Nurturing the harmony between spiritual and financial health
Holistic money education vital
Money is often said to be that which makes the world go around. For others, it is perceived as the root of all evil. Money – a powerful five-letter word. While we may use it in different amounts for different things in our daily lives, how often do we pay attention to the connection between spirituality and our personal finances?
According to life coach Thembi Hama, the connection between our spiritual health and financial health should not be overlooked.
And while it may be very rare for one’s financial advisor to touch on the spiritual aspect of money, the act of overlooking this connection may ultimately result in the overlooking and misunderstanding of money and all other valuable possessions in life. “Spirituality suggests that everything which manifests itself physically has its root in the spiritual realm. Hence it’s important to ask, believe and receive. Asking means putting it clearly out there in the universe, believing that a higher power will make it all possible and positioning oneself to receive the blessings when they come. “Therefore a spiritual person is most likely going to be emotionally and mentally healthy, putting them in a position to brainstorm more incomegenerating opportunities or manage their money more wisely. One in mental and emotional turmoil is more likely to mismanage their money,” says Hama. From a Christian perspective, priest and theologian Reverend Sizwe Ngcobo believes the topic of personal finances is not touched on as often as it should be in a space where many believers go for spiritual growth and nourishment.
“Wherever the church is, it cannot escape the social reality of its people and of its context. But it is unfortunate that false exploitative narratives are also found within the church, especially when it comes to matters of spirituality and personal finances. This undermines the transformative mission of fighting poverty and the absence of wealth in the community”.
Moreover, he believes that in avoiding the topic of personal finances, we stand the risk of missing a very crucial part on the journey of spiritual growth.
“The majority of Christians are not at peace regarding the subject of money simply because the common belief is that if you are spiritual, you cannot speak about money. If you do, you are seen as greedy and materialistic. So the subject of finances does not form part and parcel of who they are,” he says.
Contrary to common occurrence in many of our churches, Ngcobo suggests that the financial focus should not only be on what and how congregants can give to the church. Rather, financial education should be made available and financial wellness encouraged.
“When it comes to spirituality and personal finances, what’s important is the management of what we have. And the church has neglected this area of people’s lives.
“From the early church in the book of Acts 4, we learn that spiritual consciousness came first. Being changed made them aware of their context and the needs of their community.”
With our financial decisions influenced by a variety of things, including age, family structure and socioeconomic factors, Hama also strongly believes a lot of positive change can take place in our lives through a holistic and accurate understanding of money.
“There is not enough financial education out there. Most people are financially illiterate. Even the most educated of people absent-mindedly make financial decisions that can still prove detrimental to financial health.
“Getting holistic financial education will help people make wiser financial choice”.