Leaving Your House in Order
Spring means cleaning and putting our house in order for the busy months ahead. Before the days of central air conditioning, housekeeping was quite a chore! I dreaded the work in those days, but I loved the resulting orderly and clean house!
I also dreaded the chores required to “leave our house in order” before going on vacation. “Why can’t we just jump in the car and head to our destination?” I reasoned as a youngster. As beds were made and cupboards cleaned, my mother taught us, “These things matter.” I always appreciated the result!
Now is a good time for Christians to spring clean to leave their financial houses in order. After all, we have a final destination, heaven, and we are to be responsible stewards while on Earth. The Bible teaches that “things” matter! As a steward, you can order everything by designating those who benefit from your estate, those you would leave in charge of settling your financial affairs, and ministries you wish to support through at least a tithe on your estate.
A good check list would include preparation of a last will and testament, a carefully structured trust, or both. Having a healthcare directive, power of attorney, and instructions for your personal representative might also be included.
The Missouri Baptist Foundation assists hundreds of families each year to prepare estate and charitable gifts. Let us help you be a responsible steward and leave your financial affairs and estate in order. What a wonderful feeling to leave home and know it is done!
