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  • What Are Your Ultimate Goals?

    What Are Your Ultimate Goals?

    As business and professional people, what we do is governed at least in part by goals: Sales or productivity goals; daily goals; project goals; financial goals; career goals. You could probably add to the list. But have you ever thought in terms of life goals, the ultimate goal for your life?

    Recently I viewed a brief video in which a pastor described a meeting with a businessman in his congregation. The businessman planned to leave the church because the pastor had offended him by something said in his sermon. The pastor asked about what had seemed so offensive.

    The businessman recalled the pastor had commented it was unwise for someone to strive to make as much money as possible, then move to a popular retirement area and spend the rest of his life playing golf. The businessman was offended because that was what he intended to do – as soon as possible.

    In response, the pastor suggested the businessman was trivializing his life, devoting the rest of his life to chasing a ball around a golf course instead of using his God-given gifts and experience to be an influence on people. He said, “When you give your life to Jesus Christ, He calls you to be an influencer – to use your power, abilities and talents to influence the world around you for good, making it a better place.”

    Too often we spend our work hours eagerly awaiting the weekend. We spend our careers anxiously anticipating retirement so we can ‘finally do what I want to do.’ Have you ever considered that what you do at work, where you are currently doing it, is precisely what God wants you to do?

    The entire Bible mentions retirement only once. In the Old Testament book of Numbers it says of the Levites, the ceremonial priests of Israel, “at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer. They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the Tent of Meeting, but they themselves must not do the work” (Numbers 8:25-26). God had a succession plan for the priests who performed the ritual sacrifices, but even then, the “retired” priests were to continue assisting those who had taken their place.

    We all are unique, having different interests, skills, life experiences, and for followers of Jesus Christ, spiritual gifts that God intends for us to use for His divine purposes. As Colossians 3:23-24 states so clearly, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

    There are times for rest and relaxation, as we have discussed in past editions of Monday Manna. But having a life goal of working only long enough to amass enough resources to be able to withdraw from the world and engage all our waking hours in activities of no eternal impact makes little sense.

    In His so-called “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus spoke of focusing on things that will last for eternity: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20). Golf, or whatever pastime we choose, may be enjoyable, but we are unlikely to find much treasure there that will last for eternity.

    © 2025. Robert J. Tamasy has written Marketplace Ambassadors: CBMC’s Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace; Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart, coauthored with Ken Johnson; and The Heart of Mentoring, coauthored with David A. Stoddard. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. Can you identify with the businessman who is striving to earn as much money as possible so he can retreat to a nice retirement area and spend the rest of his life pursuing his favorite hobby? Explain your answer.
    2. Do you believe the talents, skills, and abilities you have ultimately were given to you by God, meaning you are responsible for faithfully stewarding them for God’s glory? Why or why not?
    3. Assuming you do believe that what you bring to the workplace – including spiritual gifts and experience accumulated over years in the marketplace – ultimately have been entrusted to you by God, how should that affect your approach to your job every day?
    4. Jesus spoke about “laying up treasures in heaven” rather than “treasures on earth.” What do you think He meant? What do you think this looks like, practically speaking?

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Matthew 25:14-30; Romans 12;11; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 6:7; Colossians 3:17

    Challenge for This Week
    When you wake up each day and prepare to go to work, does the idea that “whatever you do, do your work as for the Lord” ever come to your mind? If so, how does this affect your attitude and approach to what you will be doing?

    Try to find some time this week to discuss this with a close friend, trusted advisor, mentor, or accountability group to get their input into what this means in a practical sense. If you admit you have been like the businessman who intends to devote his retirement years to what might be considered ‘trivial pursuits,’ share with them your thoughts based on what you have read in this week’s Monday Manna.

    Matt Trayler

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  • Negotiating Agreements God’s Way

    Negotiating Agreements God’s Way

    Business negotiations are fraught with opportunities to turn into stressful experiences. To help in reducing this tension, I have learned five guiding principles on how best to negotiate agreements. The first principle is: Clearly define your desired outcome from the transaction. Recently, Rod needed to hire a new videographer. He examined his budget and considered the maximum value he could afford to pay. Even though his preferred new vendor quoted a higher price, because of Rod’s research, he was able to counter the price and strike a mutually beneficial deal.  

