Living in the Gray Area
Since we were young, we have been taught right from wrong, dark from light, yes from no. We are conditioned to be a society of absolutes—people that thrive living in the certainty of what we know and what we know to come.
If you’re like me, you rest on the sure signs of success, the metrics of being ahead, and the desire to have full awareness of your situation- including your finances. But as we get older, we see life is not just black and white; it is full of gray. The unknowns, the differing answers, so many things that leave us to figure it out on our own. Now, if you’re a believer, you know we are specifically created to not do it on our own. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” We are called to go to him in the grays of our lives- seeking the One with the greater plan.
Getting a glimpse into the financial advising world has opened my eyes to the many questions we ask about our money.
What should my budget look like?
How much should I save? What about tithing or charitable giving?
I was blessed with a lump sum of money- what should I do with it?
How should I choose investments options?
These questions do not have simple solutions leading to one right answer. They are found in the gray area because every person who asks them is different. There is no “one size fits all” answer when we have different careers, needs, families, and priorities.
This points us back to the fact that we can’t make these long-term decisions on our own—we have a direct need for our God! When we don’t have the answers, a deep need is placed on us for a Father who can lead us to plans that not only glorify Him but also sustain us.
As much as we want a formula to budget our income, a flat percentage to save for the future or to give to our church, or a strategic plan to grow our wealth, these aren’t the answer. Even if we followed them perfectly, we would be missing out on the opportunities the Lord has given us to worship Him through our finances. If we go searching for answers in the world, we will find them. However, would these set us apart from the flesh or even from those who profess faith but aren’t living it out?
We are encouraged to live out our faith in every way as Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” To truly live out our faith is to seek His answers first over our own and be obedient to them. Consider what role God plays in your needs, in your abundance, and how you find answers for both. Are you truly acknowledging what He has done, is doing, and still can do- even in your finances?
Being in the nearness of God is learning that we do not have to have all the answers- we truly are better off not being in control. We must begin by humbling ourselves to realize we do not have the answers on our own. Learning to live in the gray areas produces a greater dependence on the One who truly sustains us.
When we seek answers from Him, we will find more joy in what we have and the obedience to how we are called to act. Be encouraged the next time you make a financial decision, big or small, to go to the Lord first!
