From the VCC Newsletter on 3/9/2020: Relating to Money (Part 2)

It is true that tithing is the first subject of shaping our relationship with money, it is called the first fruit, meaning that we begin there. So before we do anything else, we must glorify God by our tithe (10%) which supports the local church and the pastoral staff. But, how else do we mature in our relationship with God through our money management? 

Believe it or not, what we do with the remaining 90% is just as critical as what we do with our first 10%. It is possible to tithe and still run our lives in a very materialistic way. To avoid that, we have to begin with the end in mind. We must ask ourselves, “What does God want to accomplish through me?” It could be that God is asking you to support a missionary, or to give to the poor. It could be that you need to have emergency money lying around just for helping people as God shows you needs around you. It might be to sponsor a child in another country. There are any number of good works that one can participate in, but the goal isn’t good works, as much as it is joining God in what he is doing. You get to play on God’s team. Your management of that 90% should always follow God’s lead, the same way your management of the 10% does. This means you may need to adjust your lifestyle, your wants, etc. But if we want to mature in our relationship with God, we must join Him in what he is doing-  we must be a steward of what God has given us. We have to let God take control of 100% of our money.

You might be thinking this isn’t possible. But, do not be fooled by the fallacy that one must meet a certain standard of living- and from that, base your finances around that standard. Let me say, if you really are on a very tight budget, it may be that you start with the tithe. That is a great place to start! Then, as your income grows or changes, you can ask that same question, “What does God want to accomplish through me?” And you can follow His lead, giving Him authority over that 100%. 

When you begin with the end in mind, you will find great freedom in a world of materialism. You can do it! You can free yourself from the grip of materialism. You can experience the power of God in your finances. You can choose to serve only one master.

Grace and peace,

Hal

From the VCC newsletter on 3/2:Relating to Money (Part1)

One of the most uncomfortable topics for a pastor to talk about is the topic of money. Yet, if a pastor is to be faithful to teaching the Bible, the truth is that Jesus said more about our relationship with money than other topics. In the Bible, money is like a spiritual thermometer for the health of our relationship with God. Most famously, Jesus told his disciples that no one can serve both God and mammon because no one can have two masters (Matthew 6:24). Scripture goes on to say that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. While that verse is often misquoted, to say that money itself is evil, the real point is not the money, but rather the attitude of the heart. Who or what do you love? 

The challenge of Jesus is not to live in poverty. In fact, many of the Bible’s heroes are persons of great wealth, having been prospered by God, and having reaped a blessing from sowing in righteousness. The money itself is just a tool. The relationship to the money simply tells us in whom we have placed our trust. When we put our trust in something other than God, it generally shows up in our finances. We call this relationship with money stewardship. 

In church circles, when you say stewardship, most people think of giving. While giving is a part of stewardship, it is really a small part (10% to be exact). But what we do with the 90% is just as important as what we do with the 10%. The tithe is considered the first fruit (meaning the first thing). Then, the 90% should also be spent in a way that pleases and honors the Lord. From this 90% we set aside savings for a rainy day, we feed our family, we put a roof over our heads, we give gifts of love, we help those in need, we clothe ourselves and our loved ones, and provide for the general welfare of our family, including saving for the day when we can no longer provide for ourselves by working. We actually teach a whole class on these budgeting skills called Financial Peace University. In fact, we will be offering the class again beginning Friday, April 24 at our community center.  The point is that how we handle our money either makes us a good and faithful steward or an unfaithful steward. For this reason, it is imperative that we manage our money well. Moreover, our relationship with money tells us more about our spiritual health than any other outward indicator. 

So, if a stranger, who knew nothing about you, took a quick survey of your expenditures what would they conclude that you love most? Would it be entertainment? Would it be your family? God? Food? What would they conclude that you love most?  What evidence would there be that you are a spiritually mature person? Would there be evidence that you are a spiritual person? These are important questions that we all need to answer if we are going to grow in our relationship with God. Next week, I will talk more about how to make a plan to mature in our relationship to God (and money).

Grace and peace

Hal