    One day religious leaders asked Jesus about the greatest commandments. Jesus responded, “The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). Researching and knowing a fair outcome for yourself is a way of loving yourself, so that you can also love others well.

    The second principle is: Avoid negotiating with those you cannot trust. A previous bank customer of mine was represented by a chief financial officer who was very manipulative. This CFO would use his other bank relationships to pressure us to give him a better deal. We agreed to better pricing until I learned that the CFO had been lying to me. When I realized I could not trust him, I refused to negotiate our terms any longer. If it had been up to me, I would have terminated the relationship. Proverbs 12:22 teaches, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” If you cannot trust someone, any agreement will likely become meaningless later.

    The third principle is: Understand the other parties’ needs and concerns. In the Bible’s Old Testament, the story of Boaz’s pursuit to marry Naomi’s daughter-in-law, Ruth, is an example of shrewd negotiating. Because of Jewish law, one person had first rights to redeem Naomi’s land and marry Ruth. Boaz considered the situation and the impact on the other potential redeemer. He introduced the subject by highlighting that negative impact. The potential redeemer declined, enabling Boaz to marry Ruth.  Proverbs 3:13 teaches, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” By gaining understanding and knowledge of the other party’s needs, you likely will have a favorable outcome.

    The fourth principle is: Always work toward a mutually beneficial, “win/win” agreement. Stan was a bank customer who believed he always needed to win all points of every negotiation, making the bank the loser and his business the winner.  Stan won occasional battles, but that did not bode well for a fruitful long-term relationship. I began dreading negotiations with Stan; out of frustration, I was not as generous as I could have been. In Philippians 2:3, the apostle Paul wrote, “In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” God prefers that we focus on win/win solutions rather than ignoring the needs of the other party.

    The final principle is: Lean toward being generous. In the biblical story of Joseph, Egypt had seven years of famine. To afford to buy food, all Egyptians sold their land to Pharoah. The Egyptian king, however, needed them to farm the land, so Joseph worked out a win/win sharecropping arrangement.  

    We see in Genesis 47:24 that Joseph told the Egyptians, “But when the crop comes in, give a fifth of it to Pharaoh. The other four-fifths you may keep as seed for the fields and as food for yourselves and your households and your children.” By only requiring 20 percent for Pharoah, Joseph received favor from the Egyptians and provided them the opportunity to create wealth both for themselves and for Pharoah.

    © 2025, Unconventional Business Network. Adapted with permission from “UBN Integrity Moments”, a commentary on faith at work issues. Visit www.unconventionalbusiness.org. UBN is a faith at work ministry serving the international small business community.

    Reflection/Discussion Questions

    1. How do you typically feel when you are about to engage in negotiations, whether with a client, your supervisor, or an employee? Do you find it stressful? Why or why not?
    2. When you are negotiating, do you usually know your desired outcome – or do you just go into it hoping for some kind of acceptable resolution? Explain your answer.
    3. What are your thoughts about striving to arrive at a “win/win,” mutually beneficial agreement when engaging in negotiations?
    4. The final recommended principle for negotiating agreements is to lean toward being generous. As you understand it, what does that mean? What are some potential problems or challenges in trying to do this? 

    NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 12:19, 16:11; Romans 12:10; Galatians 5:26; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5 

    Challenge for This Week
    During the coming week, try to think back on times when you have engaged in negotiations. How well did you align with the five negotiating principles presented in this week’s Monday Manna? Did you strive for a mutually beneficial, win/win outcome – or was your goal only to maximize your own interests.

    If negotiating effectively seems to be a challenge for you, it might help to seek feedback from a friend, mentor, or small group in which you can discuss your thoughts and concerns candidly.

    Matt Trayler

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  • What’s Your Number?

    What’s Your Number?

