Early in my career while doing work that I saw as more of a mission than a job, another company of-fered me a more lucrative position. Our family could I hadn’t been looking for another job, because I loved my current role, which was growing into a calling.

But the money . . .

I called my father, then in his seventies, and explained the situation. His answer was crisp and clear: “Don’t even think about the money. What would you do?” In an instant, my mind was made up. The money would have been my only reason for leaving the job I loved!” Thanks, Dad.

Jesus devoted a substantial section of His Sermon on the Mount to money. He taught us to pray not for an accumulation of riches but for “our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). He warned against storing up treasures on earth (V. 19). “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,” Jesus said (V. 33).

Money matters. But money shouldn’t rule our decision-making process.