As we all know, most missionary organizations do not pay well.
Although there’s no guarantee of this, after some time off the field it’s likely that you’ll have more money than you did in full-time missions. This can be an awkward situation for many. We still desire to be good stewards, but have little to no experience setwarding a bank account containing more than two or three digits.
Now, mind you, I’m not speaking from much personal experience here. We still have it pretty tight, thanks largely to my inexplicable attraction to low-paying, high-stress jobs; and to our son and soon-to-come daughter, who are adorable money pits. Those of you with families will understand. We still wonder sometimes about whether it’s wise to buy cheese or not.
We’ll have more on that side of things soon. For now, we’re addressing those fortunate few who find themselves with wads of cash and are looking for responsible ways to manage it. And what better way to contrast wisdom with foolishness than with a good old fashioned round of Good Idea/Bad Idea?
Good Idea: Tithing regularly, making sure your pastor has a salary, ministries are supported, and the lights at church stay on.
Bad Idea: Giving dirty looks to everyone in the rows around you and saying, “Really? That’s it? Why, when I was a missionary…”
Good Idea: Saving a bit of money from each paycheck, to put away for a rainy day or for the future.
Bad Idea: Saving your money in a giant Money Bin and swimming around in it (and no, putting a cross on the outside of it doesn’t make it a witnessing tool).
Good Idea: Maintaining your taste for exotic food by shopping at World Market or another similar globally-themed store.
Bad Idea: Maintaining your taste for exotic food by importing lion meat at your own expense.
Good Idea: Generosity; it makes friends!
Bad Idea: Bribery; it makes enemies.
Good Idea: Occasionally shopping at thrift stores, even though you may not need to anymore.
Bad Idea: Buying the thrift store and collecting the donations for yourself.
Good Idea: Supporting a missionary, since you know how much it helps.
Bad Idea: Supporting the Nigerian princess who emailed you last week, claiming to be a distant relative and asking for your bank details.
Good Idea: Avoiding debt by minimizing credit spending and unnecessary loans.
Bad Idea: Avoiding debt by engaging in identity theft.
Good Idea: Working hard to make a fair wage.
Bad Idea: Putting that fair wage down on the ponies, even if your uncle assured you that this one’s a “sure thing.”
Good Idea: Remembering that you’re still likely to be behind most of your friends and family financially, and learning to be OK with that.
Bad Idea: Selling both kidneys to buy a Tesla, thereby assuring your friends & family that you’ve “made it.”
Good Idea: Saving a bit of money by taking advantage of discounts and freebies.
Bad Idea: Saving your own money by robbing banks and jewelry stores.
Good Idea: Remembering where you came from, staying humble and keeping in mind that life isn’t all about money.
Bad Idea: Remembering where you came from by sporting a doo-rag and returning to your Gangsta roots.
Again, I’m pretty sure this is all in the Proverbs somewhere. We all have times of want and plenty, and the trick is to stay wise and remember to be content in God in all of those times. Of course, there are lots of good, Biblical resources for how to handle money; you probably have access to a few of them right now. I would encourage you to take advantage of those, and of course use common sense. Remember that God is still our provider, whether we have much or little.
And, if you find yourself in the category of having too much, I do know a couple of bloggers who could use a second car. I’m just saying…
Life After Missions 