Well, we are into week 3 of the series we're calling "The Over-Coming Life".We've talked about creating personal vision and mission clarity in our lives. We've talked about balance and goal setting. Mostly, we've talked together about significance and success and the definitions and differences between those 2 words. And we've looked closely at what God's Word has to say about these things.We've talked a lot about life management. Today we're gonna talk about money management or wealth management. Those 2 things (life and money) are inseparably linked.Money is something that is with us every day. And it is used - saved - spent - scrounged and squeezed every day in our lives. People will do anything for money.
In the Bible, money is talked about a lot. In fact, did you know Jesus talked about money more than anything else he addressed? Why? Because Jesus understood the pressures of life as well as He understood the truths of the kingdom.He knew how distracting money can be when it's out of control.And He knew the power of it and how easily it can get a strangle hold on us spiritually.
Hear this - I don't have a lot to say about money. But Jesus does. And I read all His words on money this week. So I'll let Him talk.
Here are 4 observations I saw from Jesus' words.
1. Identity and Money
"Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and crushing each other.Then someone called from the crowd, 'Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father's estate with me.' Jesus replied, 'Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?' Then he said, 'Beware! Don't be greedy for what you don't have. Real life is not measured by how much we own.'" (Luke 12:1a, 13-15) The NIV puts verse 15 this way: "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
There is a wide-spread philosophy of life in North America that all of us buy into at certain levels..(that success equals wealth). And that, folks, is simply a false statement. The truth is, however, that becoming the person God wants you to be on the inside and achieving the goals He sets for your life make you successful..Money or wealth or the lack of it has virtually nothing to do with you becoming the person God wants you to be...And hear this - wealth - solely for the sake of acquiring wealth - is not a goal God sets for anyone's life.
Now, does this mean that God thinks it's wrong to have a lot of money? Does it mean God never blesses a person with material wealth or nice possessions? NO. Categorically - no. But it does mean wealth is not the gauge by which we should measure a person's success..God has an entirely different standard of measurement. See folks, we live in a culture where (as Don Mayer says) "the idea of more has become the center of our identity and our security..And we are caught by it as an addict by his drugs."
Back in 1923, six of the wealthiest men in America met in a hotel in Chicago. (Huge media event for its time.) They had been exceedingly wealthy for years, and they were often proclaimed in the media as good role models for children to follow. Who were these 6 men? Let me name them and tell you what happened to them. And then you decide if they were truly successful in their lives:
- Charles Schwab, president of the largest independent steel company at the time. He lived on borrowed money the last five years of his life and died penniless.
- Richard Whitney, president of the New York Stock Exchange. He served time in Sing-Sing prison at the end of his life.
- Albert Fall, a member of the president's cabinet. He was pardoned from prison at the end of his life so he could go home to die.
- Jesse Livermore, the greatest bear on Wall Street. He committed suicide.
- Ivan Krueger, head of the world's greatest monopoly at the time. He also committed suicide.
- Leon Frasier, president of the Bank of International Settlement. He, too, committed suicide.
The combined resources of these 6 men at one time equaled more than the funds in the entire United States Treasury. Wealthy? Yes. They were wealthy beyond the wildest imaginations of most of us. But were they successful? No. God is never impressed by monetary wealth. He is impressed by our obedience, our faith, and our reliance upon Him to guide us in all matters.
Jesus simply said it like this - Be on your guard. Beware. Don't fall into the trap of being greedy for what you don't have. Be content. Your life does not consist in the abundance of your possessions.
Your life isn't about your stuff and things or what you own..or your investment portfolio..Your life is worth so much more than that..
Jesus was saying this..Significance does not come from being worth money..Significance comes from realizing who God has made you to be and living in the daily knowledge that God values your life and that He loves you beyond measure. People, it is only when we get a true picture of our worth in God's eyes...that we will know true significance..
I read this in an article this week."Money is shaky ground on which to build our identity. By contrast, in God we find a rock-solid foundation. His view of us carries considerably more weight than the collective opinion of all mankind." And it is that God who has created you and who desires to walk through life with you - and who forgives you and heals you and listens to you and leads you..And it is that God that values you and has placed you in a position far higher than any amount of money could buy..That's why Jesus said what He did to the guy in the crowd -
Don't think so much about what you don't have and what you want to get your hands on..Your identity does not come from money or things. Your life does not consist in the abundance of your possessions.
You are worth so much more to God than that..You are valuable not because of what you have, but because of who you are.
Identity and the truth of where it comes from is something we've got to get nailed down in our lives. People, don't be deceived..Your value comes from God. He values us more than we will ever know.
Here's #2 - let's learn about..
2. Security and money.
Jesus was a great story-teller - and an amazing teacher. And to further illustrate His point and kind of drive it into the crowd..about what He just said about identity and possessions - He said this.."A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing. So he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store everything. And I'll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!'
