Stewardship and Stimulus Checks
Dave Ramsey, who some have affectionately called America’s Uncle or Uncle Dave, came under fire for his remarks about $600 stimulus checks. Ramsey, on a Fox News interview, said that he does not support stimulus checks. He said:
I don't believe in a stimulus check because if $600 or $1400 changes your life you were pretty much screwed already. You got other issues going on.
Ramsey was accused of “poor-shaming” and many tried to cancel him. Being, the stubborn and outspoke person that he is, Ramsey did not cave to cancel culture. He responded to the criticism on his show with a classic Dave Ramsey rant. “If you really believe $600 will change your life, you’re an idiot.” He talked about how he has been poor and broke and that $600 would not have helped him. Ramsey consistently argues that money is only 20% knowledge but 80% behavior change. While Ramsey’s typical gruff and blunt style may offend some, it’s hard to deny his reasoning.
I dared to suggest that the government is not going to fix your life, I dared to suggest that they can't fix your life, that it's up to you to fix your life, and you're not gonna have a good life as long as you wait on them to fix it.
Ramsey’s co-host on this episode of his show, John Delaney, said that the problem is bigger than the dollar amount. He described people with going through financial hardship as often having an existential crisis (a crisis of meaning and worth).
Ramsey and Delaney both mentioned that people who demand government help have placed their trust in a false-god, the government. “Your philosophy of life is broken.…Don’t believe in a dead god.”
Ramsey advocates his 7 Baby Steps, which are outlined below.
Save $1000 for an emergency fund.
Pay off all debt (except the house) using the debt snowball.
Saving 3–6 months worth of expensed for a fully stocked emergency fund. (Also save for a mortgage.)
Invest 15% of income into mutual funds.
Save for children’s college.
Pay off the home early.
Build wealth and give like no one else.
A distinctive part of Ramsey’s financial philosophy is his emphasis on Christian generosity. For him, financial peace is first and foremost about honoring God. Ramsey not only helps people build wealth, he helps them be good stewards of their money and assets.
Accusing Ramsey of “poor-shaming” is egregious and ridiculous when Ramsey and his team have lifted millions of people out of financial instability. Ramsey is constantly giving away free books and resources to those who call-in to the show. Additionally, his company recently payed off the debt of 8,000 people. While some may call him “another Fox News a-hole,” his career as a financial coach has consistently demonstrated a deep care for people.
So instead of looking to the government as a god, look into your own life and determine how you can be better steward over your life and your assets. For many, outside help is needed. Talk to a someone who you see is winning at money and ask for their advice and help. There is no shame in being poor. There IS shame in being a fool. “Like a dog that returns to his vomit
is a fool who repeats his folly” (Prov 26:11).
Mitchell D. Cochran is a family life educator, a financial coach, and a biblical counselor. He is the cofounder of Hope Initiative Consulting, LLC. and is currently attending Calvary University for his M.A. in biblical counseling. Mitchell is active in local politics in Lubbock, TX, where he lives with his wife, Katherine.
