Christian Finance Blog

“Always borrow money from a pessimist, he doesn’t expect to be paid back.”

Unknown source

Ha! That’s funny. I say don’t borrow at all if you don’t have to.

“It’s apparent that the Labor Department had some problems seasonally adjusting for the Veterans Day holiday.”

Ted Wieseman

Here’s quote for Veterans Day. Happy Veterans Day to you! Always remember the veterans who served for our country and pray for those serving every day. This country was founded on freedom and those who fought for our freedom and those who continue to fight! God bless!

“The rule is not to talk about money with people who have much more or much less than you.”

Katherine Whitehorn

In other words, don’t talk to anyone about money? I would never talk to co-workers about money, or at least, salary. There is just too much room for jealousy. If you make more than the other person, they’ll be jealous of you. If they make more, you’ll be jealous. Nobody wins.

But who can you talk money with? I think every couple needs to talk about money. The number one reason for divorce in America is about money and money fights. And I’m not talking about letting one spouse control the finances. It should be a joint effort with everyone involved. Money is so important, it should be talked about before marriage. In fact, I like what Suze Orman says about knowing each other’s FICO credit scores before getting married! And that’s because how people handle their money tells what kind of person he or she is.

Remember that where your treasure your heart is too (Matthew 6:21)!

“So you think that money is the root of all evil. Have you ever asked what is the root of all money?”

Ayn Rand

Remember that the love of money is the root of all evil, not money! But what is the root of all money, anyway?

“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.”

Maya Angelou

What a great quote and some great advice. Money should never be your goal. Money is motivating but there is a higher purpose for our lives. I don’t think that it’s necessarily wrong to be motivated by money as long as the ultimate motivation is that you want to help someone with it. So the real motivation is to change lives through giving. Giving to God. Giving to the poor. Giving to the church. Giving to change generations. Giving to change your family tree.

Is money your motivation? Are you really doing what you love? Examine your ultimate goals in life.

“Always borrow money from a pessimist, he doesn’t expect to be paid back.”

Unknown source

I thought it was funny. I say don’t borrow at all!

“I’m so poor I can’t pay attention.”

Ron Kittle

Poor and broke are two very different things. Poor is a mentality and broke is just a temporary situation that you know will get better in the future. All I know is that I don’t want to be poor or broke! Maybe just poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3).

“I cannot afford to waste my time making money.”

Louis Agassiz

People say that time is money. Sure it takes time to make money. But I would say that time is more valuable than money. And you know why? Because you can always earn some extra money, but you can never earn extra time. Once time has passed, it is gone forever. That’s why managing your time is so important. Don’t waste another minute. Use your time effectively.

“Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.”

Ayn Rand

Much like a hammer can be used to build or to tear down, money is a tool that can help someone in need, or be hoarded all in the name of greed. Money in of itself is not bad or evil. Money is amoral which means that it is without morals. What someone chooses to do with money is what makes it right or wrong. Money is not bad; just the love of money. Use money as a tool to build and not tear down.

“Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.”

Benjamin Franklin

There seems to be a recurring theme in the Did They Say That section. Money does not produce happiness. And prosperity is much more than mere money. Benjamin Franklin knew that money by itself cannot produce happiness. That’s why there are so many rich people who are not happy, but are actually miserable.

“You have reached the pinnacle of success as soon as you become uninterested in money, compliments, or publicity.”

Thomas Wolfe

What are your motives in life? Money, success, celebrity? As Christians, we have a higher calling, a higher purpose, a greater motive in life! We need to have an eternal perspective and not a “life-on-earth” perspective which is short-sighted. We know that our home is in heaven. We can be truly successful when we have an eternal perspective on life.

“Money can’t buy friends, but it can get you a better class of enemy.”

Spike Milligan

It is amazing how jealousy can rise up when someone has more money than someone else. That’s why people say never to discuss salary or wage with co-workers. Because it really doesn’t matter what your co-workers make. As long as you’re giving it 110% of your effort and working hard, you should be getting what you’re worth. If you’re not, negotiate with your employer or look for another job where you’ll be paid what you’re worth. And remember that you probably make more than 90% of the world.

“You have not lived a perfect day, even though you have earned your money, unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”

Ruth Smeltzer

This is one of the basic premises of the Christian faith. Giving. Jesus came to give his life for us. God gave his only son. Christians are to give. Give your smile today. Give your time today. Give to God today. Today is the day that the Lord has made so let us be glad and rejoice in it!

It is such a joy to be in a position to give. Giving (or loving) without expecting anything in return is true unconditional love. To help someone without the means to repay you is true unconditional love. Do something for someone on purpose. You will be blessed for it!

“Don’t tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I’ll tell you what they are.”

James W. Frick

The Bible has been saying this for centuries. Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” You can tell a whole bunch about a person by what he or she spends money on. Interests and hobbies are apparent when you examine a check book or bank statement for someone. Wherever the most money goes to is usually the most important to that person.

This quote is basically saying that actions speak louder than words. What does your bank statement say about you?

“Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

There seems to be a common thread among famous people and their thoughts on money. Many say the same thing; money can’t buy happiness. And it is true, because many of them have experienced wealth and are not happy.

Check out this old Verse of the Day to find out what money can’t buy.