I am sure that you have heard this phrase: “Let Go and Let God!”
Very popular, especially many decades ago! It has much to admire, but also it has much to be concerned about! Yes, we know that God is in control, and we want to live a faith-filled life trusting God in every area of our lives. But don’t we need to be practical, particularly in regards to our finances? We need to make decisions and move in certain directions. How does “trusting in God” with its “letting go” come into play for the believer in Christ when it comes to their personal financial planning?
Faith and Pragmatism Defined
Faith – An approach that focuses on hope in God to bring about the things He has promised. Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is, “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” A good way to understand Faith in financial planning is to see it as trusting God for the results of our labors, along with a rock-solid hope that He will provide for our needs both today, and also in the future.
Pragmatism – A philosophical approach that focuses on utility and usefulness. In other words, what works, and what doesn’t work? Pragmatism focuses on solving practical problems, while sometimes even sacrificing what is morally “correct”. Pragmatism in financial planning is often seen as taking the route that most efficiently solves the problem at hand, regardless of the consequences. A good way to process this is through the phrase “The ends justify the means.”
Now, let’s bring another word in to this discussion to define…and that is:
Pragmatic (which is NOT the same as pragmatism) – Pragmatic is the practical, action-oriented behavior or mindset of individuals. “Do what works!” It is important to note at this juncture that you can be pragmatic in action, but not subscribe to pragmatism as a lifestyle or philosophy.
“pragmatism” refers to a philosophical stance or ideology, while “being pragmatic” describes the practical, action-oriented behavior or mindset of individuals.
The problem with pragmatism, at the end of the day, is that it is faithless!
Pragmatism’s only objective is to accomplish a goal at any cost! It sees the pragmatist as “god,” as ruler and authority because they are the ones who determine the best and right way to accomplish the ‘end.’
When it comes to one’s financial planning, you do not want to operate with pragmatism (get to your goal at any cost) and you also do not want to have the mindset of the adage of “let go…and let God.”
Pivoting away from Pragmatism, and Moving towards wisdom: It is Faith and Works
As we mentioned above, the problem with pragmatism, at the end of the day, is that it is faithless. Its only objective is to accomplish a goal at any cost. Operating with pragmatism sees the pragmatist as “god,” as ruler and authority because they are the one that determines the best and right way to accomplish the ‘end.’ Remember: this is done with the “whatever the cost” mindset.
Just the same, we could say that the person who says “let go and let God” and that there’s nothing I can do, and God will bring about His good purposes… He’ll work it all out, is in some essence good…but not complete. Having the mindset that “All I have to do is be faithful” is again, good, but not complete. To operate in this manner is clearly neglecting solid Biblical teachings about your call to actually do things! One could say it this way…operating in this way is a sanctified version of laziness.
True Biblical stewardship does not embrace ultimate human autonomy (like pragmatism) or a neglect of human responsibility (“Let go and let God” thinking).
So what is one to do? We are to embrace wisdom! Wisdom encompasses faith, knowing that God will accomplish all of His purposes, AND also pushes us to work as unto the Lord. In this way, it’s not just faith nor just works, it’s wisdom; applying Biblical principles to how I actually live and plan my life and my finances in submission to God.
What it comes down to is that we are applying Biblical principles as well as solid financial knowledge (known to man today) to make the best possible decisions.
The Need for both Faith and Works in Financial Planning
In financial planning, we find that there is a need for both faith and works. Here is a good way to understand the marrying of these two…from the opening of Jerry Bridges book “The Pursuit of Holiness”…
Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges Preface quote and discussion:
“A farmer plows his field, sows the seed, and fertilizes and cultivates—all the while knowing that in the final analysis he is utterly dependent on forces outside of himself. He knows he cannot cause the seed to germinate, nor can he produce the rain and sunshine for growing and harvesting the crop. For a successful harvest, he is dependent on these things from God.
Yet the farmer knows that unless he diligently pursues his responsibilities to plow, plant, fertilize, and cultivate, he cannot expect a harvest at the end of the season. In a sense he is in a partnership with God, and he will reap its benefits only when he has fulfilled his own responsibilities.
Farming is a joint venture between God and the farmer. The farmer cannot do what God must do, and God will not do what the farmer should do.”
The reality is, as stewards, we need to take the steps that are necessary to prepare for the future, and we also need to recognize that our efforts are futile if we don’t have faith in the God that is our provider.
Psalm 127:1 ESV – “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
Proverbs 16:9 ESV – “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
In Christian financial planning, faith and works are necessary. Stepping out in faith while working hard and making wise financial decisions is the key to effective Christian financial planning! This is what makes Christian financial planning so unique!
What if Financial Planning was overly practical and did not involve faith?
