How Much is Enough?

Proverbs 30:8-9

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

When we speak to our donor-friends, there is an overarching question that runs through their minds and one that must be dealt with if they are going to be able to return to the Lord the maximum amount.

Sadly, however, our society promotes accumulation of wealth so the answer to the "how much is enough" question is not one that is dealt with. So, if we want more and more or are afraid that there will not be enough to cover unforeseen events (health care comes to mind), we and our donor-friends never get to see that we may have enough or even more than enough.

Many of our major donors are 50+ years old. They are thinking and planning for retirement. In doing so, they may make assumptions about lifestyle and future expenses that preclude them from seeing that they could be contributing mightily to the Kingdom today. They go on to reason that they will contribute from what is left over. Sadly, they never get the joy of seeing their wealth make a difference.

In order to do this analysis we should refer the donor to the Christian advisor who can help in doing the analysis. Ron Blue (Crown Ministries and Kingdom Advisors) and Generous Giving are two organizations that are committed to maximizing Kingdom impact while ensuring that the donors real needs are provided for.

We can help get the planning process started by asking a few questions:

1. What do you see yourself doing after you complete your paid work?
2. Have you and your spouse talked about and planned for "post-career" ministry?
3. What Kingdom works would you plow into when you are not tied to a daily schedule? What is it about these that blesses your heart?

Don't be afraid to ask these questions. You might be surprised at the answers and how little our friends have thought these through.

Whenever we do ask these legacy questions, we should do with grace and appreciation to the Lord for the privilege of engaging in this kind of conversation.