Financial Decisions

[ITS]

In the light of the Highest Good, summarize a grid for making financial decisions.

[Kam]

The Summum Bonum of each individual believer is the kingdom of God. By adopting the program of God as his own program, will the will of God, man can achieve his highest good. In other words, to will the will of God constitutes the obligation as well as the highest value for man. The will of God is to realize and expand his kingdom in the world. To be a faithful steward of what God entrusted is an important part of a Christian?s commitment to will the will of God. All our belongings are entrusted by God. We must place value on the people, things, and programs as God has done and commanded. That is, we should following Jesus? teaching to seek first the kingdom of God.
With this basic principle established, we do our financial planning for our Summum Bonum. Therefore, we will: -
(1) Make sure that there is no short of resources in the house of the Lord. This will be done as John Wesley once suggested to earn as much money as possible (of course by moral and legal means) and to offer as much money as possible to the church and institutions serving God.
(2) Support the evangelical programs and the faithful missionaries.
(3) Look after those people whom God concerns most ? the orphans, the widows, and the strangers. Alms and charitable donation should be included in our financial planning.
(4) Live a simple life. Not only we will not squander what God entrusted to us but also we will discipline ourselves to focus on things above and God?s will instead of the temporary things in the world.
(5) Have faith in God that He will provide us all the needs to accomplish whatever He wants us to accomplish.

[Sue Leland]

I. In light of the Highest Good, summarize a grid for making
financial decisions.

Introductory Comment
Man's Summum Bonum, or highest good, as defined by Dr. James M. Grier, is the Kingdom of God. Dr. Grier defines the Kingdom of God as the preceptive will of God; the realized program of God for man. He believes God's program for man involves living out the ethical will of God as it is made known to man primarily through the external revelation of scripture. God's will has also been made known to man internally, through the moral understanding, or conscience, that God has given all men "who do by nature the things of the law" (Rom. 2:14). In redeemed man, both these revelations are illumined by the Spirit.

My own view is that the new relationship with God that proceeds out of our salvation, and the gratitude that we have to God because of all that He has done for us, is our highest good. I feel that the relational emphasis of this view is paralleled by the first response of the Westminster Catechism, which states that, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." Having said that, I do not believe that this difference in understanding of the Summum Bonum in any way diminishes man's obligation to fulfill the commands of scripture. In fact, I think this view of the Summum Bonum provides redeemed man with the only sufficient motivation to do so.

In light of the Highest Good, summarize a grid for making financial decisions.
The "grid" employed for decision-making is the five-part Model for Decision Making developed by Dr. Grier. The five parts of this grid are summarized below:

1. Define the problem in a simple sentence. Use a statement with a
single subject and a single predicate if possible.
2. Gather appropriate information.
3. Build available alternatives. List as many alternatives as make
sense. Do not simply write two antithetical alternatives. Include only
alternatives that do not violate your ethical code.
4. Predict consequences for each alternative you have written.
5. Put your alternatives in order according to your value system.
Choose the one alternative that has consequences that best match
your values.

The value system that I will use in this exercise is specifically Christian. It is the value system that I chose to have govern my life when I became a Christian. Using the terminology of this course, the values of this system are found in the following deposits of scripture: the perpetually-binding moral law, the temporary laws that govern the post-Pentecost household administration, the life and teachings of Christ, and the principles of Christian liberty. In order to clarify the usage of the model in financial decision-making, I have applied the five-part model to a hypothetical example below. Our situation is as follows: My husband and I would like to send our daughter to a school in which she will receive a Christian education. Our concern is not only whether we can afford this expense, but also whether or not this use of money reflects our Christian values.

1. Definition of the problem: Is the cost of Christian education
for our daughter a justifiable expense?

2. Information appropriate to our decision would include:
a.) My husband's projected salary and other income for the upcoming
year. Factors that might alter this projection (e.g. job security, the
status of the economy, etc.).
b.) The value of our savings and other accounts.
c.) Other anticipated expenses for the upcoming year.
d.) Cost of tuition at a Christian school.
e.) Availability of other options in our area such as home
schooling networks, and after-school and weekend programs
that could be used to supplement her public school
curriculum. We could obtain this information through
the local home school network.
f.) The quality of the program at the school to which we would like to
send her. We could get a sense of the program by visiting the
school during their open house and by reading their literature.
g.) Finally, my husband and I should review these issues together, so
that we have a good understanding of one another's values and
priorities.

3. Our list of alternatives might read as follows:
a.) Send our daughter to public school.
b.) Send our daughter to a Christian school.
c.) Home school as an individual family.
d.) Home school jointly with other families in the area.
e.) Send our daughter to public school, but supplement her education
with additional weekend and evening activities.

4. Possible consequences for each alternative are as follows:
a.) Public school:
The value of this option is that it is the least expensive of the
alternatives. However, it would conflict with our intrinsic value in
that that the relationship with Christ which we have tried to foster
in her life would not likely be affirmed in this environment. For
example, at the pre-school our daughter attended, her teacher
told her to stop singing Christian songs to herself. The teacher
told me that the problem with her singing was that the songs
were "religious" in nature. Further, at a public school our
daughter would not receive Christian ethical training. My husband
and I both believe that "Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6) is an
important scriptural principle. Also, sending her to a public school
would represent a conflict with the intent of the fifth
commandment, as Dr. Grier defined it, since we would not be
doing all we could to pass on our spiritual heritage to her. Finally,
my husband and I agree that academic standards also tend to be
higher in private schools. This too is an important value for both
of us.

b.) Christian school:
This would be the most expensive of the alternatives. However,
at a Christian school our daughter would be encouraged to grow
in her faith, would receive Christian ethical training, and likely
receive superior academic instruction as well.

c.) Individual home schooling:
My husband is strongly against this alternative because our
daughter, an only child, would have limited contact during
the day with other children. Also, it would be difficult for
her to participate in sports and other peer group activities
such as band, journalism club, etc.

d.) Group home schooling:
If I were to home school, it would be difficult for me to remain in
seminary. Seminary is a significant value in my system.

e.) Public school with supplemental activities:
Our daughter is already involved in church activities and our
nightly family devotions, but we are concerned that these are not
enough to offset the secular morality to which she is exposed.

5. Our mutual ranking of the values in our system, is as follows:
a.) That her relationship with Christ would be affirmed.
b.) That she would learn Christian values.
c.) That she would receive a strong academic education.
d.) That I would be able to remain in seminary.
e.) That cost would be minimized.
f.) That she would have extra-curricular opportunities.

