Have you, or a family member, ever been the victim of a scam? It can be a terrifying and frustrating event!
Do you remember David’s words in Psalm 118? “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
Though David wasn’t having to deal with professional thieves, this wisdom applies today. The enemy would love to paralyze you with fear of the worst. The media makes it easy to become paranoid about thieves stealing your identity, hacking your computer, or draining your bank account. And though all those are terrible crimes, they’re of this world. And this world isn’t our final destination. We must remember our lives, and everything in them, belong to God. He already has the victory, so we have nothing in this world to fear.
When it comes to protecting yourself against identity fraud, or other scams, there are things you can do to protect yourself.
Start with these:
Most importantly, remember that “greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world!”
Steward your information and accounts well. But also understand that you are a manager, not an owner…we need not fear!
If you want to learn more about what faithful stewardship means, enroll in Crown’s online MoneyLife Personal Finance Study. The 7-week course will look at every aspect of your finances and help you understand what the Bible says about it all. It has already changed the lives of so many people, and I want you to experience the same freedom.
Have you been waiting to make a budget until you make just a little more money?
Maybe you have good intentions to start saving for retirement, but it just hasn’t happened.
Debt has a way of accumulating quickly while we work to develop a plan to pay it off.
Can you identify with any of these? When it comes to our finances, taking the first step is often the hardest. We want to do the right thing, and may even commit to saving, budgeting, making a plan, but then it just doesn’t happen.
Sometimes it’s a result of our fear – the “what if’s” interrupting our drive to make progress. But sometimes it’s just because we overthink things.
If you think more than you do, you may never get your finances in order. Waiting until just the right time delays the process and postpones any progress. Mark Twain said, “The secret to getting ahead is getting started.”
So, DO IT! Today. Tonight. Don’t put it off and don’t let yourself make excuses.
We recommend that if you have credit card debt, you pay it off first. Before you tackle your student loans, car loan, or mortgage, free yourself from the burdens of high-interest rates and credit card debt.
Take the first step by making a plan. The Debt Snowball Calculator makes it easy and you will be encouraged to see how much interest and time you will save! You just enter basic information about your debt (balance, minimum monthly payment, interest rate), and how much extra cash you can put towards it each month ($20 makes a big difference!), and it makes a payoff plan FOR YOU. It will work with all kinds of debt. Not only that, it will save you a significant amount of time and money by “outsmarting” your debt.
And if you have overwhelming credit card debt, you may need a helping hand. Get in touch with Christian Credit Counselors. Their dedicated, professional team of counselors is ready and waiting to help you pay off your credit cards forever.
Many people are intimidated by budgeting, but I promise you can do it. It’s going to help you reach goals, stay on track, and experience rewards. And guess what? You can change it! It’s not set in stone, and no two months are going to be the same, so adjust it here and there as you need.
We know that budgeting can be a big hurdle to overcome, so we made an easy-to-use guide to help you. It’s simple, and you can adjust it to meet your needs. You can use it if you’ve never made a budget before, or if you’ve just fallen off track.
Once you have your budget in place, reaching your savings goals will be easier. Your first goal should be to save $1,000 in an emergency savings fund. Having this cash on hand will help you stay out of debt, and eliminate a lot of stress when those emergencies pop up. Once you have your emergency fund, work towards saving 3 months’ worth of your living expenses.
Look for ways to cut out expenses and spend less on the necessities. Set up an automatic transfer to a savings account. Or, have your employer deposit part of your paycheck into that account. These budget hacks will help you get started!
Giving is not mandated by God – He asks us to give so He can pour out His blessings on us and others (Malachi 3:10). Living a generous life is one of the greatest blessings of financial freedom. When it comes from a grateful heart, not an obligatory attitude, it can change you. Start by giving a tithe to your church and then pray about other areas in which God is asking you to be generous. Remember 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 – God loves a cheerful giver!
