Perhaps you've heard the tale of the three bricklayers who were working on a project. When asked what they were making, the first said, "$18 an hour." The next replied, "We're making a wall to help support the roof." But the third said, "We're building a cathedral for worshipping God!" They were all engaged in the same task, but only one of them caught the bigger vision.

I imagine a new version of the story that features investors contacting their brokers in order to follow the latest recommendations in our Sound Mind Investing Upgrading strategy. A spouse, or one of their children, comes along and asks what they're doing. One says, "Oh, just placing some mutual fund orders." Another replies, "I'm investing for our future." But the third responds, "I'm managing God's money for His glory."

Do you have a big vision for your stewardship duties? Or do you think of it as merely paying the bills, putting some money into an investment account, and giving to the church? If it's the latter and your money management routine seems humdrum, you've lost sight of the big picture. Your financial decisions have the potential for life-changing blessings and eternal impact — for you, your loved ones, and those you minister to through your giving. Make better decisions and, like the faithful stewards in the parable of the talents, your efforts will bring a smile to the Master. Make indifferent or undisciplined decisions and you'll have wasted a lifetime of opportunities.

What kind of decisions am I talking about? Here's a starter list of common failures among young families: Failure to develop a spending plan that assures you end up with a monthly surplus rather than spending more than you earn. Failure to assign a high priority to giving generously to the Lord and His kingdom work. Failure to be responsible in your use of credit. Failure to drive a car or live in a home that's within your means. Failure to build a contingency fund. Failure to contribute strategically to your IRA or 401(k). Failure to learn the basics so you can invest wisely.

Taken individually, none of these tasks is particularly difficult, but they all require self-discipline. They take effort and a degree of sacrifice. But the end result is worth it. Not only because we will enjoy greater success in money matters, but more importantly, living up to our potential brings glory to our gracious God. John Piper put it this way:

"God made us with the highest creaturely purpose in mind — to enjoy and display the Creator's glory. This is why we were made ('All things were created through Him and for Him'¹). This is why we eat and drink ('So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God'²). This is why we pray ('Whatever you ask the Father in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son'³). This is why we do all good deeds ('Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven'⁴).