The most generous country on earth hasn’t sacrificed Christmas, and the Association of Religious Data archives reports that roughly 32% of Santa Cruz County residents remain Christian. Americans donated about 2.3% of GDP in 2007, a world record. In 2000, religious Americans gave almost four times more money to charity as their secular neighbors and volunteered more than twice as often as well, while giving more to family and friends. So modern CFPs have no trouble settling ancient wisdom into modern plans.
Americans often see themselves as a chosen people who tithe from the “first of their produce” believing “your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”—Proverbs 3:9-10. Churchgoers of many faiths outearn and outlive secular neighbors (Researchnews.osu.edu). Generous tax returns encouraged my Christianity.
The Bible contains more than 2,350 verses related to money. Proverbs 24:3-4 says: “By wisdom, a house is built and by understanding, it is established. And by knowledge, the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Biblical authors and early church patriarchs were no strangers to planning as budgeting that makes us accountable stewards of God’s bounty: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”—Luke 14:28.
Since 1945, American consumer debt has multiplied 31 times. Yet Proverbs 21:20 advised emergency funds: “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man squanders his wealth.” Saint Basil advised: “If you are prospering, you have no need of a loan; if you have nothing, you will not repay the loan. Do not give your life over to regret… Let us, the poor, surpass the rich in this one thing, freedom from care.” Today, Christian financial planner and radio host Dave Ramsey condemns taking on “debt snowballs” with sound debt reduction strategies.
The Bible praises hard work for food and steady investment that all today might emulate: “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”—Proverbs 13:11. In a world deluged by advertising and distracted by greed, the Bible advises caution: “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”—Proverbs 14:15. This is not fad investing, but well-considered stewardship.
The “Parable of the Talents” has little spiritual value if listeners see folly in its secular advice: The traveler, like God, hands out silver to stewards according to their talents. Upon the traveler’s return, the most entrusted servants doubled the master’s silver with sound investments and received praise and further responsibilities. But the traveler condemned the blaming servant who failed to invest.
“Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s,” says Jesus as forerunner of tax planning. Samuel warned the Israelites of kings who would take a tenth from their vineyards, flocks and grains. Good stewards let financial professionals calculate precisely the minimum Caesar deserves.
Rockefeller left behind all his wealth. His Bible portrays inheritance as transfer of stewardship responsibilities and Financial Life Planners view estates as the “Legacy” of clients, agreeing that our treasures follow our hearts. The Bible could have erased families with charity to all. Yet Jesus chose not to be a Jewish revolutionary or a transplanted FDR. He cared for his mother from the cross and Proverbs 13:22 states: “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children.”
For our own salvation, the merciful God tells us to aid churches and the indigent, but not just by donating old clothing. We must reform our hearts to tithe our treasures! God supplied wandering Jews with Manna and Jesus supplied unlimited wine, bread and fish, all to teach abundance and gratitude that weakens the greed of the rich and desperation of the poor. Friendship with the poor resolves class strife as God gives meaning to the lives of millions. At Christmas, the CFP understands that Christians who want to save their lives: “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
Robert Arne, EA, CFP, MS, of Carpe Diem Financial Life Planning, gives holistic financial advice as his client’s fee-only fiduciary. He serves mostly Santa Cruz Mountain dwellers. These articles must not be read as personal financial, mortgage, tax or investment advice; consult appropriate professionals. Learn more at www.carpediem.financial.