If you want to invest but don’t know where to start, seek wise counsel, either from a trusted professional or friend, and set a date to make that first investment. In the meantime, do research online, and talk with those who understand the world of investing. Many people never invest because they’re intimidated, or don’t understand how it all works – don’t let this stop you! Investing is a Kingdom principle, and Solomon gives us wise advice in Ecclesiastes 11 – “Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant, If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.” Solomon is telling us to get in the game and diversify!
Having a written plan, goals, and direction for your finances is so important. God asks us to live as faithful stewards, and that often looks like making sacrifices and taking the first step. In 1st Corinthians 9, Paul said it even better, “I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control.” Today, I challenge you. Do not spend aimlessly. But, discipline yourself and get your finances under control. The Lord will reward you for it.
It’s completely possible to buy affordable, filling, healthy, (even gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or paleo) groceries to prepare delicious, and creative recipes for your family.
The average American family spends 12% of their total income on food, and the average meal “out” costs $12.75. Since food and groceries takes up such a large portion of your budget, we have some tips to get you started! Taking the time to plan meals out and save money can be a great step towards faithful stewardship and financial freedom.
Having a spending plan to know where your money is going each month is a crucial step towards biblical management of your finances (and the first step on Crown’s Money Map).
If you’re working to get out of debt, reach a savings goal, or just get your spending under control, it’s likely that you need to cut out some of the expenses in your budget.
And talk to your children about why you’re making these choices, and have them help you in the kitchen. Use something as routine as dinner to pass on the valuable lessons of planning, budgeting, and cooking.
Here are our favorite healthy meal plans you can make for LESS than $3 a person (and they happen to be gluten free!):
Chicken Fried Rice. This is an easy and basic recipe, and should be a staple for your cheap, dinner recipes.
Salsa Chicken. This one is cheap AND requires almost no work, because it is cooked in the Crockpot. Just put chicken breasts (frozen or thawed) in the crockpot, season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder, and cover with a can of salsa. Let it cook and serve with rice, corn tortillas, or by itself!
BBQ. This is another cheap and easy Crockpot recipe. Put your meat of choice (chicken, pulled pork, brisket) in the Crockpot with a jar of BBQ sauce, let it cook all day, done! Skip the buns to keep it gluten-free, and make extra for leftovers!
Kebabs. This is a handy trick to make chicken (or other meat) last longer. Marinate in your favorite flavor, add your go-to veggies, and grill (or throw in the oven)!
Roasted Cauliflower Salad. This balanced salad comes in at under $2 per serving. Hard to beat!
Thai Quinoa Salad. Add or substitute any veggies you prefer. Since quinoa is high in protein, this is a great option for a meatless night.
Pasta. Pasta is a great go-to dinner to have on hand at all times. To make gluten-free and add some veggies, use spaghetti squash, or make noodles from spiralized zucchini, carrots, or squash.
Lemon Chicken and Green Beans. It’s as delicious as it sounds, and requires minimal ingredients.
Breakfast. Make one night a week breakfast night to mix it up and save money. Breakfast ingredients are usually fairly inexpensive, and you can make a lot of food for a little money.
Leftovers. A HUGE part of saving your grocery budget is embracing leftovers! If you have a big family, maybe this isn’t your reality. But try to buy in bulk to save, and cook extras for lunch or dinner the next day. Or throw your prepped meal in the freezer for another day. Two meals for the price of one is a great budget saver.
Denying yourself the indulgence of not planning, or spending extra on groceries is a big step towards financial freedom. Grocery planning or cooking may seem like a trivial part of our financial journey, but God cares about every detail of our lives, and is honored when we surrender the big and little things to Him.
“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23
If you want to take the next step towards becoming a steward, enroll in Crown’s online MoneyLife Personal Finance Study. You’ll learn what the Bible says about every area of your finances, and how to live as a steward every day.
Finding creative ways to increase your income has become an increasingly important step in navigating the workforce and personal finance. Thankfully, the unemployment rate has decreased to 4.3%, and overall job satisfaction is on the rise. But the workplace is ever-changing, and with all the technological advances and automated changes businesses are making, it’s essential that you add unique and specific value to your company.