But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?' Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." (Luke 12:16-21)
Now - those were very strong words in that culture..but they jump up and bite us even harder in our culture today..Jesus was saying a very straightforward truth - security in life does not come from piling up money and possessions..And if we do think it provides security we are confused greatly..
Notice how this guy saw his possessions..he viewed all he had in terms of his crops - his barns - his goods - and his easy life..He failed to acknowledge God at all - the One who had ultimately allowed him to prosper and have all that stuff. He did not apply faith to his money at all - catch this. Jesus called the man a fool - not because he was wealthy - but because he had a wrong view/attitude about money..He saw his wealth alone as his security..
Along the same lines, remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21, "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal.
Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be."
This week I got thinking about what kinda stuff lasts forever. A family heirloom - something that's been in your family for years - will not be in your family forever unless it is something spiritual in nature. If you thought you could be secure in your bank account because you made 12% on your investments what have you made this year? Money can buy you flowers at a loved one's funeral, but it can't buy you even one more minute of time with them.
How about the energy and years we spend to get wealth? I received an e-mail that speaks of the irony of the rat race: A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them. "Not very long," answered the Mexican. "But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American. The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family. The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs.I have a full life." The American interrupted, "I have a MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge enterprise." "How long would that take?" asked the Mexican. "Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American. "And after that?" "Afterwards? That's when it gets really interesting," answered the American, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!" "Millions? Really? And after that?"
"After that you'll be able to return, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta, and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends."
3 years ago - got a lead on some stock. (Now - I won't be the first or last this happened to)..Bought in at $1.80.and it climbed to over $6 quickly - awesome. Thought I had security - started planning what I would do with that security. Well, the stock plummeted in the course of 3 days - worthless..Money doesn't last forever.
Forever is a large word - and so is eternity and you know what? We probably don't talk about eternity enough. See, when it comes to security for our lives in eternity/heaven..Even if we could have all the wealth in the entire world..it would not be enough to buy your way into heaven..Jesus said this, "What would it profit a man if he gained the whole world but lost his own soul?" Matthew 16:26. Listen to what lasts forever: "Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death?.No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35, 37-39.
People, hear what Jesus was saying. Don't put your life security in the hands of money or possessions. Put your hope in God alone, the One who never changes. The One who is always faithful - the One who always provides and leads and directs and blesses those who follow Him. Put your trust in God and in the things of God. - See, because only the things we do that have God's purposes or qualities associated with them are things that will last forever..Folks, while you live here on earth, store up your treasure in heaven. Do the things God wants you to do. Be the person God wants you to be. Spend your life and energy and time on God - and your treasure will be great. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Here's #3 -
3. Management, faithfulness, and money.
Again, hear the words of Jesus, "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people's money, why should you be trusted with money of your own? No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Luke 16:10-13)
There is a significant principle in life we must get our heads and hearts around sooner or later - and sooner is always easier than later..
(God is the Source of all wealth). He is the provider and creator. He is the owner. We are the stewards - the managers - the spenders..God's job is to own..Our job is to manage. I'll talk more about this next week..But for all I have said so far today and for all biblical teaching on money, that is the over-arching principle. It all belongs to God..And whatever we get to hold in our hands is a gift on loan from God..So what matters is that we take care of those gifts from God and use those gifts for His purposes.
Now this is a significant truth and it has been a large area of discomfort and discipline for me in these past years..Catch this - no matter how much you have been given, be faithful with it..whether it's money or possessions, everything we have been given is from God. So the principle here is this..When you take good care of the things and (riches) God has already given you, then He can trust you with greater riches..meaning more money and meaning other inner riches like spiritual leadership and development. And then greater ministry within the church and then greater responsibility to enhance the kingdom of heaven here on earth..
Folks, I'm not gonna get too specific here, but this is about treating possessions with respect, whether they are yours or someone else's. This is about operating your own personal finances properly - I could get into this, but won't (seminar upcoming). This is about debt management and financial risk management, and it's about not spending more than you have.
It's also about giving money back to God..(next week, speak more about this..) But when people hear a message about giving or tithing, God's Word directs us to give at least 10% of our money (a tithe) back to His work..Well most people think - I'll tithe when I make more money..Well, the sad fact is that you won't..The person who is faithful with giving and tithing back to God on one dollar, or five or a hundred.is the same person who is faithful in tithing when they earn much much more..
J.D. Rockefeller become one of the riches men to ever live in North America..and was perhaps the most generous philanthropists as well..He said this, "I never would have been able to tithe on my first million dollars if I had not learned to tithe on my first paycheque - which was 1.50/week." Jesus said it like this, "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones..No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Luke 16:10a & 13)
You gotta listen for the truth and then apply it..Here's #4 -
4. Responsibility and money.
I have often said this line - naivity lost cannot be regained..Well, the things you are hearing today fit that line.
