To Whom Much Is Given - By Jerry Black
Much is required. Have you ever heard someone say they wish they had that problem? For 27 years now I have offered counsel in this area of family finances. Many clients have expressed how challenging it is to decide what is best for an adult child or grandchild beneficiary who does not make the best financial decisions. When asked “How much is enough?” - The air is often silent. When asked “Which is more important – treating your children uniquely or children equally?” - the room often becomes totally silent for longer periods of time. These are challenging questions, requiring discernment, wisdom, counsel and leadership. But there are more. Will money be used to modify or manipulate behavior?? Is it important your beneficiaries share your worldview? – to name a few more.
“A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.” Proverbs 10:1
“18 I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. 19 And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. 20 So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21 For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune.22 What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? 23 All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 2:18-23
These two quotes sum it up rather well. How confident you’ve made the right decisions? Give us a call if you’re not sure.