It’s important to put these principles into practice for the longevity of your professional career, but they’ll have profound advantages to your personal finances as well. Increasing your income will help you:
Here are our 10 ways you can make more money at work:
A major paradigm shift in the workplace is that employers no longer value employees for their longevity at a company, but instead, value them for their current contribution. Employers want to see your “breadth” and innovation instead of looking for your loyalty and “depth” with them.
Look for ways to make your current job even better, to create value for your employer, and find ways to save your company money and increase their bottom line.
As Christians, we see a direct correlation between using the gifts and talents the Lord has given us to improve the things we’re part of because we know the Lord makes creativity and innovation possible.
Another trend is to have fewer workers doing more work. Having fewer employees on your payroll cuts costs, but can increase the amount of responsibility asked of each employee. Instead of seeing this as something to complain about, see it as an opportunity.
Responsibility is the flashing red light of opportunity in an organization.
If you can bear a heavier burden, you’ll help alleviate the stress of others, and automatically add value to your organization. Ask yourself the question “What can I do?” on a daily basis. Strive to improve efficiency, process automation, and software creation. You’ll likely see a correlation between your increased capacity and compensation.
While overall job satisfaction is on the rise, many people are still unsatisfied, underemployed, and unengaged at work. Even those who experience job satisfaction still question if they’re in the right profession, doing what God created them to do. That’s why we created Career Direct. It looks at your personality, skills, interests, and values to help you fully understand how God created you. Having this understanding will empower you to work to your full potential, and to make a career pivot if needed.
Just about every organization can use people that are multilingual. If you speak more than one language, it will likely result in an increase in your income if you’re currently employed or increased opportunities to find a job if you’re currently unemployed. If you’re between jobs, use the time you have to learn another language. You can find many free programs and resources to get started!
People in their jobs (both those that are happy and unhappy) could improve their current situation if they just got better at what they’re doing. The marketplace is becoming hyper-competitive, so they need to always be on the leading edge of their field. People always want the best in whatever their field is. No matter what you do, get really good at it.
Another major trend is to “make your own job”, or piece together lots of little jobs to create a steady 
income. Consulting, videography, photography, teaching music lessons, removing junk, pet sitting, etc. can be “in-between” jobs, a step to try and supplement income, or become full-time jobs. They can also be great ways to diversify your income portfolio.
The days of working at the same company for 35+ years, having great benefits, and a happy retirement plan are over. Global pressures have caused people to have to look for alternative ways to define their own careers.
A step towards asking for a raise at your next performance review is asking for some more responsibilities now. No matter what your position, find ways to add value and don’t be afraid to ask for ways you can be helpful.
It’s quickly becoming a highly competitive and desirable position. Look for ways to leverage social media to improve your current income and add value to an organization. Also, don’t forget about your personal social media accounts. Whatever you post online is accessible to your current employer as well as future hiring managers.
Most businesses grow through relationships. Your opportunities in life tend to expand equivalent to the number of relationships and friendships you have. People enjoy helping/working with other people they like. If your “likeability factor” improves, your income is likely to improve, or, at the least, your longevity is likely to improve. If you’re friendly, kind, nice, and exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit, you’ll probably see a correlation in your income. Be sincere in your desire to help others. God will use service opportunities to open doors for you. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Christians should be the best employees in the world because we should be oriented to be the servants in our work.
Go to a trade school, get an advanced degree; add to your knowledge in fields that are advancing. You can even take courses from elite universities online through platforms like Coursera or edX. Constantly learn and constantly improve. Understand that you don’t know it all and you always need to grow. You need to be willing to give the extra effort.
We wish you well in your endeavors to increase your income! If you’re unsatisfied at work and are considering a Career Pivot, take this easy quiz. It will help you understand if you’re ready for a change, and steps to take to get there. Remember Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
How is your budget going?
Are you staying organized, saving extra money, and finding satisfaction in knowing where every cent goes each month?
Hopefully, that is how you feel about your budget – or at least, pretty close. It IS possible to have a budget that you love! Truthfully, a budget is empowering – it helps you to control your money, not the other way around. It helps bring order to an otherwise easily chaotic part of life.
