Stewardship of Wants/Needs

Virtually all speakers and teachers in programs and conferences sponsored by churches and other groupings are complimented or resisted on this or that theme concept or counsel related to belief and conduct.  Among the concepts that I have communicated, one of the most common references to practical application has been to determine to live by percentages.  I return to a representative illustration referred to a year ago in tenants unable to meet their rent obligations, but seem to be able to support wants over needs.  The matter makes different persons of them, inspiring loss of respect from others and themselves.  If persons will live by percentages they will likely discover that maturity comes easier, that family members join the plan, that there is something of a survival factor in the context application.  My son was advised not to rent to a couple whose budget for rent exceeded the outside limit (really too high) of 45% in 2012 – advice from a company in the business of renting hundreds of units.  The advisor was the father of one of the couple’s members wanting to rent a unit in my son’s fourplex.  He was concerned that his son could not pay the rent, and that my son would be discomforted in the complications that would ensue.  Dad was right.

A major secret for family solidarity and personal peace is to avoid debt, except if other assets of the person and/or supporting family can meet the amount of the debt with acceptable collateral.  Presumably all good business functions on the collateral principle.  Couples I have advised are told simply that debt for a home or transportation is as far as I might recommend, and that measured by personal facts.  (Rental of quite modest domicile to set out is part of early marriage and inspiration to improve through the work and savings of the newlyweds.)  Savings are to be accumulated for all other acquisitions.  Starting out with shared sacrifice is a builder of loyalty and maturity.  To make a game of it will actually be entertaining, and when an acquisition is made will be more appreciated.  It is now the owners truly, not that of another.  The goal of the Christian ought to be to give 10%, save 10%, and live on 80% of income. In a surprisingly short period, the income from savings will lift the value to more than expected, by a margin that surprises the persons engaged in the effort.  The only ones not fully served by the simple plan are those who will face emergencies like medical costs in countering illness.  Some men and women justify excessive debt for treatment that may serve for only a few months.  We owe to the living younger generations perceptions of transitional stewardship, and the recognition of related spiritual victory in the last period of our natural life. 

Further, if investments are put into Christian supported enterprises in the course of decades, such as annuities from church denominations, colleges, or their affirmed representatives there are various plans that may be attractive to nearly everyone.  For example, an annuity with a college I served pays me $135.00 monthly.  On my demise, since it is written on two lives, one being my daughter, she will receive that amount monthly for the rest of her life.  Whatever residue there may be will then go to the ministry of a Church related college that is accomplishing much for the benefit of students, society and church.  I couldn’t want more.  I can build security and retirement, and give to children and church/college, reducing any loss, but doing good for those I most care about.  Any concern for my grandchildren should fall to their parents, my children. (I do recommend to my children to share whatever accrues to them to be used in some constructive way with my grandchildren – their children.)  If the process were continued, the extent through the generations would serve well the ideals that each generation might have, and would include them in the activity of an institution advancing spiritual goals, morals (integrity), and service to God and mankind.   This matter is a duty for me, and meaningful to stewardship.  Persons should have a plan, including prayer, wisdom and planning for self-sufficiency and giving to others. Generosity is a part. I had no idea when all this was launched how much it would serve me in middle life, in helping family and friends through serious transitions, and provide for closing life years.  The story for me seems dramatic to me, but in the course of professional life I discovered many persons fitting right stewardship into their daily lives. The discipline served to honor God, care for their families including themselves, and contributing to others.