This ranking of values led us to choose alternative 4.b.), the Christian school, since it fulfills all our values except that of minimizing cost, which was low on our prioritized ranking of values.

Additionally this choice takes into account the four guiding principles mentioned by Dr. Grier in the following manner:
1. We have given our intrinsic value precedence.
2. Inclusivity: We have considered many aspects of our daughter's life in
making our decision.
3. We have adhered to our Christian ethical system by giving priority to
her relationship with Christ, and by following Prov. 22:6, and the Fifth
Commandment.
4. Inner compatibility: We noted one potential conflict with a perpetually-
binding principle of the Kingdom of God -- the giving of tithes and
offerings. After reviewing our budget, we found that we would be able
to continue tithing but would have to reduce the amount of giving
beyond the tithe. Never the less, we felt that we had rightly divided
our resources between our Christian responsibility to our daughter
and our Christian responsibility toward giving.

[Sue Leland]

The Summum Bonum of each individual believer is the kingdom of God. By adopting the program of God as his own program, will the will of God, man can achieve his highest good. In other words, to will the will of God constitutes the obligation as well as the highest value for man. The will of God is to realize and expand his kingdom in the world. To be a faithful steward of what God entrusted is an important part of a Christian’s commitment to will the will of God. All our belongings are entrusted by God. We must place value on the people, things, and programs as God has done and commanded. That is, we should following Jesus’ teaching to seek first the kingdom of God.
With this basic principle established, we do our financial planning for our Summum Bonum. Therefore, we will: -
(1) Make sure that there is no short of resources in the house of the Lord. This will be done as John Wesley once suggested to earn as much money as possible (of course by moral and legal means) and to offer as much money as possible to the church and institutions serving God.
(2) Support the evangelical programs and the faithful missionaries.
(3) Look after those people whom God concerns most – the orphans, the widows, and the strangers. Alms and charitable donation should be included in our financial planning.
(4) Live a simple life. Not only we will not squander what God entrusted to us but also we will discipline ourselves to focus on things above and God’s will instead of the temporary things in the world.
(5) Have faith in God that He will provide us all the needs to accomplish whatever He wants us to accomplish.

In response to the answer posted above:
My interpretation of the question was that it refers to Dr. Grier's five-part model for decision making. If this is correct, the respondent's answer should reflect this model. The respondent does refer to the Summum Bonum and Dr. Grier's definition of it. He also refers to the Christian principle of stewardship that was presented in the course in reference to the Second Creation Ordinance. The third point in the respondent's answer reflects Dr. Grier's teaching on the Eighth Commandment as protection for widow's, orphans, and strangers. I too found this interpretation of the Eighth Commandment persuasive given God's repeated compassion for these groups as expressed in Amos, Isaiah, Ruth, and other Biblical books. I believe that this command in our day and society could be applied to single mothers and their children. The respondent mentions generosity, simplicity, and faith -- all of which are Christian values that relate to finance.

[akridgeg]

In the light of the Highest Good, summarize a grid for making financial decisions.

If we consider finances in the light of the highest good then we need to look at the following thesis statements: X is good equals X is willed by God and X is right equals X is willed by God. These statements indicate then that the highest good is equivalent to God's will. It simply follows that we. as Christians, should follow god's will regarding finances in order to achieve the highest good in that area for us and those around us. The Bible teaches us that we "shall surely tithe all the yield" (Deuteronomy 14:22) and Malachi 3:8-10 accuses us of robbing God if we don't bring our tithes and offerings in His storehouse. This passage also tells us that we will receive blessings in return, and in Luke 6:38 the Bible tells us we will receive back according to the measure that we give others. Obviously if we handle our finances in accordance with God's will, not only will we receive a blessing, but we will have more to give to benefit others.

[Mark M]

In the light of the Highest Good, summarize a grid for making financial decisions.

Finances are the means we use to support ourselves, our families, government services, and ultimately the Kingdom of God. We must keep in mind that the Highest Good, to seek the kingdom of God, means that we will "render unto Caesar what is Caesars, and unto God what is Gods." In light of this, making financial decisions should not be difficult for us all.

As stewards of God's kingdom, we are to work and contribute to society. We are to care for other people and for ourselves. In doing so, we are compensated financially.
We must support our government. As members of a society which pays taxes, we must pay taxes.
We must support our families responsibly. This does not mean that we are to concentrate on accumulating the greatest amount of wealth to pass on to children, it simply means that we are to use what we are blessed with to provide for the needs of our family.
We should care for those who have problems supporting themselves. God's word is clear that we should particularly care for the widows, the orphans, and the strangers within our land. Beneficience is required as we seek first the kingdom of God.
Tithing is an absolute, commanded by God in order to support those who give themselves in service to the ministry of the kingdom.
We certainly will not take anything with us when we pass from this life, and God has promised to provide for our daily bread, so to accumulate a "stash" which is not benefiting those who are in need is something we should consider carefully.
Stewardship of our finances is critical. As we seek the kingdom of God in our lives and as we seek to promote the kingdom in the lives of others, financial matters matter.

[Mark M]

In the light of the Highest Good, summarize a grid for making financial decisions.

If we consider finances in the light of the highest good then we need to look at the following thesis statements: X is good equals X is willed by God and X is right equals X is willed by God. These statements indicate then that the highest good is equivalent to God's will. It simply follows that we. as Christians, should follow god's will regarding finances in order to achieve the highest good in that area for us and those around us. The Bible teaches us that we "shall surely tithe all the yield" (Deuteronomy 14:22) and Malachi 3:8-10 accuses us of robbing God if we don't bring our tithes and offerings in His storehouse. This passage also tells us that we will receive blessings in return, and in Luke 6:38 the Bible tells us we will receive back according to the measure that we give others. Obviously if we handle our finances in accordance with God's will, not only will we receive a blessing, but we will have more to give to benefit others.

I do not think we should give in order to receive. We should give because that is what we are expected to do as believers and followers of God. Remember the woman who had very little to give, yet she gave it all? I don't recall that she gave in order to receive a blessing, but because she was compelled to give. I can attest to the fact that as we are obedient God will indeed bless us. How many of us would give all we had, however, not expecting anything in return? That must be our attitude! Financial decisions should be simple. If I am blessed (or if I simply have the means available) and there is a need in another person's life, I should help. Unfortunately our society is plaqued with people who abuse this ethic. Therefore we must use wisdom, but we must not become calloused. I once observed that a church I attended responded to some individuals who "drifted" by in a somewhat calloused way. (They were strangers in our land.) As a body of believers, representing the love of Christ, we were simply going to turn these people away so that they could come back later, probably hoping that they really would not. I was compelled to give to them, even though as a FT Seminary student with two children I did not have a lot of extra resources. What I did recognize, however, was that I did have resources. They didn't. Did I get a check in the mail the next day? No. But I was obedient to the voice of God. We must be this way in our finances. It is imperative that we order our financial value system so that when needs arise, we can respond with wisdom and stewardship. X is good, X is willed by God. God's word is clear.

