graciously. It is not in material wealth or worldly success that leaves us feeling empty and vulnerable when trials come.

Therefore, seek the kingdom of God first, and if success and wealth come from entrepreneurship, it is for His glory, not ours.

What do we do with money? That’s a great question. Share your questions in an upcoming entrepreneur group in your city. Browse our group directory to filter by location, format, and industry. We look forward to connecting.

*[Image](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a30b5abdc2b4ab3bb9fc264/ec1ad109-1bd4-467f-b13e-3a62c8f09c2f/midas.jpg?format=2500w) used with permission. *

Faith Driven Entrepreneur is a movement dedicated to gathering one million Christ-following entrepreneurs and equipping them, so they can fulfill their call to create and transform the world around them.

Faith Driven Entrepreneur

Read the latest articles from Faith Driven Entrepreneur

It’s ironic that “The Midas Touch” is one of the highest compliments in modern business culture.

The Midas Touch and Love of Money

__Chances are, you want “the good life.” And even if you’re not quite sure how to define the good life, you know you’d like to experience it. After all, who wants to live “the bad life”?__

Google “the good life.” There we’re told, “Make lots of money, spend it on yourself, and you’ll be happy. Then you’ll be living the good life!”

That’s a lie. Yes, we all need food, clothes, and shelter. But once our basic needs are met, money often stops helping us and starts hurting us.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus told us that parting with money to help others actually brings us more joy than holding on to it for ourselves.

In other words, generosity is the good life.

Deep down, we all know we can spend every last cent on ourselves and still end up miserable. What Jesus calls us to do is far more radical and satisfying: love others by giving away our money and time. That sounds like loss, not gain, right? Yet in God’s economy, that’s exactly how we expand and enhance our own lives.

The Bible shows that anything we put in God’s hands is an investment in eternity. That doesn’t just mean that our giving will bring us good someday in Heaven. It will also bring us good here and now—while it does good for others. That’s why the good life is inseparable from generosity.

Living the good life is far better than you could ever imagine. And because of Jesus, it’s absolutely possible for you—regardless of your income—to experience it.

__Where Does the Good Life Begin?__

To understand what constitutes the good life, we need to grasp where life comes from and where it’s going.

God is the eternal source of life. He gave human beings *“the breath of life”* ([Genesis 2:7](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Gen%202.7)), and He designed the first people to experience communion with Himself, the living God. He walked with Adam and Eve as they enjoyed a life-giving and delightful relationship. Then they sinned, disobeying God’s one simple rule ([Genesis 3:8](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Gen%203.8)). While Adam and Eve’s physical death came gradually, the end of their life-giving spiritual relationship with God was immediate.

Jesus died, then rose from the grave, ensuring the ultimate death of sin and the defeat of death itself. His resurrection gives us life ([Romans 4:25](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Rom%204.25)). In fact, His resurrection is the basis for God moving us from death to life ([1 Corinthians 15:17](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Cor%2015.17)).

Jesus calls Himself life in these four passages:

- the bread of life ([John 6:48](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/John%206.48))
- the light of life ([John 8:12](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/John%208.12))
- the resurrection and the life ([John 11:25](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/John%2011.25))
- the way, and the truth, and the life ([John 14:6](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/John%2014.6))

Jesus is not just a signpost or a compass to life; He is life. He’s not merely a map leading to water or an X that marks the spot where treasure is buried. Rather, He is the wellspring. He is the treasure.

The first step to finding life is clear: we need to place our lives in Jesus’ hands. That’s where eternal life—the ultimate good life—begins.

__Once We Become Jesus‑Followers, How Do We Experience Abundant Life?__

Attempting to experience the abundant life Jesus spoke of while burying ourselves in material abundance isn’t just difficult; it’s impossible. While possessions may be neutral or even fun, it’s too easy to end up trusting our stuff instead of our Savior and suffocating under the accumulation.

If abundant stuff equaled the abundant life, wealthy unbelievers wouldn’t need Jesus. Materialism puts makeup on the corpse, but it’s still dead. Jesus redirects us from death disguised as life to true abundant life. He says He came into the world to give us *“a rich and satisfying life”* ([John 10:10](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/John%2010.10), nlt) or *“life to the full, till it overflows”* (amp).

*“Give, and it will be given to you,”* *Jesus said.* *“A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap”* ([Luke 6:38](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%206.38), niv). The more we give in Christ’s name, the more His life flows into us. And the more life flows into us, the more that life flows out to others.

