Long term financial planning is a practice encouraged from acorporate perspective than from a spiritual standpoint. The concentration of major spiritual activities and advices are on the social relationship compared to financial and economic perspectives of life. Luke 14:28-30, New American Version illustrates that, “for which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.” The biblical excerpt explains the relevance and objectives of long-term financial planning as a model of achieving projected development for the future. Although the majority of Christian teachings focus on social relationship and spirituality, the Bible provides significant approaches and advice onfinancial planning as a model of living decent livelihoods and improved social relationship among believers.
Attention is drawn to long term financial planning for all Christians as a guarantee to improved standards of living. The focus on long-term financial forecasting is demonstrated by the capability to delay immediate gratification for a better future. Bernstein (2017) avers that making current decisions to support future financial activities, establishes a solid foundation from an academic viewpoint compared to an ordinary perspective on finances. Unfortunately, the majority of believers have been distracted by biblical passages such as the excerpts of Mathew 6:34, which states that “so do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own,” as an advice against financial planning. However, Parekh (2016) explains that long-term financial planning is an activity all Christians should undertake since it enhances responsibility of their lives and that of their families. Therefore, to ensure enhanced livelihoods and better-dignified life, it is significant for Christians to schedule long-term financial planning and prepare for any future eventuality.
Parental care and responsibilities are embodied in the Christian teaching. Long-term financial planning illustrates a significant level of wisdom, which integrates aspects of parental responsibility with efforts to secure a better future. Notably, Luke 14:28-30 indicates that, “for which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.” Firstly, the biblical quotation puts into perspective the aspect of long term financial planning as a model of successful implementation of set goals. Secondly, it demonstrates that effective plans require a schedule, calculation of cost, and the ascertainment of the adequacy of financial capability before initiating a project. Therefore, from the above example, long term financial planning is exemplified as an fundamental aspect for attainingparental care and fulfilling family dreams.
Integrating the aspects of faith and long term financial planning is key to the growth of the church. The modern day Christian faces several challenges that require effective planning and financial projection Future financial forecasting programs, such as children school fees, family homes, retirement plan,and other risk management programs are significant in every Christian’s life. Accordingly,1 Timothy 5:8 states that “but if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever,” The verse equates planning and financial forecasting as an act of faith while its absence is regarded as secularism. Parekh (2016) aversthat Christians have an obligation of ensuring their lives and that of their neighbor is devoid of suffering, especially over situations they cancontrol, such aspoverty and financial interdependence. Therefore, dignity of life, especially in old age, and security of the various interests of the family are every Christian’s obligations in the society and can be attained by long term financial planning.
Financial stewardship is important for the development of the church. Through improved missionary perspectives, the church growth is realized across the world. The application of stewardship calls for long-term financial planning both for the church and individual Christian. When planning for Christian programs, it is necessary that structures that will ensure their completion be employed before the actual projects are commenced. For instance, Proverbs 24:27 states that “prepare your work outside, and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house.” Therefore, the verse establishesthe importance of future financial planning before the implementation of a project as it is the case when constructinga house. Accordingly, long term financial planning solidly anchors the objectives of stewardship as a model of managing the growth of the Christian church and the delivery of call to the gospel.
Economic capability is an effectivemodel of managing resources to deliver stability and growth in the Christian faith. The bible and other Christian teachings obligate every believer to lead distinguished lives and support their neighbors. Although the modern day Christian is faced with several challenges, such associocultural and socio economic lifestyles, it is necessary to adopt effective planning and financial forecasting skills to enhance their lives(Zaloom, 2016). Therefore, believers have the responsibility to manage their daily activities by applying successful methods that will enhance both lives and those of their families.
Conclusion
The practices of long term financial planning provide incentives for dignified lives and the opportunity to support the neighbor as per the biblical expectations of every Christian. Biblical illustrations have given relevance to long-term financial planning as an appaorach of accomplishing future projects. Likewise, enhanced livelihoods and better-dignified life can be attained when Christians apply long-term financial planning approaches to preparefuture activities. The Christian church is an organized association embodied in effective planning and delivery of projected goals. With this in mind, believers has the roles of ensuring that they effectively undertake long term financial planning of their resources through wisdom to they raise satisfied and functional families.
References
Bernstein, E. S. (2017). Making transparency transparent: The evolution of observation in management theory. Academy of Management Annals, 11(1), 217-266.
Parekh, B. (2016). 5 Rethinking Humanitarian. World Orders in the Making: Humanitarian Intervention and Beyond, 138.
Zaloom, C. (2016). The evangelical financial ethic: Doubled forms and the search for God in the economic world. American Ethnologist, 43(2), 325-338.