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Can We Talk About Money?


Leaders have to talk about/deal with/disciple/teach…stewardship. 

 

By the way, let’s be honest: stewardship is mostly Christian code for money, no matter how we try to slice it.

 

When I surrendered my life to Jesus as an adult, I discovered something über-uncomfortable in the Bible: Jesus talked about money. A lot. To Him it represented something more than sweat-equity, resources and ability: it had power over our lives that caused Him to personify it. And He implied that until we recognized it as a god, it held sway over us in unhealthy, dysfunctional ways.

 

That bothered me in ways I couldn’t articulate. I mean, come on: we’re talking about religion and money. Double whammy. I understood that Jesus had to talk about, uh, religion. After all, that was His family business, right? But money? What did that have to do with religion?

 

At first I thought my discomfort was simply because of the way I had been brought up, that is, not to talk about money. But I soon realized it bothered me because Jesus was right. Money represented more than the long hours and effort it takes to earn it; it represented Security. Power. Image. Acceptance.

 

And isn’t that what a god offers? We sacrifice to a god because it promises security, power, image, and acceptance in return.

 

Problem is: that’s a transactional relationship. And that’s not how Real Love operates. As the apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13, Real Love isn’t about “record-keeping” or self-satisfaction.

 

Here’s what I eventually discovered about money and me: I’m made to give because I’m made in the image of God and God is the Giver of All Things, even life itself. This is the Father who would give His own Son. And because God is love, and love expresses itself selflessly and lavishly, it’s His nature to be generous. If by rebirth Christ now lives in me, then it’s in my nature to give generously as well.


In terms of disciplined practice, the Bible is very clear we’re to return thanks to God by giving back to Him portions of what He’s given us. It’s a tangible reminder that He is ultimately our provider and one way we say “thank You”. So when I first became a Christian, I was taught to give in disciplined percentage ways—such as tithing, giving ten percent of my income to God as well as sacrificial gifts. And yes, of course I don’t view it as a New Testament “requirement.”

 

It became part of my discipleship journey, as any act of obedience is. I’m glad it was an early part of my training because it established a discipline that has never not been a part of my walk, from the times Anita and I were barely scratching by with two little kids while rehabbing a house ourselves…to times of more than enough. And I’ve experienced the fruit in thousands of ways.


The Christian understands that the Church is on a mission: setting people free. This requires a selfless approach and sensitivity to the short time we each have on this planet. Therefore, we are to use our resources to advance His purposes. And that’s where the Michelin meets the asphalt.

 

I know now that I give because of two simple reasons: gratitude and obedience.


It was—and still is—an absolute wonder and enigma that Jesus found me, rescued me and brought me into His Kingdom. I would not have picked me. To this day I still feel very, very grateful and thankful for my salvation.


Because He commands us to give thanks by offering tangible resources that represent our hearts more than we like to think, it’s my joy to respond in obedience. I know that my giving furthers the Kingdom in two supernaturally practical ways: it expands it in my heart and supports the mission beyond me.

 

Leaders, you must teach your people this critical discipleship practice. Use your own story. And if you don’t have one, start writing yours now. 

 


Dave Workman | The Elemental Group


 

Every healthy organization is marked by four essential traits: Integrity, Passion, Servanthood, and Imagination. With a practitioner perspective, author Dave Workman offers common sense guidance and tools to maximize leadership. Filled with insight, humor, and reflective exercises, this is an indispensable exploration of these four universal values. Check out Elemental Leaders: Four Essentials Every Leader Needs...and Every Church Must Have. 

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