When will we take hold of that abundant life? Not after we die, but after we give! In fact, after each gift. While the treasures Jesus and Paul spoke of ([Matthew 6:19-21](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matt%206.19-21), [Philippians 3:7-11](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Phil%203.7-11), [Colossians 3:1-2](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Col%203.1-2)) await us in Heaven, attaining the true life happens here and now.

Our investments that result in treasures in Heaven have an expressly stated purpose: “so that” we can take hold of Jesus’ gift of abundant life. Of course, that’s not the only purpose. We give because we love God and people. But [1 Timothy 6:19](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Tim%206.19) also tells us to grab hold of the good life here and now. We don’t need to wonder how to do this. God directly tells us it’s by generous giving.

By giving generously of our money and possessions, we’re able to open our hands to receive the abundant life God has for us.

__How Can Giving Become an Adventure?__

While it’s wise to do most of our giving in a thoughtful, planned way, there’s certainly a place for spontaneous giving. But even unanticipated giving is not ultimately random if you believe in a sovereign God.

One afternoon, I left my credit card with the cashier while I ate pizza and told her to use it for whoever came in next. As I saw the stranger smile, this thought came to me: God has me here today, not for a random act of kindness, but to fulfill His ancient plan and purpose. He prepared in advance for me to buy lunch for this man at this place and time.

Okay, you might be thinking, I understand that giving to others can bring happiness and even a wonderful sense of adventure to my life. But is there really any benefit beyond that initial good feeling I get when I help someone?

Your role in God’s Kingdom is not only as a son or daughter of the King but also as an investor, an asset manager, and an eternal beneficiary. Your reward may include the privilege of being a ruler in that Kingdom—a king or queen serving under the King of kings ([Daniel 7:18](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Dan%207.18), [27](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Daniel%207.27); [Luke 19:17](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%2019.17)).

Who would dare to think such a thing possible—that we creatures of dust can make choices in this life that result in eternal gain? Jesus said it: when we give to eternal causes the treasures we would otherwise lose, the heavenly treasures we gain will remain ours forever!

__What Are You Waiting For?__

*“Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom”* ([Psalm 90:12](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ps%2090.12)).

We simply cannot say yes to God’s promises of overflowing abundant life without simultaneously and consciously saying no to the false claims of the one whom Jesus called *“a liar and the father of lies”* ([John 8:44](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/John%208.44)). Giving helps us do exactly that.

Since Satan is a chronic liar and is bent on robbing us of the good life in Jesus, it’s likely that the moment you leave this page, you’ll be tempted to forget how God might have prompted you to respond. Jesus tells us to be generous and eager to share right now, in the present. If you wait until you have no doubts or worries, you’ll probably never take that next step. But if you do take that step by faith, you will find it exhilarating. Ultimately, giving is the healthiest and most joy-saturated addiction you’ll ever experience.

Don’t let the devil whisper rationalizations to keep you from a transformed life. Don’t let him convince you that it’s better to hold tight to what you have. And don’t let him tempt you to think, Sure, someday when I make a lot more money, then I’ll start giving. If you buy into that, it will simply never happen.

While our adversary argues that giving will rob us of the good life, Jesus tells us the truth: giving generates the good life. Now the only question is, whom will we believe?

Jesus makes it clear that the abundant life consists not in material abundance but in the life-giving spiritual abundance found only in Him. Eternal and abundant life begins in this world when we come to Jesus, the ultimate giver, and continues as we become more like Him.

__I assure you that once you experience the good life, the abundant life, the generous life, you will never want to settle for less. Life will never be the same—nor will you want it to be!__

*[Image](https://www.epm.org/static/cache/d7/5f/d75f741c65ab21c307db10b981608933.jpg) used with permission. *

Eternal Perspective Ministries, founded and directed by author Randy Alcorn, is focused on investing in what lasts for eternity, and helping others to do the same.

Eternal Perspective Ministries

Chances are, you want “the good life.” Even if you’re not quite sure how to define it, you know you’d like to have it.

Your Invitation to the Good Life—the Only Life Worth Living

__This fall, for the first time in three and a half years, millions of people with federal student loans will once again have to make payments. Such payments were suspended without interest in March 2020 as part of a sweeping COVID-relief package. Interest will start accruing again on Sept. 1 and loan payments will resume in October.__

__Easy to borrow, tough to repay__

Student loan debt now totals nearly $1.76 trillion, 93% of which is held by the more than 43 million Americans who have federal (as opposed to private) student loans. Federal loans have been relatively easy to obtain, but many borrowers soon found them difficult to repay.

