An old saying goes like this, “earn as much as you can, so you can save as much as you can, so you can give as much as possible.” Probably an easier way for us to understand this is in the phrase “knowing the value of a dollar.” You might think the topic of money is unusual for a discussion on leadership until you consider that Jesus spent more time discussing financial issues than any other, that money problems are the source of most marital fights, and that the way money is handled by an individual can lead to success or poverty.

So . . . what is the value of a dollar? It’s value lies entirely in the understanding that everything costs something. Money is not the end, but the means to an end. It plays an important role in our lives because it is the measure of our priorities, and our discipline. Since most of us have a limited amount of money, what we purchase clearly identifies our priorities. What do you count as a necessity? What is a luxury that may have to wait? The answer will vary but two things should hold constant, first a responsible person will recognize the value of earning a stable income, and, second, evaluate your priorities so you can spend wisely.

Leaders know how to “count the cost.”