[evansk]

In the light of the Highest Good, summarize a grid for making financial decisions.

The Summum Bonum is the highest good. In relation to the spiritual it is the kingdom of God. This Summum Bonum has been revealed to man through many different avenues. Those avenues would be found inside of man's spirit, man's conscience, and the external environment, to name a few. True Summum Bonum can only be found in Christ, through salvation.

The lectures indicated 5 principles/elements for making a grid: define a problem, collect the proper information, list alternatives, predict the consequences of the alternatives, and choose the best possible alternative.

The question I pose is, should a Christian invest in the stock market? The stock market is marked as both a great investment opportunity and a bad gamble to earn a dollar. The problem is that investing money in the stock market is a gamble. You could gain or loose a lot of cash. As a Christian, we are to lay up treasures in heaven, where it is safe and not destroyed. Is loosing money on the stock market helping the Christian to store treasures in heaven?

In making a decision to invest in the stock market, one would need to examine the proper information before deciding to invest. The are safe investments and risk oriented investments. The Christian who is limited in his/her knowledge of the stock market should invest in a safe/comfortable/low risk type of investment. By using the parable of the talents one can easily acknowledge the importance of investing rather than burrying.

The Summum Bonum or highest good is to invest and use the funds to further the Kingdom of God in your personal life, family life, and spiritual life. There is nothing wrong with the concept of investing. Investing can become a gamble and it is important that the believer stay away from addictive, volital situations that would destroy the value system that God intends us to have. Loosing life savings that could be used for the furtherance of the kingdom of God is not the highest good that God desires for our lives. The highest good is found in abundant living that will strive to support the values and ideals of the Kingdom of God.

[evansk]

I. In light of the Highest Good, summarize a grid for making
financial decisions.

Introductory Comment
Man's Summum Bonum, or highest good, as defined by Dr. James M. Grier, is the Kingdom of God. Dr. Grier defines the Kingdom of God as the preceptive will of God; the realized program of God for man. He believes God's program for man involves living out the ethical will of God as it is made known to man primarily through the external revelation of scripture. God's will has also been made known to man internally, through the moral understanding, or conscience, that God has given all men "who do by nature the things of the law" (Rom. 2:14). In redeemed man, both these revelations are illumined by the Spirit.

My own view is that the new relationship with God that proceeds out of our salvation, and the gratitude that we have to God because of all that He has done for us, is our highest good. I feel that the relational emphasis of this view is paralleled by the first response of the Westminster Catechism, which states that, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." Having said that, I do not believe that this difference in understanding of the Summum Bonum in any way diminishes man's obligation to fulfill the commands of scripture. In fact, I think this view of the Summum Bonum provides redeemed man with the only sufficient motivation to do so.

In light of the Highest Good, summarize a grid for making financial decisions.
The "grid" employed for decision-making is the five-part Model for Decision Making developed by Dr. Grier. The five parts of this grid are summarized below:

1. Define the problem in a simple sentence. Use a statement with a
single subject and a single predicate if possible.
2. Gather appropriate information.
3. Build available alternatives. List as many alternatives as make
sense. Do not simply write two antithetical alternatives. Include only
alternatives that do not violate your ethical code.
4. Predict consequences for each alternative you have written.
5. Put your alternatives in order according to your value system.
Choose the one alternative that has consequences that best match
your values.

The value system that I will use in this exercise is specifically Christian. It is the value system that I chose to have govern my life when I became a Christian. Using the terminology of this course, the values of this system are found in the following deposits of scripture: the perpetually-binding moral law, the temporary laws that govern the post-Pentecost household administration, the life and teachings of Christ, and the principles of Christian liberty. In order to clarify the usage of the model in financial decision-making, I have applied the five-part model to a hypothetical example below. Our situation is as follows: My husband and I would like to send our daughter to a school in which she will receive a Christian education. Our concern is not only whether we can afford this expense, but also whether or not this use of money reflects our Christian values.

1. Definition of the problem: Is the cost of Christian education
for our daughter a justifiable expense?

2. Information appropriate to our decision would include:
a.) My husband's projected salary and other income for the upcoming
year. Factors that might alter this projection (e.g. job security, the
status of the economy, etc.).
b.) The value of our savings and other accounts.
c.) Other anticipated expenses for the upcoming year.
d.) Cost of tuition at a Christian school.
e.) Availability of other options in our area such as home
schooling networks, and after-school and weekend programs
that could be used to supplement her public school
curriculum. We could obtain this information through
the local home school network.
f.) The quality of the program at the school to which we would like to
send her. We could get a sense of the program by visiting the
school during their open house and by reading their literature.
g.) Finally, my husband and I should review these issues together, so
that we have a good understanding of one another's values and
priorities.

3. Our list of alternatives might read as follows:
a.) Send our daughter to public school.
b.) Send our daughter to a Christian school.
c.) Home school as an individual family.
d.) Home school jointly with other families in the area.
e.) Send our daughter to public school, but supplement her education
with additional weekend and evening activities.

4. Possible consequences for each alternative are as follows:
a.) Public school:
The value of this option is that it is the least expensive of the
alternatives. However, it would conflict with our intrinsic value in
that that the relationship with Christ which we have tried to foster
in her life would not likely be affirmed in this environment. For
example, at the pre-school our daughter attended, her teacher
told her to stop singing Christian songs to herself. The teacher
told me that the problem with her singing was that the songs
were "religious" in nature. Further, at a public school our
daughter would not receive Christian ethical training. My husband
and I both believe that "Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6) is an
important scriptural principle. Also, sending her to a public school
would represent a conflict with the intent of the fifth
commandment, as Dr. Grier defined it, since we would not be
doing all we could to pass on our spiritual heritage to her. Finally,
my husband and I agree that academic standards also tend to be
higher in private schools. This too is an important value for both
of us.

b.) Christian school:
This would be the most expensive of the alternatives. However,
at a Christian school our daughter would be encouraged to grow
in her faith, would receive Christian ethical training, and likely
receive superior academic instruction as well.

c.) Individual home schooling:
My husband is strongly against this alternative because our
daughter, an only child, would have limited contact during
the day with other children. Also, it would be difficult for
her to participate in sports and other peer group activities
such as band, journalism club, etc.

d.) Group home schooling:
If I were to home school, it would be difficult for me to remain in
seminary. Seminary is a significant value in my system.

e.) Public school with supplemental activities:
Our daughter is already involved in church activities and our
nightly family devotions, but we are concerned that these are not
enough to offset the secular morality to which she is exposed.

