Charging What Your Offerings Are Worth: A Balancing Act
“We [need to be] aware of our temptations and fears, the consolations and lights given to us by God, and the various movements that happen within us?” (St. Ignatius Loyola).
Do you struggle to balance being charitable with charging what your service is worth? What about trusting your business or career to God while planning for the future?
Balancing the Virtues
Tension between virtues (e.g., surrendering to God, being charitable, humility) and what we might consider worldly ideas (e.g., planning for the future, focusing on finances) is common. But, I wonder if these tensions are a bit misguided or, maybe, led by our pride. As always, there is discernment and prayer that needs to take place when reflecting on how we are called to live our life. After all, it is not really up to us; God is the author of our lives. We are called to follow where He leads, but how do we know exactly where that is?
Charity, faith, trust, and humility are virtues. Courage, integrity, fairness, and prudence are also virtues. When we wrestle with these topics, it becomes a balancing act. Sometimes, false humility rears its ugly head and tells us, “It is not humble to seek to do your best” or, “You should charge below your worth, because that is the charitable thing to do.”
While the latter needs to be discerned on a case-by-case-basis, the former is always a lie. After all, diligence is also a virtue. We are called to do our best work and strive toward being better—better at what becomes a discernment point.
Scripture tells us that “a laborer deserves his pay” (1 Timothy 5:18). As employers, employees, or contractors, this verse is worth remembering often. If you are at liberty to set your rate, it should be fair—not too high, not too low. Is there discernment that comes with what the number actually is? Absolutely! Is there wiggle room depending on who the client is? That question is another area for discernment.
Maybe God is asking you to provide your services to a specific group or individual at a discount—if it is within your means to do so. But, what about others within your profession? Are you devaluing their work by charging below the market rate? Again, it takes discernment. There are times when pro bono or reduced-rate work is needed, but be prudent about how much and how often. Your actions have consequences; consider all sides of the situation, and ask God what He is asking of you in each situation.
Setting the World on Fire
In previous articles, I have explored how God asks us to be financially prepared for the future as individuals and families. What about as a business? Should we simply say, “God, it is all up to you” and never make a plan? Sure, this approach may work for a time or for very small businesses, but some people are called to start and run large companies—companies that provide fair payment to employees so they can support themselves and maybe a family and companies that stand out against their competitors while holding true to their Christian values. It requires planning to run those companies, to pay those salaries, to grow at that level.
Even if you are a solopreneur, your business has worth and can change the world. In her book “Your Blue Flame,” Jennifer Fulwiler talks about pursuing your “blue flame,” the passion that sets you on fire, because allowing yourself to follow this passion will change the world. In a letter to an associate, St. Catherine of Siena said, “If you are what you ought to be, you will set fire to all Italy, and not only yonder.” Whether your work is big or small, you are called to do it and do it well—which means having a plan.
This plan needs to be grounded in prayer and discernment and cannot take the place of God in your heart. I frequently say that money is just a tool; your plan is, too. It’s a roadmap to get you to where you think God is leading you. Be flexible and willing to change the plan—or throw it out. Sometimes, God uses the roadmap to accomplish something we are unaware of and then redirects us. That’s OK.
In fact, this is where we balance our virtues. We need to be steadfast, and we need to be flexible. We need to persevere, and we need wisdom to know when to change direction. We need to practice fortitude, and we need to humbly recognize our weaknesses. We need to be generous, and we need to be honest about our work’s worth.
Living a virtuous life enables us to discern which actions are appropriate when. The answer is not either/or but both/and. Prayer and discernment are indispensable when living our vocations. Often, we need an outside voice to help us interpret what God is calling us or our business to do. We were not meant to live this life alone. We are called to community. Find your trusted advisers, mentors, friends, and family members—the people you trust to be honest with you—and walk with them as you navigate the next steps for you or your business.
It may seem like prayer and discernment are my answers to just about everything—but, after all, how else can we live a life for Christ?
Erica Mathews is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional with Financial Counseling Associates, a small, family owned, independent, financial planning and investment management firm. She is passionate about helping families and individuals build their wealth so they can live out the calls God has places on their hearts. As a wife, mom of four, and businesswomen, she understands the complexities of family life and helps relieve the burden of financial stress with organization, a plan, and automation so her clients hit their goals. She lives in Colorado with her husband and four kids. They love everything outdoors including gardening, hiking, biking and simply exploring nature. If you would like to reach out to Erica, her email is erica@fca-inc.com.