Living by a budget exhibits good stewardship as a manager of the resources God has given you, which is why it’s part of the first step on Crown’s Money Map.
But sometimes, we mess up. In fact, I’d venture to say everyone who has kept a budget for more than 6 months has probably not spent every single cent the way they planned. Things come up. Life happens. And sometimes you overspend. It may be just a few dollars here and there, or it may be a big-time “oops” moment.
So what do you do when this happens? How do you bounce back from the overspending to keep your budget on track?
Well, the first thing you should remember is that when you overspend, DO NOT decide that you’ve just blown your budget, so you may as well give up and spend whatever you want for the rest of the month.
If you accidentally stub your toe, you don’t go around stubbing the remaining nine! That doesn’t do anyone any good. Instead, learn from it and don’t run into that obstacle again. Avoid it more gracefully in the future.
So instead, learn from your mistake, adjust, and keep going.
When you overspend, recognize that you have, repent, and try to identify why it happened. Remember that when it comes to your money problems, money isn’t the problem. What you believe about money is. So when you’re identifying why you overspent, identify where your beliefs and behaviors about money didn’t match up, and how to fix it going forward.
We’re not in the businesses of treating only the symptoms of our money problems. Your budget can help you get out of debt, save, and do good things with your money. But faithful stewardship requires us to address the root issues that cause our money problems. If you only address the symptoms, and never let God’s principles transform heart, you’ll never experience the freedom that Christ offers.
A huge benefit of having a budget is you can see where you are overspending and make adjustments to your categories. It’s your budget – it works for you! If you went over in your Eating Out category, see what other areas you can “borrow” money from – maybe it’s Recreation/Entertainment or Groceries.
If you’re consistently overspending in certain categories, adjust your budget to put more money in that category (and less in another). Your budget needs to set you up for success, and if you’re frequently in the red when it comes to your Grocery fund, it may start to feel like failure.
Another effective idea is to switch your payment method to all cash in the categories in which you’re overspending. If you implement the envelope system for any part of your budget, it should help you more clearly see where your money is going to help you cut back.
A budget is not a permanent document; it’s not set in stone. It’s meant to be revisited and adjusted from time to time. Give it the time and attention it needs and your finances will be all the better for it. And you may find that you actually love your budget!
Ever feel like the wrong people always get ahead? The talented, humble, hard workers are often ignored, and those that flatter the boss, or take credit for things they didn’t do, get the promotions, the bonuses, and all the praise. It’s frustrating and can be demoralizing.
When faced with this frustration, many people start considering if it’s time to pursue another opportunity. If you want to better understand if now is the time for you to look at other options, or better understand the way you’re designed to work, take Career Direct. It will help you understand how your passions, personality, skills, and values intersect to make you unique.
One of the things that can make a workplace truly unbearable is dealing with difficult leadership. But you don’t have to take my word for it. This is a question many wrestle with every day but the Bible is not silent on the issue.
Scripture gives us many stories illustrating a Christ-like response to apparent unjust leadership. In the book of Daniel, the prophet deals with three pagan administrators who unfairly rise to prominence by his good work. Or in Luke 18, the parable of the Unjust Judge illustrates God’s sovereign care for us and His promise that justice will be done.
In Psalm 73, Asaph felt looked over and frustrated, writing: “…I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills…This is what the wicked are like — always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.”
Asaph had, in his own words, a bitter attitude from watching the “wrong people” get ahead.
Gallup would agree with Asaph, finding that companies choose the wrong manager 82 percent of the time! As a result of the struggle to deal with incompetent, distant, or even unkind leaders, billions of dollars are lost and only one-third of employees report feeling engaged in their workplace – leaving the rest wondering when will the day end.
But as Asaph continues to reflect on the good fortune of those who are not following the Lord or working honestly, he observes that their successes are short-term because they will not have help when a day of disaster comes. (And difficulties come to everyone.) Meanwhile, for those whose hearts are set on the Lord, there is help from a loving God. Asaph writes, “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.”