5. Our mutual ranking of the values in our system, is as follows:
a.) That her relationship with Christ would be affirmed.
b.) That she would learn Christian values.
c.) That she would receive a strong academic education.
d.) That I would be able to remain in seminary.
e.) That cost would be minimized.
f.) That she would have extra-curricular opportunities.

This ranking of values led us to choose alternative 4.b.), the Christian school, since it fulfills all our values except that of minimizing cost, which was low on our prioritized ranking of values.

Additionally this choice takes into account the four guiding principles mentioned by Dr. Grier in the following manner:
1. We have given our intrinsic value precedence.
2. Inclusivity: We have considered many aspects of our daughter's life in
making our decision.
3. We have adhered to our Christian ethical system by giving priority to
her relationship with Christ, and by following Prov. 22:6, and the Fifth
Commandment.
4. Inner compatibility: We noted one potential conflict with a perpetually-
binding principle of the Kingdom of God -- the giving of tithes and
offerings. After reviewing our budget, we found that we would be able
to continue tithing but would have to reduce the amount of giving
beyond the tithe. Never the less, we felt that we had rightly divided
our resources between our Christian responsibility to our daughter
and our Christian responsibility toward giving.

I thought you answer was very inspiring and thought provoking! Your layout and free flowing concepts were very insightful and challenging. Well done!

[eric.j.davenport]

The question is vague as to whether or not we are supposed to use Dr. Grier's five part model for decision making or if we are to develop our own grid. I will develop a Biblical grid as presented by scripture for my response.

X is Good = X is willed by God. What is good in and of itself and what should I seek in and of itself? It is the moral will of God as explained by Dr. Grier. God has taken steps to make His will known in propositional form through scripture. This content of scripture becomes the basis for us to make ethical judgments to conclude X is right because X is willed by God. Dr. Grier also explains that God's revelation in nature is not that from which we can induce or deduce our moral duty. God has chosen in the propositional content of scripture to reveal that to us. We need to find out from scripture what God's concept is for a moral precept for man.

Dr. Grier teaches the highest good is the Kingdom of God according to Matthew 6:33. In the content of that scripture we actually have Jesus' viewpoint of money and how we shouldn't worry. Jesus said that "your heavenly Father knows that your need these things" (Matt. 6:31-33). We need to have faith in God, placing our trust in Him to supply our every need. In the context we find out how we are supposed to give to the needy, not letting our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matt. 6:1-4). Also included is how we are to pray to God asking Him for our provision in the Lord's prayer (Matt. 6:11). Both of these instances refer to how the hypocrites would do their acts of righteousness before men to be seen by them in verse 1. In addition, we learn that we shouldn't store up for ourselves treasures on earth but in heaven (Matt. 6:19-20). In verse 24 He says "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one an love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Here is some Biblical guidance on how we should make financial decisions:

1. We need to pray and ask God for direction and for provision. We need to give him thanks for what He has already done. (Matt. 6:11, Matt 7:7 and Prov 16:3)

2. We need to use a budget system. The reasoning is because it makes the most sense. It keeps us free of a heavy burden of not having the means to pay something. If we use a budget, deciding we are only going to spend what we make, not borrowing any money from credit, we will become free of the bondage of exorbitant interest or the exacting of usuary. (Prov 28:8 and Ne. 5:10)


3. If we are married, we should never make any big financial decisions (let's say more then $50) without our spouse knowing. Usually women are more concerned with making sure there is food in the refrigerator and the other necessities then men are. Men are more apt to make a big ticket purchase. That is why we should make sure we have our wife's involvement so that we are not taking away from necessary budgeted items.

4. We need to seek Godly advice from other men of God. We should never make any rash decisions. (Prov 15:22 and Prov 20:18)

5. We need to stay clear of using credit cards. Yes they can be good for emergencies or if you use them and pay them back every month. However, if you look at the statistics in this country of how many people are in despair because of thier dependance on credit, you can clearly see the trap. (Rom 13:8, Prov 6:1-5, 22:26, 28:8 and Ne. 5:10)

6. As a Christian we need to have a testimony of honesty. Therefore we shouldn't go bankrupt. (Matt. 5:37 and Rom 13:8)

7. If you are already in trouble try and seek help from credit counseling (http://www.40debts.org).

8. We need to make it a part of our budget to save money. Prov 13:11 says "dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow."

9. We need to tithe (Mal 3:8-10). In Deut. 26:12 God says "When you have finished setting asid a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the Alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied." Every third year was the year of the tithe. In the tithe the Jews remembered it was the Lord who brought them out of the land of Egypt and into the land flowing with milk and honey. They realized it was God who gave them the provision.

10. We need to give offerings to support missions, the planting of churches, to evangelize and for those in need. (2 Cor 9:6-15)

[eric.j.davenport]

The Summum Bonum of each individual believer is the kingdom of God. By adopting the program of God as his own program, will the will of God, man can achieve his highest good. In other words, to will the will of God constitutes the obligation as well as the highest value for man. The will of God is to realize and expand his kingdom in the world. To be a faithful steward of what God entrusted is an important part of a Christian?s commitment to will the will of God. All our belongings are entrusted by God. We must place value on the people, things, and programs as God has done and commanded. That is, we should following Jesus? teaching to seek first the kingdom of God.
With this basic principle established, we do our financial planning for our Summum Bonum. Therefore, we will: -
(1) Make sure that there is no short of resources in the house of the Lord. This will be done as John Wesley once suggested to earn as much money as possible (of course by moral and legal means) and to offer as much money as possible to the church and institutions serving God.
(2) Support the evangelical programs and the faithful missionaries.
(3) Look after those people whom God concerns most ? the orphans, the widows, and the strangers. Alms and charitable donation should be included in our financial planning.
(4) Live a simple life. Not only we will not squander what God entrusted to us but also we will discipline ourselves to focus on things above and God?s will instead of the temporary things in the world.
(5) Have faith in God that He will provide us all the needs to accomplish whatever He wants us to accomplish.



