day 446: Bonus Time

Yes, even in these days, some companies are continuing to pay bonuses and beginning to add back on some of the extras that were taken away over the last few years. Bonus plans are usually built around the time frames of the business cycle. For some that is annually, others semi-annually, quarterly or monthly. As we have just come through the April, May, June business quarter and the halfway point of the year, there are many who are calculating their bonus payments or getting ready to deposit a check. A bonus, by definition is what we receive when we go above and beyond and what is paid to us above and beyond what is regular to receive and expected. Bonuses can be great things but they can also be dangerous. A number of years ago when companies were going to direct deposit instead of paper checks, I had a lot more people that I ever imagined who came to me and pleaded to not have their bonus checks go to direct deposit but instead to have them given to them personally as a check that they could go and cash themselves to deposit. Every reason imaginable was given to me including some that seemed honest, although sad, like, "I don't want my spouse to see this money" and "this is my fun money and I don't want to mingle it with my other monies." Regardless, it proves that sometimes when we receive something extra that we don't always do the best things when they come our way. As humans, I have long thought that we aren't well built for too much, too fast or too often. God was saying the same things to the Israelites about what happens when prosperity comes. His words were words of warning; "But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt." The next time an extra or a bonus comes your way, think about what God would have you do with it. He wants you to remember where it comes from so that our human nature doesn't take over and we not only forget but we deny the true source of our talents, abilities, opportunities and rewards.

Reference: Deuteronomy 8:11-14 (New Living Translation)