But if money is a deceiver, it is also a servant. And as such, it can enrich our lives and the lives of others. Money is of real value only when it is used. Sometimes, WE are the servants and money is our master, requiring us to do amazing things. If money wants us to fight with one another, or lie, or cheat, or to abandon our church, we ll do that.
Money is a harsh master.
By the same token, it makes a good servant. For this to happen, we must assert our authority over money, saying to it, I m not going to do what YOU say you re going to do what I say. This requires a discipline that we may have to learn and develop, it may not already be there. Like a wayward child, money needs a firm hand to turn it into a good servant. Figure what 80 percent of your income is, budget it and then spend it gladly.