Financial Dependence

The Office Dream

Maybe you share this dream with countless others - a vision that begins with a hard day at the office. Your boss is wrongfully furious with something he believes you've done and is taking out his frustration on you. But, you've achieved "Financial Independence". You gently take the lanyard off your neck adorned with your picture and the logo of the company you have spent years faithfully serving. In a calm, almost mischievous tone, you hand him your badge and say, "enough". You quit on the spot knowing there is sufficient money in the bank and sufficient income from other sources to allow you to finally step away from this toxic environment. And your boss becomes the victim of a lost, faithful soldier. "Goodbye", you state with authority and assurance.  

Admittedly, I had the same dream. Long, hard days at the office stir up thoughts of "if only"…if only I didn't have this mortgage, if only I had invested differently in my 20s, if only… But is financial independence actually a biblical pursuit, or is it something we should think differently? As with most things, it comes down to your heart.

Financial "Dependence"

Financial independence is a relatively new concept and is the primary marketing pitch for modern-day financial advisors and coaches. They claim if you follow their advice, you will achieve financial independence. And not surprisingly, the idea of Independence resonates with many Americans who want to seek their own way. It seems that the pursuit of financial independence has become the pinnacle of financial services and the "why" for so many people. The idea of financial independence grabs at the very core of our hearts and creates an emotion that moves us to action.

But, the Bible paints a different picture - one that actually seeks the opposite of independence. Jesus demands we pursue full dependence on Him. In fact, this dependence is fundamental to our faith - dependence means fully resting in His wisdom and direction for our life and nothing else.  Not dependence on ourselves, our plans, or even our government.  Does this apply to our financial situation? You bet. When I center my life on the pursuit of Christ, the decisions I make with money will be significantly different.  

Biblical Application

Consider the words from Hebrews:

"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Scripture tells us to draw near to Christ - the throne of grace - for mercy and help. Yet so often, we approach our financial advisor for help in time of need. We approach our 401k and our savings for help.  We may approach our real estate portfolio for help. I'm not saying that having those things are wrong - not at all - but when we cross the line where we no longer have faith and put our dependence on our established independence, then it's time to ask some tough questions about the direction and disposition of our hearts.

Or consider one of my favorite passages in Matthew. The words of Christ.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

Unfortunately for many, the pursuit of financial independence means uncontrolled hoarding of financial assets. The latest example of this is the retire by 40 movement. The pursuit means diverting a significant percentage of your earnings towards this goal of independence. And while saving money is certainly not sinful, my concern lies within the heart of the matter where self is the end goal and our faith and obedience to Christ become subordinate to those financial pursuits.

Financial Contentment

So what is the alternative to this financial pursuit of independence? If we are not seeking independence, what should we be pursuing? I would argue - financial contentment. We need to pursue Jesus Christ with our full heart, soul, and mind, and make all of our financial decisions, large and small, through the lens of walking faithfully with Christ. In our full dependence on God, we will make financial decisions that will be counter to this independence culture but are assuredly more valuable in light of eternity.

Paul writes from prison, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me" Philippians 4:11-13.

My prayer for you is that Christ will be your strength in whatever financial situation you might be facing - both in plenty and in want. May He be your source of strength and hope.