The Impermanence and Giftedness of Money
Financial planning reminds us money’s impermanence and giftedness. Like everything else in this world, money does not last. You cannot take it to the grave with you. It will eventually decay regardless of what kind of physical protection it has.
Nevertheless, money is also a gift. It may be a man-made invention used to purchase goods or services, but it is essential in daily living. People need it to buy their needs and wants. In addition, many people have difficulty earning money. The fact that you are able to obtain money legitimately (whether through active or passive income) makes you realize the importance of it in your life. You are given opportunities to earn and grow it so that you can utilize it better. This is the essence of money’s giftedness!
Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, gives a wonderful insight regarding the giftedness of all created things:
All the things in this world are gifts of God, presented to us so that we can know God more easily and make a return of love more readily. As a result, we appreciate and use all these gifts of God insofar as they help us develop as loving persons. But if any of these gifts become the center of our lives, they displace God and so hinder our growth toward our goal.
Ignatian Spirituality Institute
Financial planning helps you value your money in a proper way. Because money is not permanent, it’s important to know precisely how it should be used. It must never be treated as your god (Matt. 6:24)! At the same time, you become obligated to grow it. You are responsible to grow your God-given gifts (Matt. 25:14-30, Luke 19:12-28, NAB) to live authentically. Money, at its innermost essence, is God-given! You are given legitimate opportunities to earn and grow it. Having a feasible financial plan helps and keeps you responsible over your money!
To See With New Eyes
Planning is a vital aspect in any endeavor that you take. It is not just about making everything clear and specific. It also involves continuously reminding yourself of the most important aspects of life. This is what financial planning does. It may seem to be a dull and boring process, but the challenge is to look at it with new eyes! There’s much more to financial planning than meets the eye. In knowing its spiritual aspects, you empower yourself further to reach your true wealth!
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Francisco J. Colayco is an entrepreneur, a venture developer and financial advisor. He is the Author of Seven Bestsellers in the Pera Palaguin Series, the latest of which is now available in bookstores: “Wealth Reached. Money Worked. Pera Mo, Pinalago Mo!” Find his works and catch him on TV and radio. Check out: www.colaycofinancialeducation.com, www.franciscocolayco.com, www.kskcoop.com, FaceBook and Instagram.
