Watching, Waiting, Planning, Working with Matt Bell

Aug 22, 2024

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“Concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” - Matthew 24:36-37

Jesus made it quite clear that no one on earth knows the day or hour of His return. Yet, we’re to live as if He’s coming back tomorrow. Does that mean we don’t need to plan for the future? Matt Bell weighs in on the issue today.

Matt Bell is the Managing Editor at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.

The Call to Be Prepared

While it’s crucial to live in anticipation of Christ’s return, this does not mean we should neglect our responsibilities here on earth, especially when it comes to managing our finances. We must strike a balance between being spiritually ready for the end times and being diligent stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.

One of the most common misconceptions among Christians is that preparing for the future contradicts living in anticipation of Christ’s return. However, this perspective misses the point of biblical stewardship.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of planning and stewardship. Proverbs 21:5 tells us, "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty," while Proverbs 22:3 warns:

"A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."

The Parable of the Talents: A Lesson in Responsibility

The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) perfectly illustrates the concept of stewardship. The master entrusts his servants with his wealth, expecting them to manage it wisely. Two servants invest the money and generate a return, while the third, out of fear, hides it. When the master returns, he rewards the faithful servants and reprimands the one who did nothing.

This parable teaches us that we are not merely to hold on to what God has given us; we are to use it productively, even as we wait for Christ’s return. Being a good steward means planning, being intentional, and taking proactive steps to manage the resources God has entrusted to us.

Practical Steps for Faithful Financial Stewardship

So, what does faithful financial stewardship look like in practice? It’s crucial that we utilize tools like budgets to allocate income across key priorities such as generosity, saving, investing, and spending. Additionally, for those planning for retirement, it’s wise to build an investment plan that aligns with a specific retirement date and budget, even though adjustments may be necessary as circumstances change.

Ultimately, financial planning is not about securing wealth for its own sake but about being found faithful with what God has given us. As Proverbs 16:3 reminds us:

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."

Living in Anticipation and Planning Wisely

Christians are called to live in constant anticipation of Christ’s return while also faithfully managing the resources we have been given. We live like Jesus is returning today, but we plan to be here for a long time. This balanced approach ensures that we are prepared for whatever the future holds, both spiritually and financially.

For more insights on this topic, you can explore the article “Watching, Waiting, Planning, Working” available at SoundMindInvesting.org.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I recently received an inheritance of over $200,000. My savings and 401(k) are in good shape, but I'm unsure how to invest this inheritance best. I want to ensure I'm being a good steward of this money. What advice would you give me on how to invest this inheritance wisely?

Resources Mentioned:

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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