Join Communications Specialist, Cassie Holland, as she reflects on her own money habits and considers how we are called to manage our resources.
I’m ashamed to admit this, especially as a Christian, but money is probably the area of my life that I allow God the least access to.
What I mean by this is, while I trust God with MY LIFE, I can’t seem to relinquish control of my finances (even though I believe He very much IS in control of my finances. Ironic, right?).
Some semblance of my humanity creeps in and tries to affirm to me that I, in fact, am the master of my wealth, and as such, am completely responsible were it to disappear. And that has made me vulnerable to fears of scarcity and lack just as the rest of the world.
Our thoughts matter
The way we think about money has a direct impact on how we act with money.
In the pursuit of wealth, we can become materialistic. In blindly following trends, we can further the impact of consumerism. In fearing lack, we hoard resources and doubt the Father’s provision.
Just as our thoughts affect our beliefs, so do they affect how we manage money.
So, how should we be thinking and acting with our finances?
Perhaps the best way to begin to manage our finances as Christians is to understand the biblical claim, call and caution.
The Claim:
The world and everything in it is created and sustained by God, for His glory, with its resources (including but not limited to money) given for the flourishing of all people and what God has made.
The Call:
Humanity is created to be good stewards of God’s creation and its resources – including money. As stewards, we should receive with thanksgiving, share generously, and consume justly.
The Caution:
Money and wealth are seductive forces. The desire for money and wealth – and all we believe these will satisfy in us – can lead us to live in disordered relationships and against the biblical claim and call.
Then, what?
There is no shortcut to living wisely as a Christian, and this is particularly relevant to our finances. While we can use the biblical claim, call and caution as a foundation for our beliefs around money, it takes walking closely and humbly with the Lord to live this out.
If we follow God, cultivate a relationship with Him, know Him and are known by Him, we will learn to love what He loves and desire what He desires. And in turn, we can know how He wants us to steward all that He has given us.