Through fellowship with Christ, we have the great gift of God’s help and counsel in the day-to-day struggle. And we know that no matter how bad things seem in the moment, there is a day of reckoning, and frankly, that should lead us to pray for our leadership when we see them headed the wrong direction.
Yet the problem remains that too often companies promote someone who looks next in line, rather than considering whether they have the skills to manage people and projects. That failure hurts all in the company.
The skills of a good manager are rare – Gallup finds that after five decades of study, only one in ten has what it takes to lead.
In 1 Timothy 3:8–13, the Apostle Paul lays out the qualities that churches should look for when choosing leaders in a church. Leaders “should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And they must also be tested first (have some experience – emphasis added); if they prove blameless, then they can serve…”
My advice is first to remember, as Asaph did, that with God on your side, you have a lot to be thankful for.
Second, to learn all that you can in your current work environment to either get promoted yourself or leave for better opportunity.
Consider the advice in Ephesians 6:5-8 given to the slaves at the bottom of Roman society: “Obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”
God’s Word does not instruct us to accept a bad situation as permanent or to believe that circumstances can’t change. He tells us to serve wholeheartedly – offer good work and remember that the One who blesses us is not the same as who signs the paycheck. He is Sovereign and we often are placed under these “wrong leaders” to grow our character and to make a difference just like Daniel or Joseph did in their challenging circumstances.
But I offer a word of caution for those of us who manage; God is watching our stewardship of the people in our care and will hold us accountable for how people and resources are managed. And as Psalm 34:17 notes, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
Would you want to have a boss who acts like you? Do you believe God is pleased with your leadership? Take a minute to consider how God sees your leadership.
There are two extreme financial teachings in Christian camps today: the Prosperity Gospel and the Poverty Gospel. I believe both are wrong.
Those who believe that riches are a sign of God’s blessing advance what is commonly referred to as the Prosperity Gospel. This teaches that you can command God to prosper you financially, that when you give you can expect a larger financial increase in return, and that your spending can be extravagant and carefree. This false theology is in contradiction to the many Scriptural warnings against greed, selfishness, coveting, idolatry, and the love of money.
Luke 16:14-15: “The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.”
First Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
You should be on your guard to identify and reject the teachings of the Prosperity Gospel as well as the other extreme, the Poverty Gospel. This false teaching claims that money and possessions are evil, that rich people are greedy and sinful, that being poor makes you more righteous in God’s eyes, and that spending brings guilt and condemnation.
Proverbs 30:8 instructs us not to seek poverty or riches. “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.”
We can know that the presence or absence of money is not the way we measure God’s blessing. “Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all,” notes Proverbs 22:2.
In Hebrews 11, often called the Faith Hall of Fame, you can read of heroes and martyrs, rich and poor, who made up the fabric of our Christian history.
What made them distinctive were not their bank accounts, but how they obediently used their opportunities to further the work of God on earth.
In fact, of those who suffered the most, the scripture says in verse 38, “The world was not worthy of them.”
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were men of means. King Solomon was said to be the richest king in the world, as a gift from God. In Luke 8:3, it records that rich women supported Jesus’ ministry on earth. And when Jesus died on a cross for our sins, wealthy and well-connected men asked for his body and buried it at their expense. In Acts 2 we read how the early church shared their resources, rich and poor, to take care of all.
God gave us the tenth commandment as a law against coveting. We should not have animosity towards anyone who has been entrusted with greater possessions than us.
When it comes to earthly wealth, God never condemns it or the wealthy but warns that sin enters the equation when money becomes the ultimate goal, the main pursuit of life. First 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 (emphasis added) 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.”
Jesus states in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
There are many more examples, but the point is this: For His purposes, God uses both rich and poor for His work on this earth, noting in 1 Samuel 2:7, “The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and He exalts.”
What should concern the wealthy, however, is how well they are fighting the temptation of arrogance and how well they are using their resources for good. First Timothy 6:17 says, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” Jesus himself talks about how hard it is for the rich to remain untangled by the trappings of their wealth, saying, “For 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.”