Before the payment moratorium began, more than 6.5 million federal student loan holders were either 90+ days late on their payments or in default, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Under normal circumstances, borrowers who fail to make payments risk having their wages garnished or tax refunds withheld by Uncle Sam. However, the White House has announced plans to give struggling borrowers a 12-month “on-ramp” that will temporarily remove the threat of default or harm to one’s credit score if they fail to make on-time payments.

While President Biden had hoped to go even further by forgiving hundreds of billions of dollars in remaining balances, the Supreme Court struck that down. At press time, the president announced a new smaller loan forgiveness program, but it was unclear if and when that program might be approved.

If you have a student loan, two plans that *could* move forward are loan consolidation or refinancing.

__Loan consolidation__

Student-loan borrowers with multiple federal loans are eligible to consolidate them into one loan. There is no fee, nor do you have to go through underwriting to qualify. You might even be able to include a loan that’s in default as long as you have a new repayment agreement with your loan servicer. (Borrowers in default should explore the government’s [Fresh Start program](https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/default-fresh-start).)

If you consolidate, your new fixed interest rate will be a weighted average of the loans being combined. To estimate what your new interest rate and monthly payment will be, gather information about your federal loans and then enter them in an [online calculator](https://studentaid.gov/loan-simulator/).

The primary benefit of consolidation is the simplicity of having just one loan to track and pay. Your monthly payment may be lower too. That’s because consolidating will reset your payoff clock, with the option to extend what was originally a 10-year loan all the way out to 30 years.

While that will lower your monthly payment, it’ll also cost more in total interest by the time the new loan is paid off. However, there are no pre-payment penalties. So, a consolidation loan with a longer payoff timeline may give you the breathing room you need in your monthly budget right now, while giving you the flexibility to make accelerated payments when your financial condition improves.

If you decide to consolidate, you will continue to have access to several programs unique to the federal student-loan program. They include an income-based repayment plan (the Education Department has a new Save on a Valuable Education — [SAVE](https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-plan) — plan that promises to provide the lowest monthly payments of any income-driven repayment plan), [public service](https://studentaid.gov/pslf/) or [teacher](https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/teacher) loan forgiveness, and [deferment or forbearance](https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/lower-payments/get-temporary-relief). Such plans may be beneficial should you lose your job, suffer an economic hardship, or decide to go back to school.

In fact, consolidation may even help you qualify for some of these plans since they are based on your loan balance, which would become higher when you consolidate several loans into one.

You can learn more about loan consolidation and apply at the U.S. Department of Education’s [website](https://studentaid.gov/app/launchConsolidation.action).

__Loan refinancing__

Another option may be to refinance your debt with a private (non-government) loan. You can turn government loans, private loans, or a combination of both, into a single private loan. There are three key factors to consider.

First, whereas many government loans are not based on your financial condition, private loans are. So, whether you qualify — and if so, at what rate — is determined in large part by your income, employment history, how much other debt you have, your credit score, and more. If you have especially high interest rates on your current loans and a strong credit score, you *may* be able to get a lower refinancing rate than the rate you’d get with a federal consolidation loan.

Second, the biggest downside to using a private lender is that if you turn a federal loan into a private loan, you’ll lose access to the government’s income-based repayment, loan forgiveness, and deferment or forbearance plans.

Third, with a private loan, you will be offered your choice of a fixed or variable interest rate. While the variable rate may look appealing, that may end up costing you more over the course of a long-term loan since the rate could rise. Also, refinancing your student debt with a private loan may require a loan “origination” fee, so be sure to ask about that and any other fees.

To further explore refinancing your student loans, contact two or three private lenders to learn about terms.

__Whether you’re considering loan consolidation or refinancing, weigh your options carefully. Once you choose either one, there’s no going back.__

*[Image](https://soundmindinvesting.com/img/asset/Y2xvdWQvbDEtc3R1ZGVudC1sb2FuLW9wdGlvbnMuanBn?fit=crop-47-50-1.1&w=1660&h=896&s=2496b06b6fcf416e8e5322b02dfb1697) used with permission. *

For the first time in three and a half years, millions of people with federal student loans will have to make payments.

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