I agree that the will of God is to do the best we can to be a faithful steward of what God has entrusted us. I have found that in today's culture, people aren't always taught to give like they should. I believe that this training should be taught when children are small such as teaching them to bring their coins for missionaries. Instead of saving for the new toy they don't need, we can show them the needs of the world and how we can help others, (orphans and widows). This also teaches them how to live the simple life and what we really need to live. Kids are bombarded by television commercials, what everyone else has ect. It takes a deliberate effort on the part of the parents to teach them to be thankful for the food we eat, the clothes we wear and to give to God. This is a practical application of how to teach the financial planning of the Summun Bonum.

[Nate]

The grid for making decisions in light of the “Highest Good,” defined as participating in the Kingdom of God, includes consideration of the perpetually binding moral precepts that God revealed in the Creation Mandate, the Ten Words, and the Sermon on the Mount. Financial decisions, then would need to answer these questions:
Is this choice consistent with God’s design for human life in this world?
Is this choice consistent with building God’s Kingdom in individual’s, building God’s Kingdom in the community, and contributing to the destruction of evil?
God is pleased to observe our choice when more than one option within a decision positively answers these questions.

[Nate]

The Summum Bonum of each individual believer is the kingdom of God. By adopting the program of God as his own program, will the will of God, man can achieve his highest good. In other words, to will the will of God constitutes the obligation as well as the highest value for man. The will of God is to realize and expand his kingdom in the world. To be a faithful steward of what God entrusted is an important part of a Christian?s commitment to will the will of God. All our belongings are entrusted by God. We must place value on the people, things, and programs as God has done and commanded. That is, we should following Jesus? teaching to seek first the kingdom of God.
With this basic principle established, we do our financial planning for our Summum Bonum. Therefore, we will: -
(1) Make sure that there is no short of resources in the house of the Lord. This will be done as John Wesley once suggested to earn as much money as possible (of course by moral and legal means) and to offer as much money as possible to the church and institutions serving God.
(2) Support the evangelical programs and the faithful missionaries.
(3) Look after those people whom God concerns most ? the orphans, the widows, and the strangers. Alms and charitable donation should be included in our financial planning.
(4) Live a simple life. Not only we will not squander what God entrusted to us but also we will discipline ourselves to focus on things above and God?s will instead of the temporary things in the world.
(5) Have faith in God that He will provide us all the needs to accomplish whatever He wants us to accomplish.

This description of how one should prioritize distribution of financial resources appears to be rather pious, but does not seem to be realistic for making financial decisions within everyday life. What does this mean? “…offer as much money as possible to the church and institutions serving God.” It would seem to mean either everything, or whatever each individual decides is the maximum possible. Supporting “evangelical programs” and seeking justice for the disenfranchised is certainly appropriate, but what about contributing financial resources toward causing creation to flourish? Or would that be considered focusing on “the temporary things in the world”? There appears to be important aspects of God’s creation ordinances missing from this grid for making financial decisions.

[its_brad]

Posted By: Dan Biegler
Post Date: Mon Jun 04, 2007 11:26 pm
Post Subject: Re: Financial Decisions

ITS wrote:
In the light of the Highest Good, summarize a grid for making financial decisions.My local church has recently been teaching on the command of the tithe. Most often the church needs to be reminded that their posessions belong to God and not to the individual. The work of God suffers when His people do not understand who their finances really belong to. The higest good, in essence is the good as God defines it. In the realm of money, this means that we experience the highest good when our finances are managed in a way that moves God's work forward, ie: - Give God the first offering off of the top - Put a potion in savings for later needs - Budget your personal needs with what is left - Put needs before wants - Put aside some for enjoyment - Always be aware of the need to be spontaneoulsy charitable - Be sure that your finances will go to further God's work and the needs of loved ones once you pass away

[its_brad]

Posted By: Dan Biegler
Post Date: Tue Jun 05, 2007 12:12 am
Post subject: Re: Financial Decisions

akridgeg wrote:
ITS wrote:
In the light of the Highest Good, summarize a grid for making financial decisions.
If we consider finances in the light of the highest good then we need to look at the following thesis statements: X is good equals X is willed by God and X is right equals X is willed by God. These statements indicate then that the highest good is equivalent to God's will. It simply follows that we. as Christians, should follow god's will regarding finances in order to achieve the highest good in that area for us and those around us. The Bible teaches us that we "shall surely tithe all the yield" (Deuteronomy 14:22) and Malachi 3:8-10 accuses us of robbing God if we don't bring our tithes and offerings in His storehouse. This passage also tells us that we will receive blessings in return, and in Luke 6:38 the Bible tells us we will receive back according to the measure that we give others. Obviously if we handle our finances in accordance with God's will, not only will we receive a blessing, but we will have more to give to benefit others.Yes, in relation to how the course material was presented, this is a good recap. Yet one of the things I have found wanting in modern dicipleship is the pracitcal application of how the "X is good....X is willed by God" statments play out in every day practice. Churches today, in my opinion suffer from at least two shortcommings in the realm of financial isues. - When they discuss tithing, they spend more time apologising if they discuss it at all. - When they discuss ehtics, it is so theoretic, it is seldom put into practical terms. So how do these ethical equations translate into practical terms that the common man can take into the week? What are the practical ABC's that take us from general theory to daily contexts? How would all of this look in a managable plan?

[jkrause]

Original answer for this question: I believe the highest good for making decisions in the area of money is following the principle of giving to the Kingdom of God at a local fellowship that would be considered your home. Then any all necessities that are required to live such as food, shelter, clothing. Then all bills must be paid and any other debts. Once they are met, outside of the first thing of tithing, the other things fall into place in order of priority.

[clergyjack]

Making financial decisions in light of the Highest Good (Summum Bonum) should begin not only with an ethical theology, it must begin with theology. What is required of man with regard to his resources first of all? Second, what is reasonable and right for man to do with his resources? It is inadequate to quote the Old Testament on this matter, since law essentially dictates duty. But duty doesn't cut it for the 'lover of God'.

If I were to come home one evening from work on my wife's birthday with a dozen roses in hand and an explanation to her of my duty to stop and purchase these beautiful flowers in light of her milestone and our relationship, you can rest assured that those flowers along with myself would not be well received. The basis of our relationship in marriage and the basis of our relationship with Jesus Christ and with the Father through the Holy Spirit is love.

So to begin with, a theology of the Highest Good as it relates to finances must start here. As with my wife, so with God: Everything I have belongs to you, I am just a steward. Consequently, the grid that financial decisions must pass through is first of all love: for God, for His Church (His Bride), and for His Kingdom. It is the perfect law, and doesn't require a second.