In the 16th century, theologian Martin Luther wrote that as a practical matter, there are three conversions a person must experience to be fully committed – a conversion of the heart, a conversion of the mind, and a conversion of the purse.
In counseling people about Biblical financial practices for decades, I know this to be true. Often, it is in the use of our money that we last surrender to God’s ways. Crown has some wonderful resources in a new MoneyLife study to teach God’s financial principles.
Ever heard of a reverse mortgage?
Many retired couples consider it if they feel strained on a fixed income. They’re advertised as a great option, but I’m not so sure.
In fact, many people don’t think they’re a good idea. They’re called “the ugly stepchildren of the home-lending industry” by CNBC, and they may be right. I tend to agree with their analysis that “most financial advisors see the products as a last resort for cash-strapped seniors—and a bad one at that. They are expensive, restrictive and usually don’t provide enough income to help borrowers meet their financial needs for very long.”
Yet another issue reminding us of the importance of saving for retirement early and adequately. At Crown, it’s one of the essential steps on the Money Map. We believe that planning for your future is an integral part of faithful stewardship, and is a wonderful way to honor God and your family.
So when it comes to reverse mortgages, as a whole, they’re not a great idea. However, it’s still useful to consider what they are and how they work, as each person’s financial situation is a bit different.
According to CNBC: “A reverse mortgage enables homeowners of at least 62 years of age to get a lump-sum payment, a stream of payments or a line of credit they can tap based on the amount of equity they have in the property. The amount someone can borrow depends on the value of the home (up to a maximum of $625,500), his or her age and prevailing interest rates. The higher the property value, the older the borrower and the lower the interest rate, the more people can borrow.”
The trouble is that once the equity in your house is gone, a valuable resource is depleted. It is always better to find other solutions to your financial needs, if possible.
Start with building a functional budget to find areas where you may be able to reduce expenses and free up cash. We have many resources and free tools to assist you.
After you have looked at all that is available to you, consider whether selling your home to go smaller might be a better way to free up cash without any obligations to a lender.
And remember, if you take out a reverse mortgage, that doesn’t exempt you from your other responsibilities as a homeowner. You still must keep up the house, the property taxes, and the homeowner’s insurance. Any failure to keep that current can lead to foreclosure. This is a big risk if you are already financially strapped.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also notes: “Most reverse mortgages require you to pay insurance premiums. The insurance is there in case your loan balance grows to be more than your home is worth. With insurance, you won’t have to pay the difference. But, if you only stay in your home for a short period of time, chances are you are paying for insurance you don’t need. If you only plan to stay in your home for a short period of time, the loan balance is less likely to grow to more than your home value.”
Reverse mortgages often mean that your heirs don’t get the house or any resources at your death. While the borrower doesn’t have to make payments on the loan, at the time of their death the loan is to be paid by the sale of the house, which means that your heirs or a surviving spouse (if they are not part of the loan) have to pay back the reverse mortgage or get out of the house.
If you don’t want to leave your home to others or are facing extreme health issues near the end of your life, perhaps a reverse mortgage gives you some financial flexibility. But as a tool for maintaining your retirement years, it is not a good idea. The interest rates are not always favorable, and you can outlive the value in your home.
For many retired people, changing your lifestyle is key to making resources last, especially without new money coming in, and that can require prayerfully considering what you really need versus what you want. Philippians 4:11-13 advises, “I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Ever feel like you’re not quite sure where “the line” at work is?
Many professionals deal with complicated office politics, and often it goes beyond just agreeing with your supervisor or not talking behind their back. I too have found that reckless words at work do far more damage than most folks ever anticipate, whether you are the boss or employee.
For even more people, their dissatisfaction at work can easily spark a nasty comment or harmful insinuation. If you’re unhappy at work, or are considering a career change, take the Career Direct Assessment. It has saved thousands of people from making poor career decisions, and empowered them to make wise career pivots. It could be what saves you from a less-than-ideal exit at your current place of work!
Because to be successful at work, you need to be your own personal firefighter, putting out the flames of poor word choices before they harm or even destroy your reputation and career.
