The 12 Rules of Life · How We Give
Merit
"We hold wealth loosely, give generously, and invest in what lasts forever."
How We Give
Wealth & Stewardship
"We hold wealth loosely, give generously, and invest in what lasts forever."
Money is a powerful tool and a dangerous master. The Slifka family refuses to serve wealth — we put wealth to work for the kingdom. These twelve principles govern how we earn, save, give, and invest — always with an eternal perspective and an open hand.
The 12 Codes of Merit
1. God's Ownership
God owns everything. We are stewards, not owners. This single conviction changes everything about how we relate to money and possessions.
"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."
— Psalm 24:1
2. First Fruits
We give the first and best of our income to God's kingdom. The tithe is not a tax — it is an act of worship and a declaration of trust.
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce."
— Proverbs 3:9
3. Debt Avoidance
We live within our means and avoid the bondage of debt. The borrower is servant to the lender. We pursue financial freedom as a form of spiritual freedom.
"The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender."
— Proverbs 22:7
4. Diligent Saving
We prepare for the future with wisdom, not hoarding in fear. Saving is an act of stewardship — providing for our family and building capacity for generosity.
"Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it."
— Proverbs 21:20
5. Generous Living
We hold wealth loosely and give joyfully to those in need. Generosity is not a budget line — it is a lifestyle. We are blessed to be a blessing.
"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
— 2 Corinthians 9:6
6. Honest Gain
We acquire wealth through ethical, hard work. We refuse shortcuts, dishonest schemes, or exploitation. Our wealth must be clean before God.
"Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice."
— Proverbs 16:8
6. Contentment
We reject the love of money and find our satisfaction in Christ. Contentment is not passive — it is a fierce spiritual discipline.
"Godliness with contentment is great gain."
— 1 Timothy 6:6
6. Wise Investing
We multiply resources to increase our capacity for kingdom impact. We invest wisely, diversify prudently, and always ask: 'What is this money for?'
"Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land."
— Ecclesiastes 11:2
6. Generational Inheritance
We leave a spiritual and financial legacy for our children's children. Generational wealth is not about accumulation — it is about multiplication of blessing.
"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children."
— Proverbs 13:22
6. Radical Generosity
We remain open to the Holy Spirit's prompting for extraordinary giving — beyond the tithe, beyond the budget, beyond what is comfortable.
"And they gave beyond their ability, of their own accord."
— 2 Corinthians 8:3
6. Financial Transparency
We maintain open and honest communication about money in marriage and family. Financial secrets destroy trust. We have no financial secrets.
"Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
— Ephesians 4:15
6. Eternal Perspective
We use temporary wealth to build an eternal kingdom. Every dollar is a seed. We ask not 'How much can I keep?' but 'How much can I give?'
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."
— Matthew 6:19–20