Life seems preoccupied with money. We work for it, spend it, save it, dream about it, and stress over it. Nearly everyone obsesses with making just one dollar more. Aware of our dangerous fixation with the almighty dollar, Jesus taught more about money than any other topic, including faith, prayer, heaven, or hell. Nearly half of His parables relate to handling money and possessions. In one of Jesus’ most memorable parables, known as “The Rich Fool” (see Luke 12:16–21), we…
“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35b). These simple words of Jesus provide the key to freedom and joy in our relationship with money. Though this is a well-known verse, few Christ-followers truly know, understand, and apply this truth in their everyday lives. In more than 20 years of working with givers, I have observed that ambivalence towards the words of Jesus is not due to lack of belief, rather it is because we have…
If you want a snapshot of where you are in your walk with Christ, pull out your budget and walk through it with a spiritual director, your pastor, and a fellow Christian who is not part of your family — together, at the same time, in the same room. Take a few moments to think about that conversation. What would these people learn about you? For the two-thirds of people who studies show do not live on a budget, what…
We always declare that Jesus is Lord but many times forget what it means to make Him Lord over our lives. We make Him Master of our families, careers, and health but when it comes to other things such as our money and wealth, we call the shots and we take control. The Lordship of Christ is an all or nothing deal. We either make Him Lord of all or not at all. Are we making Him Lord of our…
Jesus himself said in Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Is not money a good thing? Isn’t it important? Indeed, money is essential. In fact, we cannot live without it. We work hard to earn money. Money is our medium of exchange for goods and services. We need…
For most people, a car is considered the second biggest expense after housing. This four-wheeled product of human ingenuity has become a sure-fire status symbol and a consistent part of every working adult's wish list. The automotive industry is spending billions of dollars on traditional and digital advertising to entice you in getting their newest sedan, SUV, or truck with a small down payment and an affordable monthly fee. Thus, you come to the crux of the matter: Should…
In this day and age, with all the spending options available to us, it’s hard to save. The savings rate in most wealthy countries indicate that this is an understatement! In fact, in my country of birth (Australia) the national savings rate from 2000 to 2010 was 3%. That is called living beyond your means! Your ability to save will have a profound impact on your long-term financial situation. I’d like to demonstrate the potential power of saving to you: HOW…
If I asked you whether you would insure your car, I suspect like the majority of people, you would respond ‘of course’! But ask someone whether they have insured their biggest asset, that is their income, you’ll often hear silence. Most people think of their biggest asset as their house or car or perhaps their retirement fund, but your greatest asset is actually your ability to earn an income. Imagine you are no longer able to earn an income from…
Good financial management necessitates that you get control over your spending. There is no lack of things to distract us and to spend our money on! I recommend that you become a “master” of your spending rather than its servant, in order to: get your finances in good shape; and use your resources to advance God’s Kingdom. The achievement of the majority of your financial goals will depend on your ability to save, and therefore, your ability to control your…
I’m often asked about what makes some people good with money while others struggle. I could answer that in several ways, but let me do so by dividing the issue into two camps: the practical camp and the spiritual camp. Some people in the practical camp manage money well because they live beneath their means, save, invest and live generously. Then there are those who are in the spiritual camp, who know God intimately, and know his word and are…
Making Sure “Generosity” Is Generous
How do we make sure that we do not honour the rich over the poor?
What does it mean to be rich toward God?
Does it matter how we earn our income?
How A Kingdom Entrepreneur Should Start Their Day
Is this the missing element from your business?
Income Inequality Isn’t Wrong from a Christian Perspective
Should Churches have a stewardship committee?
Vision : If a Church gets this right, the money follows
Organizing a Fundraising Dinner That Rocks
How do we make decisions about allocating the resources that God has entrusted to us?