What does that look like in real life? It looks like everything in my possession is completely dispensable at any given moment for the Highest Good---the will of God simply on the basis of love for God. There is no further discussion. It is His to begin with, and as I have seen all too frequently, He can pilfer it from us anytime He chooses. Better then to simply yield it completely to Him all the time. This is our reasonable service as the Apostle Paul puts it in Romans 12:1-2. It is both reasonable and it is right on the basis of love.

[clergyjack]

Posted By: Dan Biegler
Post Date: Mon Jun 04, 2007 11:26 pm
Post Subject: Re: Financial Decisions

My local church has recently been teaching on the command of the tithe. Most often the church needs to be reminded that their posessions belong to God and not to the individual. The work of God suffers when His people do not understand who their finances really belong to. The higest good, in essence is the good as God defines it. In the realm of money, this means that we experience the highest good when our finances are managed in a way that moves God's work forward, ie: - Give God the first offering off of the top - Put a potion in savings for later needs - Budget your personal needs with what is left - Put needs before wants - Put aside some for enjoyment - Always be aware of the need to be spontaneoulsy charitable - Be sure that your finances will go to further God's work and the needs of loved ones once you pass away


I think you are on the right track here. Everything we have belongs to God, we are only stewards. This is right theology; and right thinking of necessity begins with right theology. Perhaps you could take it just a bit further by suggesting that we consistently 'return' as opposed to 'give' it to Him. Can we give anything to God? No, we can only return to Him what is already His---that which He created in ourselves, and that which He has put in our hands to manage. I like the picture of management here, working through the grid of the Highest Good: God, Savings, Needs, Enjoyment, Spontaneity, and Legacy. I'm not sure that my list would mirror yours; but yours is certainly sensible and orderly. In it all, we are managers of someone else's goods with an Audit right around the corner. Interesting thought, isn't it?

[lindseyhawley]

The Summon Bonum is man's highest good, the thing which decides his obligations and values. In the lectures for this class, Dr. Grier presented the theory that "x is good = x is willed by God". That is, that which is good is that which is God's will. Simply put, man's highest good is to seek first God's kingdom.

When seeking to apply this theory of man's highest good to financial decision making, it is important to be careful not to impose our own ideas about what seeking God's kingdom looks like (leading to a relativistic ethic) but instead to look to Scripture to define God's kingdom for us.

Seeking God's kingdom means honoring his will. His will in Scripture concerning our personal finance seems to start with instructions on giving the firstfruit as a tithe to him. Following that we are told to support those who can't support themselves or who are otherwise disenfranchised. So after we give our tithe, we need to think about the needs of the poor, the orphan, the widow. Paul, in the New Testament, demonstrates that it is good to give toward missions work and supporting both the ministries we benefit from and those which spread the message of the gospel to places we are unable to go.

Then remains the rest of our income, which we use to satisfy our needs and desires. Here too we must pursue the good. We can not worry about money or having our needs met, we must live with an attitude of trust that God will provide for us the way he does the birds of the air and flowers of the field. For some this will mean laying down their wealth, like Jesus asked the rich young ruler to do. For others it will mean constant careful stewardship of what they have, like Paul talks about in 1 Timothy 6:17-18 "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant or to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."

[lindseyhawley]

Finances are the means we use to support ourselves, our families, government services, and ultimately the Kingdom of God. We must keep in mind that the Highest Good, to seek the kingdom of God, means that we will "render unto Caesar what is Caesars, and unto God what is Gods." In light of this, making financial decisions should not be difficult for us all.

As stewards of God's kingdom, we are to work and contribute to society. We are to care for other people and for ourselves. In doing so, we are compensated financially.
We must support our government. As members of a society which pays taxes, we must pay taxes.
We must support our families responsibly. This does not mean that we are to concentrate on accumulating the greatest amount of wealth to pass on to children, it simply means that we are to use what we are blessed with to provide for the needs of our family.
We should care for those who have problems supporting themselves. God's word is clear that we should particularly care for the widows, the orphans, and the strangers within our land. Beneficience is required as we seek first the kingdom of God.
Tithing is an absolute, commanded by God in order to support those who give themselves in service to the ministry of the kingdom.
We certainly will not take anything with us when we pass from this life, and God has promised to provide for our daily bread, so to accumulate a "stash" which is not benefiting those who are in need is something we should consider carefully.
Stewardship of our finances is critical. As we seek the kingdom of God in our lives and as we seek to promote the kingdom in the lives of others, financial matters matter.


I appreciate Mark's comments that distinguish good stewardship from maximizing a savings account to pass on to one's children.

In reading over his and other's repsonses and in creating my own, I find that the area which is most difficult to describe an ethical grid for is the wealth that remains after debts, tithes, taxes, missions support, and almsgiving are satisfied. Mark talks about accumulating a "stash" which is not benefitting those who are in need as something we should consider carefully.

I agree, it requires careful consideration but I am not sure I have found helpful conclusions. As a young person seeking to live out a financial ethic that puts God's kingdom first, how should I think about saving money? Am I being responsible by creating a retirement savings account or is that money I should be spending on the needs of the less fortunate here and now? Is it ever right to splurge on an unnessecary item like a cashmere sweater or high quality running shoes, or is that categorically a selfish (and therefore not good) use of money?

I am interested in other's thoughts on what to do with our "stash"...

Finally, I would restate Mark's introductory sentence and propose that finances are the means by which God supports us not the other way around. :)

[Normafro]

Finances are the means we use to support ourselves, our families, government services, and ultimately the Kingdom of God. We must keep in mind that the Highest Good, to seek the kingdom of God, means that we will "render unto Caesar what is Caesars, and unto God what is Gods." In light of this, making financial decisions should not be difficult for us all.

As stewards of God's kingdom, we are to work and contribute to society. We are to care for other people and for ourselves. In doing so, we are compensated financially.
We must support our government. As members of a society which pays taxes, we must pay taxes.
We must support our families responsibly. This does not mean that we are to concentrate on accumulating the greatest amount of wealth to pass on to children, it simply means that we are to use what we are blessed with to provide for the needs of our family.
We should care for those who have problems supporting themselves. God's word is clear that we should particularly care for the widows, the orphans, and the strangers within our land. Beneficience is required as we seek first the kingdom of God.
Tithing is an absolute, commanded by God in order to support those who give themselves in service to the ministry of the kingdom.
We certainly will not take anything with us when we pass from this life, and God has promised to provide for our daily bread, so to accumulate a "stash" which is not benefiting those who are in need is something we should consider carefully.
Stewardship of our finances is critical. As we seek the kingdom of God in our lives and as we seek to promote the kingdom in the lives of others, financial matters matter.
Your posting is well thought out. It considers our responsibilities and lists the various areas that would demand our attention.
Yet you make it sound as though there should be no difficulty in managing financial decisions. You mention the needs of your family, but there is no mention of what to do if there is a conflict within those needs. If your child needs a second pair of shoes for school and your wife is shivering in a decade old coat, which is the higher good? And would either of these needs be bypassed if there was a need in the ministry?
Your reference to a "stash" puts a negative connotation on savings as it sounds as though it would be a secretive, unavailable hoard. Savings can give great freedom. And passing something on to our children is honouring to God.
You do show a priority for the kingdom of God. But financial decisions are sometimes very difficult to make, and do not fall into a pattern as nicely as we would like them to.

