Jump Start # 3779
Proverbs 28:11 “The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding sees through him.”
I saw three recent statistics about football players in the NFL that was interesting. The average career for a football player in the NFL is 3.5 years. That’s not very long. The average salary for an NFL player is 2.8 million a year. And, most shocking, the majority of NFL players, retire broke. You’d think with sign on bonuses, and six to eight million dollars through those 3.5 years, most football players would be set. They aren’t.
The study I read went on to say that the majority of football players never understood nor were taught about money. Most expected to play more than 3.5 years. And, the report declared that the majority had only one skill set, playing football. It’s all they have done since they were a kid. All through high school, and then college, it’s only been football. Most burned through the money buying expensive cars and large homes and not anticipating what life would be like after football. Careers over, broke, and not having any marketable skills, many find themselves in low paying jobs. Their dreams became a nightmare.
The book of Proverbs, where our passage is taken from, has much to say about money, riches, wealth, and the attitude we need to have towards those things. Many are uncomfortable talking about money in the church building. Some go so far as to say such topics do not belong in church. However, Jesus said more about money than He did Heaven. His parables are laced with contrasts between rich and poor. And, like the broke NFL football players, many of us have never been taught about money.
Budgeting and money management ought to be a concern for today’s shepherds. How we handle the money in the church is as important as how we handle our personal finances. Money issues are the leading causes of divorce these days. In preparing young couples for marriage, lessons about money are a must. Without careful teaching and planning, many are on the trajectory of being future benevolent cases for the congregation. Wise teaching can help us in this area.
Here are some things I see:
First, the past generation never talked much about money. What was in the will and who got what was a secret that was not revealed until a death. It is not uncommon for a husband and wife to have different backgrounds and views about money. Some want to save every nickel. Others, want to spend a dime when they only have a nickel. And, without a plan and a budget, couples race into retirement realizing that they can’t retire or worse, they become a burden to the church because they never handled money well.
Second, among preachers, this is a real disaster. The horror stories are unbelievable. I’ve known preachers who died broke. They left their family destitute. Others have the grand idea of preaching until they die. But, what if health won’t allow that. Or, worse, what if brethren won’t allow that. Then what? Shepherds and preachers ought to have conversations on this topic. Amounts ought to be put away for retirement. I heard of a congregation in Texas that has invited older, retired preachers to come and be a part of their fellowship. In the process, they pledge to take care of those old preachers as long as they live, whether they preach or not. What a wonderful blessing and payback to honor those who have dedicated their lives to teaching God’s word.
Third, we must not be embarrassed to take such topics to the pulpit nor have classes on this. This is not only helpful and healthy, it can prevent future problems. Young people need to be taught about giving. We assume they know. They don’t. How much ought one to give? What happens when the month is longer than the paycheck? Establishing emergency funds, for both a congregation and teaching people to have their own helps when the storm clouds of troubles roll in.
Teaching generosity goes along with this. God treats us better than we deserve. And, as God’s people we must learn to be generous. That is a spirit that will open doors and shows people that you care.
Much of this begins in the home. Don’t just give your child a dollar to put in the collection plate. That doesn’t teach him anything. And, when grandma gives your child $20 for his birthday, don’t go out and buy something that costs $25. That doesn’t teach anything. Have three jars: Save, Give, Spend. Teach them to fill those jars. Patience and working up for something that is expensive is a good character quality that will help them in life.
There are wonderful books on this topic. Sit down with someone in the congregation that has done well financially and talk with them about how they got there. Learn and understand the principles of finance.
Retired broke football players. Not a good place to be.
Roger