Where do we draw the line between faith and common sense?

When it comes to the area of saving, many confuse the act of planning with the act of hoarding.   There are both proper and appropriate ways to save and invest portions of our money.  However there is a danger of investing to create financial freedom apart from God.  Where is the line?   It will come down to your heart and where your motives lie.

The motives must still involve God and his direction for your life.  Taking matters into your own hands and relying on wealth alone will open yourself to an ungodly lifestyle.  I have met many strong followers of Christ who believe investing and saving show a lack  of faith in God.  It reminds me of the story:

A man died and went to heaven and when he got to heaven he questioned why God allowed him to die.   Earlier in the day the man had turned on the weather channel and saw that heavy rains and flooding were coming and everyone should evacuate.  The man, being faithful, said, “God will help me” so he did nothing.  The waters came in like a fury.  The flood waters began to rise and he was forced to the second floor of the house.  He saw a boat go by and the two men inside the boat asked if he needed help.   He refused saying that “the Lord will help me”.  So they went on their way.  The waters continued to rise so he was forced onto the roof of the house.  Suddenly a helicopter came by and asked if he wanted a lift.  Again, he refused saying “the Lord will help me” and off the helicopter went.  The man died in the flood and questioned why God would allow a man with such strong faith to die.  Who do you think sent the message, the boat, and the helicopter?

Tug o’ War

There is a strong need for faith but we need to balance this with our God-given common sense.  It is a responsibility for us to provide for our family’s future.  1Timothy 5:8 always comes to my mind:   “Everyone should provide for his own relatives.  Most of all, everyone should take care of his own family.  If he doesn’t, he has left the faith.  He is worse than someone who doesn’t believe”.  Pretty strong words!  We should have faith but also the desire to find ways to provide for our families.   Here are some guidelines to balance faith and common sense:

  1. To be good stewards.  It’s all on loan to us from God.  By learning about the various options that are available to us, we can make the best decisions.   Careful study, prayer, and education are necessary.  If you were buying a car would you buy the first one available?  Most people will do some research, compare features, options, and prices.  You would possible test drive various models and shop different dealers to select the right vehicle.  It involves many steps.   It is the same with investing.  There are several steps you need to take to educate yourself on all of the possibilities so that you can narrow in on the type that is most beneficial.   God expects us to be wise in the area of finance.  If we do not desire to do this, we are expected and commanded to seek wise counsel.  Like the thief who pleads ignorance, the judge will still sentence him as this is no defense.  We are called to do the best with the resources that God provides.
  2. To learn to defer gratification. By saving and investing we are able to delay things that we want today in preparation for tomorrow.  This has been a real sore spot for many.  They wrestle with the faith versus reason battle.  The chicken or the egg?   If we do not save for our futures, we impose on someone or something which drains resources. We also  need to be careful that we are not so close to the edge that we blinding cry out “faith” when reason could solve the problem. At the same time, we cannot take God out of the picture and always claim reason.  By praying and carefully examining our options, we can begin to achieve the correct balance.  Delaying our immediate wants allows God to provide for our needs and prepare us for bigger things to come.
  3. To provide for our family’s needs. (i.e.: college, a home, etc.) As a father, I have the tremendous pleasure of providing for my families, physical, mental, spiritual, and financial needs.  As the sole bread winner, Karen and I decided early in our marriage that when it came time to have children, she would stay at home with them.  This was a clear and easy decision to make.  We wanted that close relationship to be at home until the children went off to school.  As a provider of the family saving and investing allows for me to provide an adequate back-up plan for my premature demise.  I have faith that God would provide, but why drain resources when I can use the skills and resources God provides today to prepare for tomorrow.