Money Well Spent

Buying something of quality is something that John Wesley agreed with. He would opt to buy an expensive quality wool coat that would last for years rather than a cheap coat that would last one winter. I feel the same way about tools. Having a tool that works right every time is money well spent.

If money can be well spent, it can also be poorly spent. On a small scale, I suppose buying coffee instead of making a cup myself could be considered money poorly spent, especially if it does not taste good. Shopping for the best price, or buying something used, is money well spent, while always paying full price is money spent poorly.

There are ways to spend money that bring peace of mind. Buying insurance, a financial plan with a will or trust, are examples of money well spent. Having a spending plan – a budget, is money well spent. Spending more money than I make is money poorly spent.

When it comes to charitable giving, the money well or poorly spent equation is more subjective. One person might consider giving money to a person begging on the street as money well spent and another person would see that as money poorly spent. An atheist would see my giving to my church as foolish. I see it as money well spent.

It occurs to me that, as disciples, how we spend money relates to our relationship with Jesus. As disciples we are stewards of money – not owners. In this faith and money framework, money well spent translates to a job well done. If I spend all the money at my disposal on my own creature comforts and neglect to help people who are poor, I have neglected Christ. And this dynamic is true for our churches as well. If we spend all our church’s income on keeping the church doors open and neglect to minister to the poor in our community, we are spending money poorly. The Master has given us 10 talents, a large endowment. When he returns, I pray we hear the words: “Well done my good and faithful servant.”