If financial planning was ONLY pragmatic, there would ONLY be a focus on what works and what doesn’t in regard to planning for the future. It would only consider the most efficient ways to reach a certain end. For example, if you want to plan for your retirement income, and you know that you need “X” dollars to retire comfortably, the pragmatic approach would only consider the factors to get you to that point. That sounds great, right?
But what if that approach is missing some things? What if it misses charitable giving? If you are only focused on reaching a certain dollar figure, the pragmatic approach would sacrifice charitable giving for the sake of retirement savings. Or what about leaving a legacy for the next generation and the church at your death? The pragmatic approach would not necessarily care about what happens at that point since you reached your goal. In fact, it may just encourage you to leave it all to your kids so that they can grow up wealthy. But again, what about charitable giving?
This is what sets faith-based financial planning apart from secular financial planning.
What is the purpose of investing? The answer is very simple: Growth and profit!
That is the world’s definition of investing. Pragmatism means that we get profit in the fastest, best way that we can without any concern about what it does to society, the customer, or the world. It is exploitative. It exploits any and everything it can to get an advantage to make a profit. To say it in a simple way…with a phrase I am sure you have heard…”the end justifies the means”.
What if there was faith and no “works”?
If financial planning only considered faith, and not practicality, there would only be a focus on the spiritual side of finances. This sounds great, right? Sure, but if there is no “works,” nothing would actually get done!
We can have faith in the Lord for His provisions (and we should!), but God also expects us to work! He expects us to take the necessary steps to demonstrate wisdom in our financial planning. He expects us to provide. He expects us to protect our families, and to have an honorable testimony to our creditors.
James 2:17 ESV – “…faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
Colossians 3:23-24 ESV – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
God expects us to work heartily, and trust Him with the results.
Staying Faithful to Scripture doesn’t mean we can’t be practical.
At the end of the day, we need to work heartily as for the Lord (which on a practical level, meets our everyday needs), while also trusting the Lord with the results (who we know will meet our deepest needs).
We should absolutely have faith in God and His provisions. Has He shown anything less to you so far in your life??? NO! But that doesn’t mean we should be “lazy,” thinking we have to “let go and let God.”
God has given us the ability to work and earn an income.
Deuteronomy 8:18 ESV – “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth…”
God calls us to work!
Let’s take a detour and look at a quick theology of work…
Genesis 2:15 – “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work [Cultivate] it and take care of it.”
God worked when he created all of creation, and created man and woman in His image. God created Adam with an intrinsic call to work, even before the fall of mankind. Because God created us in His image, and because we all stem from Adam, we are called to work. When we work, we reflect the glory of God. Working is good because, when we work, we obey the divine mandate to work. To the extent that we do not work, we do not reflect fully or accurately the image and the glory of God. Humans are the closest thing in all of creation that reflects the image and glory of God. We should bear that image well.
Working towards a goal is a good thing. God calls us to work while also demonstrating our faith in His provisions. When it comes to our financial planning, faith and practical works NEED to work hand in hand.
Stewardship Application
To close out this article, here are ten ways one can integrate the principle of “letting go and letting God” while also actively engaging in their personal financial planning:
- Prayer and Meditation:Start each financial planning discussion and session with prayer or meditation, inviting God’s wisdom and guidance into the process. Also, outside of those times, continue to be in prayer for His ultimate provision!
- Seeking Counsel:Consult financial advisors and mentors, but also remain open to those that can offer Biblical guidance and discernment in decision-making.
- Setting Goals with Flexibility:Establish financial goals while remaining flexible to God’s plan, trusting that His path may differ from our own expectations!
- Stewardship:Embrace the concept of stewardship by managing finances responsibly, recognizing that all resources ultimately belong to God.
- Budgeting with Faith:Create budgets based on principles of stewardship and faith, allocating funds for necessities, savings, and charitable giving.
- Letting Go of Anxiety:Practice letting go of financial worries and anxieties through prayer, trusting that God provides for your needs (for today…AND tomorrow) according to His timing and plan.
- Faithful Work Ethic:Maintain a strong work ethic and pursue opportunities for growth and advancement while trusting in God’s provision and sovereignty..
- Giving Generously:Cultivate a spirit of generosity by giving first to your local church…and then to others in need, trusting that God blesses those who give freely.
- Financial Education:Continuously educate oneself on financial principles and strategies, while also seeking Biblical counsel into the proper use of wealth.
- Gratitude and Contentment:Foster an attitude of gratitude and contentment with your present circumstances…and propel that mindset into your future years.
By integrating these principles, individuals can actively engage in financial planning while simultaneously surrendering control and trusting in God’s guidance and provision.
Work hard as unto the Lord, all the while trusting Him with the results!
Psalm 127:1 ESV – “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
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