[Normafro]

The Highest Good does shine a light on our financial decision making. God’s Word is very practical and real in its teaching.
1. The first thing on the grid would be to seek the Kingdom. When Jesus was talking about seeking first the Kingdom and all these things will be added on to you He was talking about practical things like food and clothing. We love to give to Him a portion of what He has given us. God can provide in different ways – through our paychecks, a bargain, or even an outright gift. Or He can help us to see that the purchase wasn’t really needed.
2. Next on the grid would be to consider the prescriptive will of God shown at creation, through the 10 Words and into the New Testament teaching of the Sermon on the Mount. Is there anything in these words to promote the item or to prohibit it? For example, would the urge to buy a new car come from the neighbor’s shiny new vehicle? Are we coveting that so we feel we must have one too?
3. The next step would be to put the purchase through the laws of Christian Liberty. Is it fitting? Will it build up? Will the purchase control me? Would it cause a stumbling block or reproach? Is my conscience clear?
4. Finally, the purchase can be taken through the Model for Decision Making. Define the purchase, gather appropriate information (price comparisons), build alternatives, project the consequences and then decide.
This sounds like a lot of steps to take, but the thought processes can become more automatic and spontaneous. Should I buy a Tim Horton’s coffee or go home and make a whole pot for less money? The answer would not always be the same – if I am meeting someone to build up a relationship over a cup of coffee then it is a bargain at Tim’s. Other times it would be better to head home and keep the dollar for another use.

[johndegrassie]

In the light of the Highest Good, summarize a grid for making financial decisions.

The Highest Good of man is the spontaneous willing of the will of God and in so doing, bringing about the Kingdom of God on earth. Therefore, when making financial decisions one must ask themselves whether a particular use of money will advance the Kingdom of God; if it does, then that particular financial decision will be part of man’s Highest Good. The appropriate decision procedure in this case would like something like the following (based on Grier’s decision model): (1) determine the available financial decisions, (2) determine the consequences of each, i.e. do they advance the Kingdom of God, and (3) decide based on the option which best advances the Kingdom of God in the particular situation.

[johndegrassie]

If we consider finances in the light of the highest good then we need to look at the following thesis statements: X is good equals X is willed by God and X is right equals X is willed by God. These statements indicate then that the highest good is equivalent to God's will. It simply follows that we. as Christians, should follow god's will regarding finances in order to achieve the highest good in that area for us and those around us. The Bible teaches us that we "shall surely tithe all the yield" (Deuteronomy 14:22) and Malachi 3:8-10 accuses us of robbing God if we don't bring our tithes and offerings in His storehouse. This passage also tells us that we will receive blessings in return, and in Luke 6:38 the Bible tells us we will receive back according to the measure that we give others. Obviously if we handle our finances in accordance with God's will, not only will we receive a blessing, but we will have more to give to benefit others.

The identification of Scriptural references which explicitly discuss financial matters is important. I would add another, Matt. 6:24 – we cannot serve both God and money. (Grier mentions this verse in the context of what things people pursue as their highest good other than God.) The emphasis on this verse is less on action and more on mindset. It states that in financial decisions, God must be first and foremost, which corresponds to the highest good of man. In sum: I agree that identifying individual actions is important, but I would add that having this mindset is most important.

[deb3]

The Highest Good does shine a light on our financial decision making. God’s Word is very practical and real in its teaching.
1. The first thing on the grid would be to seek the Kingdom. When Jesus was talking about seeking first the Kingdom and all these things will be added on to you He was talking about practical things like food and clothing. We love to give to Him a portion of what He has given us. God can provide in different ways – through our paychecks, a bargain, or even an outright gift. Or He can help us to see that the purchase wasn’t really needed.
2. Next on the grid would be to consider the prescriptive will of God shown at creation, through the 10 Words and into the New Testament teaching of the Sermon on the Mount. Is there anything in these words to promote the item or to prohibit it? For example, would the urge to buy a new car come from the neighbor’s shiny new vehicle? Are we coveting that so we feel we must have one too?
3. The next step would be to put the purchase through the laws of Christian Liberty. Is it fitting? Will it build up? Will the purchase control me? Would it cause a stumbling block or reproach? Is my conscience clear?
4. Finally, the purchase can be taken through the Model for Decision Making. Define the purchase, gather appropriate information (price comparisons), build alternatives, project the consequences and then decide.
This sounds like a lot of steps to take, but the thought processes can become more automatic and spontaneous. Should I buy a Tim Horton’s coffee or go home and make a whole pot for less money? The answer would not always be the same – if I am meeting someone to build up a relationship over a cup of coffee then it is a bargain at Tim’s. Other times it would be better to head home and keep the dollar for another use.



I like the way you laid this out. Your answer reflected everyday issues that can cause much conflict in our lives. But by remembering the Highest Good and God's word we can choose the right path.

[deb3]

I found this to be a very timely assignment. I am a teacher in a Christian school. My husband is retired. We are living on a limited income. The thought of seeking employment in a different setting has entered my mind more than once recently. On completing the Christian Ethics course by Dr. Grier, I found that using his 5 part Model for Decision Making and referring to the Summum Bonum were important tools toward my decision.

First, I had to define the problem as simply as possible. Should I continue teaching in a Christian school or seek employment in a Public school?

Second, I gathered information. Salary, benefits, curriculum, class size, staff development and interaction with families would all play important roles in my decision.

Third, I listed available alternatives. That would be to teach in a Christian school, or teach in a Public school.

Fourth, I must predict the consequences for each alternative. Public schools have higher salaries, more benefits. They also have larger class sizes, do not allow bible curriculum to be taught and do not allow for staff bible study. There is little, if any, interaction with families. Christian schools have lower salaries, fewer benefits. They have smaller class sizes, teach bible curriculum and allow for staff bible studies. There is often much interaction between school and families, therefore allowing for an outreach ministry into homes.

