You need Wisdom not to be at risk nor your children?
“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly.” Luke 16:8 (NIV)
In Jesus’ parable of the unjust servant in Luke 16, a manager facing dismissal takes swift action. Knowing he was about to lose his job, he called in his master’s debtors and reduced their bills. He wasn’t acting righteously but he was acting wisely. Jesus doesn’t approve of his dishonesty but notes foresight. The servant prepared for the twilight before it came.
This parable holds a mirror to many African men today who are caught in the thick web of what is popularly called “Black Tax.” Black Tax is the unspoken expectation that if you are the one who \"makes it,\" you must be responsible for the financial burden of others.
It’s the unwritten expectation to provide for the financial needs of the family even while you have yours.
A Man finally lands a decent job after years of unemployment or his business picks up after years of struggling, the time he should settle down to plan for his future or re-invest to his business, But before he could say jack Robinson, he starts to receive phone calls;
“Your younger brother needs exam fees.”
“Your mother needs medication.”
“Your uncle says his landlord is threatening eviction.”
“Your cousin wants to learn a trade.”
Month turns into years. He has shoulder everyone\'s responsibilities. Before long, our guy is living as if he is not earning or working at all. No investments. No savings, and no rest. He becomes the hero who’s always rescuing others but sinking quietly into exhaustion and sometimes indebtedness. This is the burden of Black Tax.
But brother, it’s not wrong to help your family. In fact, the Bible says, “A brother is born in times of needs” (Proverbs 17:17). Generosity is godly. Honoring your parents is biblical. Taking care of your own is good. But when you take responsibility which drains you and your future is mortgaged to meet every present crisis, it’s time for a reset.
Jesus\' parable teaches us about stewardship, and foresight. The unjust servant knew that his current role wouldn’t last forever, so he made preparations. That is the wisdom many African men must embrace. Your strength and income may not be forever. The “night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4).
Are you preparing for such night time? Or are you sacrificing everything now for everyone else, leaving your own account in red?
Some men are so tied up with family obligations that they forget to build build themselves. No savings or emergency fund anywhere.
What happens if the cash no longer flows or sudden illness surfaces? What if your own children grow up and find nothing to build on because you gave it all away without deep thinking? The sad part of it all is that many a times, the people you spent all on abandon you at the point of need.
The Bible says in understanding, be a man.
How do you manage the black tax if you find yourself burdened?
First, acknowledge that you are not the El Shaddai. Even Jesus didn’t heal everyone in Israel. If you have the Messiahnic syndrome, remember, Jesus didn\'t heal everyone. You are not the savior of your clan. You\'re a steward. And every steward must be faithful with the little entrusted to him.
Again, what is your destiny rescue plan if something fails? What\'s your plan B for your life and your immediate family. Set clear boundaries around what you can and cannot do. You may be misunderstood. It is better to be misunderstood than to become a financial liability upon anyone.
Third, Never joke with self-care. Self care is not being selfish. It is being wise. You are lonely when you are broke.
Too many African men die early, not because of fate, but fatigue. They help everyone else when they have and forgot to reserve for the raining day. Don’t be a victim of cultural expectations that places heavy responsibilities on you without regard to your needs too.
Yes, culture teaches us to help. Help wisely Culture says if you stop giving, you’re wicked. Christ says if you don’t plan for your future, you’re foolish. Self care is deeply spiritual. Jesus sets himself apart. Remember this.
Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” That includes your own children not your nephews.
Your generosity must have a plan. Your giving must not become your undoing.
At The Catalyst Men Network, we understand the pressure on you. That’s why we’ve created safe spaces where we can share wisdom man to man. if you are burdened by Black Tax, speak to one of our Male Responder Specialists, specially trained to walk you through financial planning for a beautiful future.
You need to break the Black Tax cycles so you can walk in financial freedom. No need for your sons to inherit the same silent struggles.
Jesus wants you to think ahead, not just give away. He wants you to take care of others while thinking of your future too.
You may be the first to rise in your family. Don’t let that become the reason for you to fall. My brother, remember you are not El Shaddai or the Central bank of anyone. Be wise. Pay black tax with wisdom.
“May God give you wisdom to honor your family without dishonoring your future. Amen.”