In James 3, the apostle reflects on the great evil that words can unleash, writing in verses 5 and 6: “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
So what is and isn’t ok to say at work? Here’s my list of “don’ts” with some “do” counterparts:
Every time I hear someone begin their sentence with this phrase, I wonder why they chose to qualify the statements I am about to hear as “honest”. These words raise concerns as I tend to privately question if they have not been honest in the past or are not intending to be honest in the future. The Bible makes it clear that we are never to lie, to always be completely honest and that our “‘yes’ should be ‘yes’ and our ‘no’ should be ‘no’”.
It is better to factually state what you have to say, using discretion and discernment of word choice when the subject matter is sensitive. It will help you sleep better at night and give your boss the comfort of knowing you are consistent in speaking honestly.
Before most of us step into a job position, we’ve had a conversation about what our responsibilities will be. Still, making blanket statements about what you won’t do conveys that you are not a team player and have a non-flexible attitude. When faced with a request that might not be part of your official job description, a better approach is to redirect the questioner to the person who does handle that issue.
A good response is “Let me help you get to the right person.” Being helpful when faced with any request is the best attitude at work. Titus 2:7 advises: “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
Resisting change for no good reason will frustrate any employer or supervisor. The goal of a project or initiative is to benefit the company, not enshrine old patterns or systems. When faced with a change that does not make sense to you, seek first to understand.
Ask questions like, “What’s the long-term strategy for this plan? Help me understand why this is better than the system we are using?” In the Bible, we see God using creative people and new approaches when they will be most effective.
In Isaiah 43:19 we read, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” You may actually like the change once you understand how things will work and what the expectations are.
You were hired because someone thought you were the right person for the job. Don’t undercut yourself by presenting your ideas as a possible mistake. Approach your pitch with confidence. Phrases like “maybe we should try” or “I think” are not as strong as “I believe a good approach is this.” Of course you need to do your homework to get your presentation ready for review, but once the work is done, go for it!
I wish I didn’t have to write about this obvious mistake in the workplace, but it is common for employees to complain about their company or their bosses when they have a moment together. But trust me, those words will get back to the powers that be, and those sentiments will multiply, hurting the culture and camaraderie.
If you truly hate where you work, consider a career pivot. Take Career Direct to better understand what career field fits you best. But remember, the people you are denigrating will be writing your recommendation. When others are talking badly about the company, go get some coffee.
Proverbs 10:19 advises restraint, noting, “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
If your first reaction to a request is certainty that it can’t be done, I hope you have a lot of research to back that up. Embrace the challenge of thinking through a difficult task to see what might be done. And when you make a recommendation after looking into
something, be clear about what it might cost and how long it might take to accomplish the goal.
When faced with a nearly impossible task, a good response is “Interesting, I’ll look into it,” and then set a reasonable deadline for when you can report back, so you have time to reflect on the challenge. Remember Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Too many people in a workplace present a prickly persona, making interaction with them a chore.
“Not now” is a frustrating response, as it leaves a colleague wondering when a project can move forward. You may be in the middle of something important, but rather than shutting down conversation, a better response is to set a time for solving the next problem.
Say this, “I promised to finish this first, but how does 3 p.m. (or whatever times works for you) sound?” You convey that you care about your commitments, and you make a plan for the next task. You do have time, but perhaps that time is later. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
I am not the first person to write about the painful impact of gossip on reputations, both on those who are torn apart and on those who use words as a weapon. Eventually, if you are the kind of person who destroys people the minute they leave the room, your reputation will also be in ruins as no one can trust you. Many scriptures warn that gossip is a sin that destroys reputation, harmony and unity – things vital for accomplishing goals as a team.
The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians wrote that he was afraid of that kind of disorder in the church, writing in verse 12:20, “I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.”
Your own testimony in the workplace as a Christian will suffer if your words tear people down rather than build them up. In James 1:26 we read, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
*This is a qualified no, as sometimes you will have to take a stand.
As Christians we must say no to illegal actions, inappropriate relationships in the workplace, temptations to gossip, etc., as discussed above. But the kind of “No” that must be avoided at work is the one in which you refuse to do the work a supervisor gives you – work they have every right to give you.
