Posted: March 24th, 2023

What is the Relationship Between Long-Term Financial Planning and Christian Practices?

Long-term financial planning is a practice more encouraged from a corporate perspective than from a spiritual standpoint. It is worth noting that religious activities focus on social relationships rather than financial and economic achievements. Luke 14:28-30, New American Version, illustrates that “for which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?  Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.” The biblical excerpt explains the relevance and objectives of long-term financial planning as a model of achieving projected development in the future. Although the majority of Christian teachings focus on social relationships and spirituality, the Bible provides significant approaches and gives advice on financial planning as a model of living decent livelihoods and improved social relationships among believers.

Attention is drawn to long-term financial planning for all Christians as a guarantee to improved standards of living. The focus on long-term financial forecasting is demonstrated by the capability to delay immediate gratification for a better future. Bernstein (2017) avers that making current decisions to support future economic activities can establish a solid foundation from an academic viewpoint when compared to an ordinary perspective on finances. Unfortunately, the majority of believers have been distracted by biblical passages, such as the excerpts of Mathew 6:34, which state that, “so do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Such arguments may be perceived as guidance against financial planning. However, Spear (2003) explains that long-term financial arrangement is an activity that all Christians should undertake since it enhances their responsibility when taking care of their lives and that of their families. Therefore, to ensure enhanced livelihoods and better-dignified life, it is significant for Christians to schedule long-term financial planning and prepare for any eventuality.

Furthermore, parental care and responsibilities are exemplified in various Christian teachings. For instance, long-term financial planning illustrates a significant level of wisdom, which integrates aspects of parental responsibility with efforts to secure a better future. Under those premises, previously mentioned excerpt provides a deeper understanding, “for which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28-30). Firstly, the biblical quotation puts into perspective the aspect of long-term financial planning as a model of successful implementation of set goals. Secondly, it demonstrates that effective plans require a schedule, calculation of cost, and ascertainment of the adequacy of financial capability before initiating a project. Long-term financial planning can be defined as a fundamental aspect of attaining parental care and fulfilling family dreams.

Integrating the aspects of faith and long-term financial planning concept is crucial to the growth of the church. The modern Christians face several challenges that require effective planning and financial projection. Future financial forecasting programs, such as children school fees, family homes, retirement plan, and other risk management programs, are significant in every Christian’s life. Accordingly, 1 Timothy 5:8 states that “but if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Hence, it is evident that the verse equates planning and financial forecasting as an act of faith, while its absence is regarded as secularism. Spear (2003) avers that Christians have an obligation of ensuring that their lives and lives of their neighbors are devoid of suffering, especially on situations they can control, such as poverty and financial interdependence. Therefore, the dignity of life, particularly in old age, and security of different interests of the family are every Christian’s obligations in society, which can be attained by long-term financial planning.

Financial stewardship is an essential concept for the development of the church. Through improved missionary initiatives, the church growth is realized across the world. The application of stewardship calls for long-term financial planning for both the church and individual Christians. When planning for Christian programs, it is essential to schedule structures, such as financial capability and technical expertise before the actual projects are commenced to ensure successful completion. For instance, Proverbs 24:27 states that “prepare your work outside, and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterward, then, build your house.” The verse establishes the importance of future financial planning before the implementation of a project as it would be the case when constructing a house. Accordingly, long-term financial scheduling solidly anchors the objectives of stewardship as a model of managing the growth of Christian church and the delivery of call to the gospel.

Economic capability is an effective model of managing resources that deliver stability and growth in the Christian faith. The Bible and other Christian teachings obligate every believer to lead distinguished lives and support their neighbors. Many Christians have focused on developing their spiritual lives while negating their responsibilities as ordinary people who need to take care of their physical well-being. Although several challenges related to sociocultural and socioeconomic aspects face Christians, it is necessary to adopt skills in effective planning and financial forecasting to enhance their lives (Zaloom, 2016). Therefore, believers have the responsibility of managing their daily activities by applying successful methods that will improve their lives and those of their families.

As it is palpable from the discussion of Christian faith, the practices of long-term financial planning provide incentives for dignified lives and an opportunity to support neighbors based on biblical expectations of every Christian. Biblical illustrations have given relevance to long-term financial planning as an approach to accomplishment of future projects. In addition, enhanced livelihoods and better-dignified life can be attained when Christians apply long-term financial planning approaches to prepare for future activities. The Christian church is an organized association based on effective planning and delivery of projected goals. Whereas Christians are expected to demonstrate effective care for their souls through enhanced spiritual activities and support, it is significant to acknowledge themselves as being mortals, and hence, attend to the limitations of human nature through physical and material support. With this in mind, believers have the roles of ensuring that they effectively undertake long-term financial planning of their resources through wisdom as they nurture contented and functional families. 

References

Bernstein, E. S. (2017). Making transparency transparent: The evolution of observation in management theory. Academy of Management Annals, 11(1), 217-266.

Spear, T. (2003). Neo-traditionalism and the limits of invention in British colonial Africa. The Journal of African History, 44(1), 3-27.

Zaloom, C. (2016). The evangelical financial ethic: Doubled forms and the search for God in the economic world. American Ethnologist, 43(2), 325-338.