Traveling the Financial Pilgrimage: Questions as Bridges

seank.mitchell@yahoo.com

I once heard a psychologist remark, “We don’t need to put anything more into our heads; instead, we need to get more out of our hearts.” His point was to emphasize the necessity of developing our potential, understanding the God who made us, and discovering our purpose in life. Prayerful thinking—contemplation—is a bridge that enables our spirits to emerge as traveling pilgrims. Often, with the use of questions, Jesus would encourage those around him to build these bridges. Questions help us build a personal relationship with God and uncover the light He has put before the path of our hearts.

Below are some of my favorite financial questions to ask. I hope they help you process the financial pilgrimage you have taken this past year, and to help you prepare for the one ahead.

How is your attitude toward your finances and budget furthering the kingdom of God? In the midst of your investments, equity, 401Ks, and 5-year plans, is there an active yearning and effort toward living in complete trust of God?

What if God required us to pick up and follow him into the unknown, much like he did with Abraham? Would we do it, or would our desire to play it safe and maintain our comforts hold us back?

Do we really believe what we say and preach about God? Is He truly the one who supplies our needs, takes care of us, arranges a promotion at work, and gives other financial favor? Do we really believe that the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, and that everything we have comes from His hands?

When it comes to the financial pilgrimage, how is one to define enough?

When we reach the end of the pilgrimage, what will be important to us? What do we want our legacy to be? How do we want our biographies to read? What do we want future financial disciples of Christ to learn from our examples?

What are three ways in which Jesus has influenced your financial decisions?

How much time do you worry about your personal finances? How much time do you spend praying over your personal finances?

What are your financial goals for your lifetime? Why are those your goals?

What one financial decision could you make today that would be pleasing to Jesus?

Sean K. Mitchell is a creative writer and author of The Financial Pilgrimage, a book that doesn’t just talk about money management, but communicates a fresh, financial approach to Christian discipleship. For more information on the book, visit www.thefinancialpilgrimage.com.