Legacy

How much is enough for us? Aligning our financial finish line with God’s Word

As Christians, we embrace change. Our faith changes us, leading us to turn from our own way to the redemptive life found in Christ.

In Ephesians, Paul writes, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV).

Change is a fact of life. The future is difficult to predict because anything can happen. A strong economy may turn weak. Our health may fade. Family members may need financial assistance. How does one plan for an uncertain future? How can we determine how much will be enough?

Changing sails

Remember Jimmy Dean? He was a country gospel singer popular in the ’60s with songs like “Big Bad John.” He was also an actor and hosted his own variety show. Others know him from the popular breakfast sausage.

Jimmy was a man of faith and professed it openly. Blessed by God with a career that spanned decades, he donated $1 million to the university in his hometown of Plainview, Texas. He was familiar with the tides of change and once said, “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”

Like Jimmy Dean, we have all been blessed to lesser or greater degrees. Recognizing God’s gifts, we ask the question – how much is enough? This can be a tough question to answer, knowing that circumstances can change. Of course, prudence teaches us to save and put away for a rainy day, but at some point we may surpass what we will truly need.

How much do you need?

Is $1 million sufficient? Perhaps $2 million? More or less? Here is an interesting question: What is the true value of money if it is set aside but never needed? If the ability to use the money is what gives it value, then is there any value in accumulating beyond what can be personally used?

Read the full story at CDF Capital. 
Up Next

5 questions about money for every family

Read Now
Editor's note: Stories appearing on NCF's website from third-party contributors are intended for informational purposes only, and we do not endorse or approve the content, services, products, or theological teachings they contain. Any questions or concerns may be directed to the original publisher of such third-party content.

Sign up for our
Saturday 7 email digest

Join close to 50,000 subscribers who receive our email digest of
the week's top stories from ncfgiving.com. We call it Saturday 7.

Read our privacy policy

×