    By David Meyers – President, CBMC

    As Christians, we often reflect on how our lives align with God’s purpose and the stewardship He entrusts to us. I recently experienced a milestone birthday that got me thinking about how well I was preparing for the next season of life with a desire to finish well.  Among the most significant aspects of stewardship is how we manage our finances. The question isn’t just about having enough to survive but rather thriving in a way that glorifies God, blesses others, and brings clarity to our choices.

    One crucial step in financial stewardship is determining your “number” – the amount of money you need to retire and invest in the important things of life.  You might be surprised to know that there are very few people (working or retired) who know or have thought deeply about their number.  Spoiler alert: the number itself isn’t the ultimate goal. The goal is clarity: clarity that empowers you to make choices aligned with God’s will, improve your quality of life, and bless those around you. When you approach your finances with intentionality and prayer, you create the opportunity to live a life of abundance and eternal impact.  As you determine and seek God’s guidance to your number, please remember that it is as unique to you as a snowflake.

    I believe if you answer eight key questions, you can determine your number and chart a path toward living abundantly and finishing strong:

    1. How long are you going to live?

    The Bible reminds us in Psalm 90:12 to “number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” While we don’t know the exact number of days God has granted us, tools like life expectancy calculators (e.g., Northwestern Mutual’s Lifespan Calculator) can provide a useful estimate. Knowing how long you might live helps you plan for resources that last. If you’re blessed with good health and longevity in your family history, you may need to plan for several decades of retirement. On the other hand, if health challenges are a factor, you might prioritize enjoying earlier years while still planning for potential medical expenses.

    2. When do you want to retire or slowdown from the 9-to-5 work life?

    Retirement doesn’t mean ceasing to work entirely; for many, it’s a shift to more meaningful or less demanding pursuits. I remember reading Bob Buford’s book “Halftime” where he described moving his mindset from “success to significance.”  While we should be pursuing significance throughout our lives, stepping out of the 9-to-5 could be an incredible opportunity to pursue significance.  Consider your gifts and God’s calling on how you want to spend these years. Are there ministries that you’ve been supporting financially that you can now support with your time; hobbies or passions you’ve put off while working full-time? I like the term “refire” vs. retire.  Knowing when you want to step away from full-time work is essential to calculate how much you’ll need to sustain your lifestyle. Your retirement age can also impact your investment strategies, with earlier retirements requiring more savings and later retirements allowing for extended income accumulation.

    3. When do you want to start taking Social Security?

    Timing is critical with Social Security. Claiming benefits early (at age 62) reduces monthly payments, while delaying until age 70 maximizes them. Your decision will depend on your health, other income sources which affect one’s tax strategy, if married their social security eligibility and long-term needs. For instance, delaying benefits may be a wise choice to minimize taxes if you have other income streams or plan to move to a lower tax state. Navigating this decision will have significant implications for your overall financial plan, so consult with a financial advisor to weigh the pros and cons.

    4. Where and how do you want to live your life?

    Define your lifestyle. Will you stay in your current home, downsize, or purchase a second property? Do you envision traveling extensively, exploring the world God created, or focusing on local community involvement through your church or favorite ministry? Do you live in the frozen tundra like me in winter and dream of spending a few months each year in a warmer place? Your location and lifestyle choices have a major impact on your financial needs. Proverbs 24:27 reminds us to “prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.” Plan thoughtfully for where and how you’ll live. Additionally, consider practical factors such as healthcare access, cost of living, state income tax rates, and proximity to family especially one’s parents and the dessert of life – grandchildren!  A clear vision of your desired lifestyle will guide decisions about how much you need to save and what adjustments might be necessary.

    5. What resources may be required to support aging parents?

    Honoring our parents is a biblical principle (Exodus 20:12), and part of that honor may include supporting them as they age. Consider whether you might need to contribute to their medical care, housing, or other expenses. Will they require in-home care, assisted living, or financial assistance to maintain their independence? Recently, I had a friend contemplate going in with their parents to buy a larger home or adding on to their existing home to accommodate their aging parents – creating an incredible multigenerational blessing for their family.

