We believe that there are 5 questions everyone needs to answer regarding their finances in order to know if they are where they need to be financially.  The goal is to be able to answer “yes” to every question.  If your answer is, “no” or “maybe” then you might need to do some homework to make that answer, “yes.”  The 5th of the 5 questions is:  Are you and your family prepared for the impact of death or disability? 

For most of us that is a question we would prefer not to answer but burying our head in the sand does not negate the truth highlighted in this quote:  

One out of one people die.

 - Ron Dunn  

This video is a sobering but encouraging reminder of why the 5th question is so important.

If we are honest with ourselves, we all want our fair share - and sometimes more.  Nowhere is this more clear than in issues that arise over an inheritance.  In this commentary, John Piper takes a biblical look at this issue and rightly challenges where our treasure is and where it should be. This Christmas season we should prayerfully make the same statement as Mephibosheth when it comes to inheritance issues we face …or anything else we own.

One of the challenges we face, especially in Western culture, is our level of affluence that goes far beyond our daily needs.  It is a challenge because we become too distracted with all the things of “life” which ultimately have no eternal significance.  This link takes you to a six minute video that puts a face on this issue with perfect clarity.

A renowned fashion photographer recently took up the challenge of using his gifts for the purpose of advancing the kingdom and ended up developing a series of photographs that capture parables and other spiritual truths.  The collection he has put together is amazing and can be viewed here:  http://www.thejourneysproject.com/

Of all the photographs, there are two that speak powerfully to the relationship we have with our money and possessions.  You can view them here and here.  Be sure to click on the video story for each image which is about a 2 minute commentary.

There is no doubt that the current environment is mentally arduous for most of us and difficult in a very practical way for those who have lost jobs, homes, etc.  An important question for us is, “If God owns it all and is sovereign over our lives what is the purpose of all this?”  In many ways, the specific answer to that question is beyond our ability to know, but in this post on the Desiring God blog there is an outline of 5 possible faith-based reasons for us to contemplate as we experience this recession.

We would do well to consider the implication of these not only in the financial decisions we face but also for the whole of our lives.  To listen to the full sermon you can click here.

Historically the church has the laid the foundation in caring for others. From starting hospitals and caring for the sick to taking in and providing for the widows and orphans in need, the church was the place to turn when help was needed.  This help and service provided a tremendous opportunity for both practical and spiritual care.  These days, at least in American culture, we seem to have become more obsessed with our own affluence on a personal and organizational level than caring for the needs of others.  A daunting question is: What would others not be surprised by when learning more about us?  This story highlights how one person is standing in the gap for another in the midst of a foreclosure.  What is missing from this story was the motivation of the person helping, but when explaining her husband’s response to having made such a radical decision her explanation was simply that “he is used to it.” 

Will someone at the end of our days say they were not surprised by an act of radical generosity on our part, and in fact “were just used to it?”

It is undeniable that we have experienced some type of financial crisis.  To some people it is simply a market cycle, for others we are heading to a depression.  In light of this, many of us are naturally asking ourselves and others what financial decisions do we need to make?  Should we sell all, buy more, stay put, etc… These are certainly prudent and reasonable questions, however we often miss the bigger context in which to view all that is happening around us.

Chuck Colson shares some thoughts regarding our role as Christians in this commentary.  If the idea of having an eternal perspective or that God owns it all is a little unclear, then consider watching this six minute video from John Piper.

The positive story of Clayton Homes stands out in the current subprime mess. A builder and financer of modular homes dealing primarily with the lower income market segment, Clayton Homes has bucked the trend of rising mortgage default rates. Their secret – practice conservative, old fashioned lending.

Their story highlights two big issues in the recent liquidity crisis:  First, institutions originating and selling off bad loans did not have to live with the consequences of their actions. Second, Clayton was careful in who they lent to.

A great take-away for all of us is not to forget that our decision-making (in business, as families, etc.) will be better when we  spend more time considering the cost of financial decisions knowing that we will be personally affected by any negative long- term consequences. 

You have probably heard some version of the story about the fisherman sitting lazily on the bank who was approached by a businessman who explains how he can build a fishing empire step by step.  As the man explains each step in the process, the fisherman says, “And then what?”  After the hard work of building an empire and then selling his large fishing enterprise so he can retire and reap his huge monetary reward, the fisherman asks the final “And then what?”  The businessman exclaims that he can spend all his days lazily fishing - to which the fisherman replies, “That is what I am doing now!”

Most of our cultural conversation around the idea of retirement focuses on that magical date and making sure we have enough money to last.  This USA today article highlights some of the challenges retirees are currently facing.  Retirement sounds good and certainly some downtime is good for anyone, but we were created for purpose (Ephesians 2:10).  Unfortunately, lost in all of that noise, is the simple question – “And then what?”

Conflict in the Middle East, the subprime mortgage issue, the price of oil, etc…  All good reasons to worry. In fact, worrying is a natural part of who we are – and some of us have more of this gift than others!  Here is a great article by Randy Alcorn that puts in perspective what we should really be worrying about.