Common Sense

Is money good or bad?

Developed from an idea in Money, a User’s Manual; Permission granted by Bob Russell/Living Word, Inc.

Suppose a man were to invent a new grass that stopped growing once it reached four inches in height. It also stayed green and healthy throughout the summer months. If you bought his product, "NuGrass" you would never have to mow your lawn again.

Suppose he could produce NuGrass’ for $10/bushel but wanted to sell it at $100/bushel. That is 1000% profit. Would it be moral for him to charge that much for the product? Those who bought this product would save more than enough money on gas and repairs on a lawn mower to make this product economical.

You might be tempted to say, "It is not honest to make that amount of profit on a product." However, you have to take into account the amount of years and research that he put into it. Also, there is a limited demand for this product because once you bought it, you would never have to buy it again. This man would not be able to sell NuGrass’ for very long. He may also need some starter money to invest in a new idea of his.

Some Christians say that it is not right for billionaires to be as rich as they are. To keep the issue of rich in perspective, the gap in wealth between them and billionaires is likely the same as the gap between people in Third-World countries and themselves. Who decides what is the definition of too rich?

The legitimacy of profit can be defined when answering two questions: is the profit made honestly and how is it spent?

If he made a million dollars that first year, he could do a number of things.

-He could give it all away. That would be noble but maybe not the best stewardship.
-He could spend it all on himself. That would be sinful. -He could reinvest it all into his company. That would be frugal.
-He could do a combination of the above. That would be wise stewardship.

Suppose he gave half of it away ($500,000), saved a quarter to help educate his grandkids ($250,000), invested half of what was left into the company for advertising and research ($125,000), and lived on the remainder ($125,000). Would you still find that the profit was unjustified?

It is important to realize that in North America, people have the freedom to develop their own ideas and utilize the gifts that God has given to them. This may result in much worldly wealth but we should not judge people by what we see on the outside.

Is it right to own a new car or live in a large, beautiful house? I would suggest that as long as the value of one's possessions is comparable to one's giving, then he is being a wise steward. Only God can see all and know the true heart of the person. Therefore we should be very careful in prejudging people.

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