Christian Living

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MONEY MATTERS


“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread,” the sage petitions. “Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God” (Prov. 30:8-9). If affluent, then tempted to be indulgent. If poverty stricken, then given to desperation.
“No one can serve two masters,” Jesus observed. “You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matt. 6:24). Either one or the other may be our prime concern, but not both taken together. One must take precedence over the other. This serves as a warning to a materialistic society.
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Tim. 6:10). Not money itself, but being enamored of it. It results in all sorts of sinful behavior, such as: deceitfulness, intimidation, manipulation, and perversion.
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coin” (Mark 12:41-42). Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all that she had to live on.” We would gather from this that generosity consists not in how much one gives, but by how much remains after one has given.
Given the above incentives, several observations appear in order. (1) Industry is encouraged. “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise” (Prov. 6:6). This recalls a time when as a child I bent down over an ant hill, to watch them energetically engaged in their activity. I was not only impressed by their industry, but their seeming cooperative endeavor. Accordingly, they provide an example for humans.
(2) Generosity is coupled with industry as complementary virtues. We are thus enabled to minister to a wide range of needs. There are those associated with survival: consisting of food and drink, shelter, and clothing. Moreover, to provide security and acceptance. Finally, to assist persons in achieving the potential for which they were endowed.
(3) In doing so, to establish sound priorities. In this regard, a certain expert in the law inquired of Jesus: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (Matt. 22:35). It was his apparent intent to determine Jesus’ orthodoxy.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,’” Jesus replied. “This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” If for some reason having difficulty with one, it often helps to focus on the other—although not to the exclusion of either.
(4) Do not focus on the accumulation of material possessions, but rather how best to serve. For instance, a spokesperson for a Christian publishing house recently allowed that their only purpose was sales. Conversely, it seems to me that their overriding purpose should be to serve, although sales is a necessary consideration.
(5) Reflect on occasions concerning those who set a good example of stewardship. For instance, a certain successful businessman returns to his suburban residence after a long day at the office. Initially, he would call a city mission. If it were faced with some pressing need, he would offer funds from his account to cover the expense. Only then would he enjoy the evening meal with his likewise devout wife.
(6) Anyone can give something. If not of monetary nature, then some effort to help make life more bearable. In seemingly trivial manner, such as with an engaging smile. In terms of civil discourse, which is often sadly lacking. And so on.
(7) Make good use of the resources available. Some charitable agencies are much adept at this than others. For instance, some years ago I served on a mission board. We were committed to not spending more than ten percent of the donated funds on overhead expense, including he cost of taking care of missionaries who were ill. On the other hand, some seemingly reputable groups spend around ninety percent of their income on overhead.
(8) Finally, employ common sense. For it is said, “The bad thing about common sense is that it is so uncommon.” As an example, if in attempting to help others we discourage them from helping themselves, we lose perspective. Consequently, we can learn from the past, and live toward the future, while engaging in the present. With God’s help and our cooperation.

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