LIVING FOR GOD™

"Betting on the Future"

By Calvin and Lisa Wulf

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:34 (NIV)

He pops his head into the kitchen. "Hey, great news, honey. Company sales are way over forecast. Let’s go buy that new car we’ve been wanting. And while we’re at it, let's look for a bigger house. I want everyone to know how successful we are."

"But how can we afford that?"

"I bet I'll get a bonus. Hey, why wait? We deserve nice things now. I know we’ll have the money by the time the bills come due."

Betting on the future. We spend money we don’t have believing our soon-to-be success will cover the tab. We have it made, no problem. There’s no end to the promotions, bonuses and victories! As the song says, "The future’s so bright you gotta wear shades."

But there’s a problem. Where’s our trust - in God or the economy? We have faith in our ability to achieve. But relying on future gain is like worshipping at the roulette wheel.

What’s really going on? We’re taking on obligations with no sure way to repay them. We assume the future is guaranteed to go our way. But only God knows what’s going to happen. Why do we presume to second-guess his will?

Perhaps we spend so we can look successful. Or maybe we’ve just got to have the latest gadget. Either way it’s risky so here’s a better strategy. God asks us to be good stewards. That means taking care of what we already have. Betting on future gains doesn't cut it.

Want to leave the gambling table? Try these tips:

• Only use your current income. Don’t spend your raise before you get it.
• Move into the here-and-now. Scale back if you’re overextended.
• Get a new financial advisor. Follow God’s investment plan.

Spending money you don’t have is a sure path to economic ruin. But there’s a simple cure for this anxiety. Live within your means. When the storm comes, your house won’t be washed away by debt. Trust in God. He’ll never gamble away your future.

Living for God (TM) offers resources on Christian living.  Check them out at www.livingforgod.net or call (719) 578-8837.

© 2006 Calvin R. Wulf and Lisa Aré Wulf