Fueled by today’s entitled thinking, too many people believe they must be consulted on every task and persuaded to do a job assigned to them. But when you take on a position, you accept the reality that someone else has use of some of your time and effort. Titus 3:1-3 instructs us to be respectful to acknowledged authorities, writing: “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.”
If you would like to learn more about how God uniquely designed you to work, and what profession would fit your talents, personality, interests, and skills best, take Career Direct. It’s an assessment that measures all aspects of your uniqueness to help you understand how God specifically made you.
From the beginning, Satan has tempted man with the desire to have the best the world has to offer. Selfish pride in our possessions is a common financial mistake. Just picture the proud man showing off his new TV or boat. And you’ve seen women brag to one another about her new clothes, beauty products, or accessories.
Like every issue with pride, it’s easy to recognize in others, but very hard to see in ourselves.
Remember the story of Lot, Abram’s nephew. He foolishly chose for himself the best the world had to offer and missed out on some incredible blessings that only God could have offered.
In Genesis 13:1-9, Abram and Lot had to separate because the land they shared wouldn’t support their growing flocks, herds, and tents. Abram was older and wiser, and understood that this could result in an argument between them and could damage his relationship with Lot. Though they both had wealth, Abram valued their relationship more than money, so he conceded and allowed Lot to choose which land he preferred.
Genesis 13:10-13 –
Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord.
Selfishly, Lot chose the best-looking land. Most would have agreed that it was the best economic choice from a worldly standpoint, but it was an unwise and vain choice in God’s economy. Lot both disrespected his uncle (and elder), and ignored the risks of living close to Sodom (a city filled with wicked people).
That decision had disastrous results for Lot. Just after we read the account of this decision, Sodom and Gomorrah are invaded in Genesis 14. Lot is captured, and all his possessions stolen. Abram must come and rescue him.
Many times, we do the same thing. We choose the best-looking, or most economically-beneficial option, thinking it will yield the best results.
But that’s not always what happens. Especially when it comes to our finances, we must align our beliefs with what Scripture says is best, not what the world says. Crown’s MoneyLife Indicator was designed to help you do exactly that. It measures your beliefs and behaviors about money to see where they’re out of alignment, and how to get them on the right track.
Lot chose independently of God to possess the best land, but in a very short time, he lost it all. In contrast, Abram honored God by giving up the best land, and God ultimately returned all the land to him as an eternal possession.
Of course in our flesh, we want the best for ourselves. In fact, it’s so intrinsic to our human nature that marketers and advertisers around the world know exactly how to exploit this carnal appetite. They push the benefits of more, bigger, better, or faster to create discontentment with our current possessions or circumstances.
When we see others choosing the best for themselves, we are quick to label them as selfish. But it’s much more difficult to notice this same tendency in ourselves. So how do we prevent this attitude from festering in our own hearts?
First, remember the wisdom of Paul in Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Abram displayed this type of generosity toward Lot when he gave him first choice of the best land. We know from the book of Acts that this generous attitude was a hallmark of the early Church.
Second, remember that we’re surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who have been willing to make difficult sacrifices over the centuries for the cause of Christ.
And third, we possess a faith “more precious than gold”, as it says in 1 Peter 1:7 – “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Having the best is not wrong.
In fact, Scripture tells us in Proverbs 24:3-4, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established, through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
The problem arises when we want the best for ourselves for selfish reasons. Ultimately, it’s an issue of the motives of our heart, not simply a matter of possessions.
Our natural desire is to want possessions, honor, and other things for our glory or security or pleasure. But God wants us to put our love for him first and trust him to provide us what we need.
If you want to go deeper in learning what God says about your money, enroll in Crown’s online MoneyLife Personal Finance Study. It’s a self-paced course that takes you through all areas of your finances – debt, investing, saving, giving – and explains what the Bible says about it all. The study will not only transform your finances, it’ll transform your life.
Adapted from The Worst Financial Mistakes in the Bible, by Chuck Bentley
