I don't think I've ever heard anyone ask the question. It's not the kind of thing we tend to talk about. But, for some of us at least, it's a significant issue. How should we, as Christians, respond to being left an inheritance?
Whether the sum is large or small it can open up a whole can of worms in our minds. Of course, it's great to have a bank balance that is fuller than normal. But the money is only there because a loved one has died. Somehow it feels wrong to enjoy it. But the person who left it to us wanted us to benefit from it and we certainly can't ignore it. There are decisions to be made and, for Christians, they need to be made in a godly way.
So how can Christians respond to being left an inheritance? Here are our top tips.
1. Breathe
Having extra money can feel like a huge responsibility (especially if your bank account usually looks very sad) and coming at a time when you feel vulnerable, it can make for a very stressful time. The key thing to remember is that most decisions don't need to be made instantly. If there's a property involved, you'll need to decide whether to rent it or sell it, but as for the cash, that can sit in a savings account for as long as it takes for you to be ready. Some banks are very wise and actively encourage their clients not to make any big decisions within the first 6 or even 12 months of losing a loved one - a policy that has a great deal to commend it.
2. Pray
The money may be sitting in your bank account and it may have been left to you by your relative or friend but actually it's God's cash. He is the source of all good gifts (James 1:17) and what happens to the money is something that matters to him even more than it matters to you. So it's essential to pray about the ways in which the money will be spent or saved.
3. Prioritise
Matthew 6:19-21 is a challenging but important read. While there is nothing intrinsically wrong in having a savings account - and it's great to provide for your family - you need to make sure that your decisions are motivated by laying up treasures in heaven not treasures on earth. Reflect on those verses whenever thinking about financial planning.
4. Chat
The Bible encourages us to spur one another on to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). So allow your close relatives and friends to do just that. You wont want everyone to know the numbers on your latest bank statement but there is no harm in sharing that information with someone you really trust. Talk over the possibilities that lie before you.
5. Give
Christians are called to give and give generously to Kingdom work. The actual amount isn't set out in Scripture (the 10% Old Testament tithe is a useful starting point for discussions though not binding Christians today) but the mandate to give sacrificially is clear (Luke 21:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8). Think about how much you are going to give. Encourage yourself to give beyond your comfort zone. And plan, prayerfully, which organisations - church / missionary / social action - are going to receive your support. Workers are needed in the harvest field and they need funding!
6. Save
Savings do not bring us security. Savings do not give us license to indulge in materialism. But they do, in God's grace, help ensure that, until the day we die or Jesus returns, we can keep a roof over our head, provide for our loved ones, offer generous hospitality to those around us and keep giving to mission month by month. Invest wisely, ethically and without greed - always conscious that your stability lies in Christ not in your annual return and every penny of interest is ultimately his. There's no harm in taking advice from people who understand financial matters far better than you.
7. Enjoy
The chances are, you meant a lot to the person who left you the money. And they probably want you to enjoy it. Kingdom work is top priority but if you've always wanted to see the northern lights, glide over a canyon or have the chance to commune deeply with a penguin in its natural habitat, why not? God has placed us in a good world and it's great to have the chance to enjoy a little bit of it.