    Having these conversations early is essential. Discuss plans with your parents to understand their needs and expectations, and ensure your financial strategy includes resources for their care. Balancing this responsibility with your own financial goals requires prayer, wisdom, and careful planning.

    6. How much money do you want to leave behind to loved ones?

    Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” What legacy do you want to leave? Consider not just financial inheritance but also the spiritual and relational impact you’ll have on your family. Leaving an inheritance isn’t solely about accumulating wealth; it’s about passing on values, faith, and the means to support future generations. There’s a wonderful book on the subject called “Splitting Heirs” by Ron Blue.  One of the memorable quotes is “If you love your children equally, you will treat them uniquely.” Think about how your resources can bless your children and grandchildren without creating dependency, and ensure your plans align with biblical principles of generosity and stewardship. 

    7. What are your plans to support your children or grandchildren with college or schooling?

    Will you help fund college tuition, private schooling, or enrichment opportunities for your children or grandchildren? These investments in education can make a profound difference in their lives but require careful planning to ensure you balance this generosity with your other financial goals. Consider options such as 529 college savings plans or education trusts that can grow over time. We created a 529 account when each child was born and added to it monthly.  You would be amazed at how quickly the value increases after 18 years. Now that our children are adults, I am thinking of something similar for my grandchildren.  Pray for wisdom in determining how much support to provide and how to teach your family about responsibility and gratitude.

    8. How much money do you plan to give to help fund weddings for your children?

    Celebrations like weddings are significant milestones. Determine what role you’ll play in financially supporting these events and how it aligns with your overall financial picture. Weddings can be a joyful expression of love and family unity, but they can also become a source of financial strain if not planned carefully. Establish clear expectations with your children and align your support with your budget and values.

    The Path to Clarity and Abundance

    Once you answer these eight questions, you can develop a financial plan that brings clarity to your present and future. With clarity comes the power to make decisions that align with your faith and priorities. Consider the adage: “Do your giving while you’re living.” By thoughtfully planning, you may discover that you have more resources than you imagined. If so, consider these options:

    1. Increase Giving: If you’ve been blessed with surplus resources, prayerfully consider how you might give more to ministries, charitable organizations, or causes that advance God’s Kingdom. Generosity is a reflection of God’s heart, and your giving can transform lives and expand your eternal impact.  Go to the Generous Giving website www.generousgiving.org  or Read Randy Alcorn’s book called the Treasure Principle to explore transformational generosity.
    2. Bless Your Family: Additional resources can provide meaningful gifts or support for your children and grandchildren, whether through education, housing, or memorable experiences. Consider investing in their spiritual growth and well-being, leaving a lasting legacy of faith and love. You might establish a fund to send your grandchildren to Christian camps such as Summit Ministries, where we sent out kids after they graduated high school or create a family trust that unites your loved ones in deciding how to distribute the funds. This not only passes on your values but also allows them to experience the joy of giving firsthand.
    3. Pursue a Dream: Perhaps you’ve always wanted to go to the Holy Land or take a trip of a lifetime, write a book, or embark on a project that brings you closer to God and others. Prayerfully consider how these dreams align with God’s purpose for your life and use your resources wisely to pursue them.
    4. Prepare for the Unexpected: Life often brings unforeseen challenges, from medical emergencies to economic downturns. Having a well-thought-out financial plan gives you the flexibility to navigate these challenges with confidence and peace of mind.

    Eternal Investments

    Money, when combined with clarity, gives you choices. Whether you are 30 years old or 60, as you plan for retirement and beyond, ask yourself: Are you living a life of abundance and making investments that are eternal? Matthew 6:20 reminds us to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Use your resources not only for personal enjoyment but to glorify God and leave a lasting legacy.

    Through prayer, wise counsel, and careful planning, you can determine your number and live with confidence and purpose. Steward your finances well, and you’ll find yourself thriving — not just for the years you’re given on earth but for eternity. With clarity and faith, you can finish strong and hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

    Matt Trayler