Why I don’t care about your money

This post has been unapologetically copied from my Christian Relationships blog.  This is actually part of part 2, see the whole post here

It annoys me when someone drives up in a big car, and expects me to automatically equate that with “excellence”.  Immediately the question arises – how did he get the money?  Did he cheat, steal, lie to get it? Is he involved in a job that involves exploitation, directly or indirectly?  Sometimes there will be a profession that is highly regarded, even within the (Black) church, for instance, that for me is devoid of integrity.  I would prefer not to name examples, but from my cynical perspective to progress in these professions you essentially have to throw away your conscience.  I have personally walked away quite firmly from many of these professions, and the financial opportunities they would bring.  I want a husband who has similarly asked himself these hard questions, and opted for integrity (and continues to ask these questions, and continues to opt for integrity), even if it means not seeming to “make progress” as fast as his peers.  This is the kind of husband I want, because this is the kind of wife he would get.

When I say “excellence”, this is what I mean.  Excellence in character.  Excellence in discipline. Excellence in pursuit of Christ-likeness. Christ loved the poor when He walked on earth.  How can it be consistent with His character to work in an industry that exploits the poor? In fact, Jesus loved all people.  God tells us to look after the earth. How can it be consistent with our faith to establish factories which pollute the drinking water of defenceless villagers in distant countries to satisfy our lust for unnecessary items?  These are very broad examples, and sometimes arguments need to be explored in more detail. For instance, a company which does have polluting practices might also be establishing a “green” unit or policy – or an industry which is largely dirty might have a few “clean” businesses – so issues are rarely “black and white”.  However, I want someone who thinks through these questions, rather than just dismissing them.  I want someone who takes appropriate and laudable action, rather than just holding onto flimsy excuses.

These are some of the reasons why I would not reject someone because of his financial status – or lack of. If the reason that someone does not have a job, or is in a lower-paying job, is because of his commitment to ethical principles, then this is a good thing. This would be a good husband. This is not an excuse for laziness, and I hope no-one would try to use this to excuse their laziness. The way to evaluate this is as follows: Apart from the money thing, does he clearly strive for excellence in everything else? Does he pursue God wholeheartedly?  Does he make it his business to know the Bible and live the Bible?  Does Bible truth as well as plain common-sense, emanate from his mouth?  Does he pursue integrity in everything else? These ethical issues need to be totally consistent with his character, with what he cultivates for himself.

Bible Verses:
Proverbs 11v16-18
¹⁶ A gracious woman retains honor,
But ruthless men retain riches.
¹⁷ The merciful man does good for his own soul,
But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
¹⁸ The wicked man does deceptive work,
But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.

Proverbs 23v4-5
⁴ Do not overwork to be rich;
Because of your own understanding, cease!
⁵ Will you set your eyes on that which is not?
For riches certainly make themselves wings;
They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

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PHOTO CREDITS
Photo of Wallet by Hans on Pixabay
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