Fifth, I must have a value system ranking. In the Christian school, I would be able to continue my relationship with Christ on a regular basis all day long, without being told it is not allowed. Prayer, praise and worship would be the center of my work day. I would be able to minister to entire families.

Therefore, based on the 5 Part Model, I will continue to teach in the Christian School. I will not have to compromise any of my values.

[ethicswalla]

In the light of the Highest Good, summarize a grid for making financial decisions.

In my opinion, the Highest good is what Jesus identified as the summation of the Law: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." From a financial perspective, the injunction to "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God's what is God's" is also highly relevant here.
In order of importance then, we have two priorities, financially speaking. First of all, we are to be financially accountable and glorifying to God, which includes not only tithing, but honesty and integrity in all of our financial dealings.
Secondly, we have a divinely mandated responsibility to be be honest with the state as we seek to obey Jesus and to love our neighbor. This implies that Christians more than anyone have a responsibility to pay all of the tax that they properly owe, over and above whatever charitable giving they might do. When Christians cheat on their taxes or look for loopholes, they are not glorifying God, they are blatantly disobeying Jesus' commands, and moreover are in fact robbing their neighbor because there is now less money available for gov't services which we all need and enjoy.
As such, Christians should be an example of integrity and neighbor love by the way in which they humbly submit to and support the God-ordained authorities which have been placed over them, and to which they are subject by God's word.

[ethicswalla]

The Highest Good does shine a light on our financial decision making. God’s Word is very practical and real in its teaching.
1. The first thing on the grid would be to seek the Kingdom. When Jesus was talking about seeking first the Kingdom and all these things will be added on to you He was talking about practical things like food and clothing. We love to give to Him a portion of what He has given us. God can provide in different ways – through our paychecks, a bargain, or even an outright gift. Or He can help us to see that the purchase wasn’t really needed.
2. Next on the grid would be to consider the prescriptive will of God shown at creation, through the 10 Words and into the New Testament teaching of the Sermon on the Mount. Is there anything in these words to promote the item or to prohibit it? For example, would the urge to buy a new car come from the neighbor’s shiny new vehicle? Are we coveting that so we feel we must have one too?
3. The next step would be to put the purchase through the laws of Christian Liberty. Is it fitting? Will it build up? Will the purchase control me? Would it cause a stumbling block or reproach? Is my conscience clear?
4. Finally, the purchase can be taken through the Model for Decision Making. Define the purchase, gather appropriate information (price comparisons), build alternatives, project the consequences and then decide.
This sounds like a lot of steps to take, but the thought processes can become more automatic and spontaneous. Should I buy a Tim Horton’s coffee or go home and make a whole pot for less money? The answer would not always be the same – if I am meeting someone to build up a relationship over a cup of coffee then it is a bargain at Tim’s. Other times it would be better to head home and keep the dollar for another use.

I agree with this respondent to a large degree. It is always important to double check our motives, financially speaking, and to make sure that we do in fact have the highest good in mind, no matter how much or how little we are spending at any given point in time.

[Redgardencow]

In the light of the Highest Good, summarize a grid for making financial decisions.

The Summum Bonum or our highest good; in other words, doing, living out the Will of God in every area of our life, should be the driving force behind everything we as Believers do. The are of making financial decisions are a basic foundation to everything else we do. There should be no argument, as both the Old Testament and the New Testament give the outline for the aformentioned grid.

Using the grid provided by Dr. Grier, we can apply any financial decision either in Theory or detail to anything financial. For the purpose of this discussion, I will examine the purchase of a new car.

The grid is as follows:
1)Define the Problem
2)Gather Appropriate Information
3)Build Available Alternatives
4)Predict Consequences for the Alternatives
5)Decide Between the Alternatives by Applying the Order of Your Value System

1)The problem=we own old, worn out cars. In fact, our three vehicles have a combined total of 419,000 miles. My wife is in college, we have two teens in college and I pastor a church - simply speaking, we need another vehicle

2)As I gather the apprpriate information; it includes the cost of a new car, the purchase or lease information. This information compared with the personal, financial information that I already have will help and aid in the process
3)My alternatives will include, a purchase of a new vehicle, the purchase of a used vehicle, I have to consider the leasing option and for me as a believer, I have to look at this in the light of doing the will of God, my highest best or summum bonum.
4)The consequences of having my entire family in college constantly remind me that the budget is tight; the outcome could be dire if someone were to loose a large scholarship. For our family, the smell of a new car could be a consequence, but isn't much of one. We also have to think about the cost of major repairs on older, high mileage vehicles.
5)We make a decision. Our decisions have always been made on using God's plan and will for our lives. Ultimately, we keep the older cars we have, knowing that God has provided a newer, low mileage car before, free of charge and he is well able to to that again.

For me, this simple exercise is but a snapshot into the focus that every believer should hold in mind. We are but stewards, managers, holders of that which truly belongs to God. The problem for many however, is once we remove God from that Highest Place and us from His Highest Good, everything crumbles and we can then decide to 'go out on a limb' to buy a car, home, or make decisions that take the resources from the work and ministry of His kingdom

[Redgardencow]

If we consider finances in the light of the highest good then we need to look at the following thesis statements: X is good equals X is willed by God and X is right equals X is willed by God. These statements indicate then that the highest good is equivalent to God's will. It simply follows that we. as Christians, should follow god's will regarding finances in order to achieve the highest good in that area for us and those around us. The Bible teaches us that we "shall surely tithe all the yield" (Deuteronomy 14:22) and Malachi 3:8-10 accuses us of robbing God if we don't bring our tithes and offerings in His storehouse. This passage also tells us that we will receive blessings in return, and in Luke 6:38 the Bible tells us we will receive back according to the measure that we give others. Obviously if we handle our finances in accordance with God's will, not only will we receive a blessing, but we will have more to give to benefit others.

Do we always, really and truly look at our finances in light of our highest good? Yes, we should follow God’s will, but do we? And yes, if we give according to the plan given by the Scriptures we are blessed and then we are cursed if we don’t follow that plan.
What however is the grid you are using? If the grid is simply our highest good is equivalent to God’s will – then how do we make a concrete definition of ‘will’ in order to follow this plan in life.

One could suppose that God’s will is to be out of debt – that is a great supposition, but if we rob God to do that, in the eyes of one, we have accomplished the highest good, (out of debt) but in the eyes of another we have in essence become a thief (robbed God).

In this world of situationism, commercialism, and hyper-consumerism, we have to have some definite plans for giving to God. His Word gives us that, but to simply plan to do good in our finances will often result in something we are less than pleased with.