Is it OK for pastor to want wealth?
Dear Dave,
I’m the pastor of a Midwest church. Do you think it’s morally OK for someone in my position to want to become a millionaire as long as the desire isn’t motivated by greed?
‘ Mike
Dear Mike,
Sure it’s OK, but under one condition. A pastor, or any other Christian, should understand they don’t really own anything. When it comes right down to it, we’re just asset managers for God.
If you look back in the Bible, you’ll see many of the patriarchs, like Abraham, Solomon and David, were extremely wealthy ‘ even by today’s standards. Some people argue that Jesus didn’t walk around with lots of possessions, but he was God in human form so he owned it all anyway!
People who say you can’t be wealthy and be consistent with Christian beliefs just don’t understand the Bible. If you can manage God’s money with wisdom and grace rather than greed ‘ whether it’s $100 or $1,000,000 ‘ I think you’re OK.
‘ Dave
Dear Dave,
I’m a single parent with two children. I bring home about $3,500 a month, but I have $14,000 in credit card debt. Our rent is $750 a month, and I’ve been funding my 401(k) at $700 per month. Should I file bankruptcy, stop funding my retirement or what?
‘ Eric
Dear Eric,
First of all, you’re not bankrupt. Even if you were out of work right now I wouldn’t tell you to file bankruptcy over $14,000.
But I’ve got to ask one question. Even with two kids, if you bring home $3,500 a month you’ve got a very workable income. What on earth are you doing with your money?
Here’s the plan. Start living on a budget, and give every dollar a name on paper before the month begins. Also, stop putting money in your 401(k) for a while, and concentrate on paying off your debt! Basically, you’re asking me if you should declare bankruptcy to keep funding your retirement. That doesn’t make sense. If you pause your 401(k) contributions for just a year, you can pay off the entire debt!
‘ Dave
Dear Dave,
My husband and I have been married for just two years. We built up a lot of debt fast, and we’ve already had to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Since then he’s been working two jobs and 70 hours a week, and I’m working full-time in an accounting office. We want to put this bankruptcy behind us and move on, but there’s still a lot of bitterness and resentment. How do you rebuild a relationship after bankruptcy?
‘ Kim
Dear Kim,
I’d first suggest that you find a good church if you’re not already in one. A spiritual viewpoint on marriage will be a big help if you want to make it over the long haul.
My second suggestion would be marriage counseling. I’m not saying the two of you are in major trouble, but a relationship checkup is a good idea for every couple now and then.
Men are task-oriented beings. It’s important that you know your husband’s self-esteem has taken some unbelievable blows. Give him lots of pats on the back and words of encouragement.
On the other hand, ladies are more relationship and security-oriented. He needs to do things to show you he cares and appreciates you. Four or five extra hugs every day wouldn’t be a bad idea, and it would probably go a long way toward reassuring you that you’re both in this together.
Keep working hard, and make a commitment to buckle down and pay off your debts as soon as possible.
‘ Dave