Written by Bob Barber
The Tenth Commandment
Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house… or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have…”
In our country, comparing and coveting have unfortunately become mainstream. We are bombarded with advertisers on TV and social media trying to convince us that we are not good enough unless we have what they are offering. Examples include: needing to entirely remodel a kitchen that already functions well, driving a newer, more luxurious automobile like your neighbor may have, or achieving better returns in a portfolio, regardless of risk, Christian values, and goals.
Let’s examine the key differences and identify the flaws behind comparing investment returns.
Key Differences between individuals and families include:
- Different Financial Foundations: Time horizons, net worth, debt levels, and cash flow/income needs
- Different Personal Circumstances: Age, health conditions, family size, and specific family needs
- Different Goals and Values: Investment objectives, giving goals, moral beliefs about investing, and estate planning needs
- Different Asset Holdings: Examples, real estate, business interests, stocks, bonds, etc.
- Different Risk Tolerances: Ability to handle high volatility and deep market pullbacks
- Different Portfolios Needs: Ultra Conservative vs. Conservative vs Moderate vs. Growth vs Aggressive Growth, etc
As you can see, investment returns are only one small part of the total equation. What really matters is your probability of success in meeting ALL of your personal goals, wants, and needs.
Comparing investment returns with a friend or family member can be flawed and may even lead to envy, which is prohibited by the 10th Commandment found in Exodus 20:17. Therefore, be cautious about doing so. Instead, focus on your unique probability of success as a Christian rather than how you measure up against others, and answer these three basic and spiritual questions. All financial decisions for a Christian are spiritual ones:
Who owns it all?
How much is enough?
How much can I give away?
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.- 2 Timothy 1:7