Now here is one more word from Jesus, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48)
With fear of generalizing, I need to say a strong statement..You and I have been given much. We live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world - we live in one of the best cities in that country. And a lot of us have jobs that pay us very well. All of us are paid very well compared to 90% of the world. 1/5 of the world lives on less than $1/day.
"To whom much is given, much is required." People - much is required of us - to advance the kingdom of God. Much is required of us to give what we have been given to see the things of God move forward..The call of God on our lives is to not store up money for security or identity or simply for money's sake. The call of God is to use the money entrusted to us to care for one another and to move forward the church of Jesus Christ. With money comes great responsibility spiritually.
1 Timothy 6:8-10 says this, "So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows."
God says be content with little. Somehow in this culture of new cars and SUV's and houses worth hundreds of thousands of dollars..and the pressure to have the next new DVD or computer or tech toy..Somehow in this culture of more money and RRSP's and freedom 55 and savings and spending and hoarding for some day..Somehow as we live in a culture of wealth..We must, as children of God, do that which is exactly counter cultural..and learn what true contentment really is..And somehow we must not love money and the pursuit of it - but instead, we must learn to love God..
People, hear what God is saying. What are you doing with your wealth to invest in and advance the kingdom of God?
I relate my life a lot to a young man in the Bible named Timothy. He was a young man who was given great responsibility to lead the church..Here's how the older, wiser veteran church leader named Paul told Timothy to approach teaching the people under his spiritual leadership:
"Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
2 things here..
Verse 17 - God provides us with everything for our enjoyment - that's pretty cool theology when you play it out!
Verse 18 - Commands them to do good and be rich in good deeds and to be generous.
So, here goes..people, live in this way. Do Good. Be rich in good deeds. Be generous. Get your finances in order so you can give and give and give and give and then when you think you can't give anymore - give. The need is great..in this church - in this city - and in our world.
God has given you riches..yes, to enjoy, but also for you to use to advance the work He is doing.
This week the staff went to Hands On Ministries on 20 th Street..for $130 or so, we gave lunch and warmth and joy and laughter and love and Jesus to a bunch of kids. It was amazing..
When you give to this place do you know what you're doing? - We are making an eternal difference together in people's lives..Your investment is multiplied over and over again. I can't think of a better investment than Lakeview Church. Give to this ministry.
Jeff & Monica - Honduras - work with the poor..
The Letter: "This is the first time I have e-mailed. I wanted to send a greeting from here. I wrote this last night at 3:00 in the morning, and wanted to share it with you all.
I continually pray 'Lord never let me take things for granted.' A pastor in Canada once said 'when the basics of life are provided it is time to give thanks.' The fact you can read this, what a blessing. So many adults and just as many children here can't. To see the adults not being able to read or add is terrible, but it breaks my heart even worse to see a 9 year old who can't read and never will. He is too busy trying to work to help the family. He is gathering wood so they can cook the little rice and beans they have. I give thanks, I not only have food but a stove to cook on. The children and mothers walk past our house in the morning on the way to the beach where they gather the wood the ocean (God) has brought them every morning, especially after a rain, the ocean gets wild and the drift wood comes to our beach. They are walking over one mile with sacks of wood mostly carried on their heads by the women and the children on their shoulders. Sometimes I go and help carry for the real small ones.
Huge loads, all of them have bare feet, but that is what they are used to. I thank God for my shoes. How many pairs do I have? Forgive me Father.
Today Eiber Lenine came with our laundry - his mother and grandmother wash our clothes. No men in the house; the father left. Eiber and his older brother are the men. Eiber is 9 years old. One day when we were building, his mom came and asked if she could get a job working. She has no work, no husband to help her, and children and her mother to feed. After talking a bit, I found out she would do our laundry. So a couple of days a week she scrubs our clothes spotless on a stone and folds them so perfect. She needs the work and wants to keep us happy. She wants $5.00 for two bags of laundry. Thank you Lord for automatic washing machines.
When Eiber came with our laundry today, I wasn't home, but he wanted to wait until I came. So when I came home Monica had him sitting at the table coloring carefully with so many different colors. One page had a huge raindrop on it, he colored the rain drop 7 different colors. It was noon so he stayed for lunch. We had chili, rice and bread. They love bread. They hardly even get tortillas. He had 2 slices of bread with margarine - what a treat. Thank you Lord, we have margarine to put on bread.
He is so polite and so shy, not real comfortable eating on a table and chair. He has a chocolate chip cookie for dessert with a little milk. They love milk. I am not sure how long it has been since he last had milk. He will be back Monday for more laundry. Today we sent him home with 5 lbs. of beans and also with his $5.00 and a bag with soap, a facecloth, comb, shampoo, coloring book and crayons and a calendar. Merry Christmas Eiber Lenine.
It has rained 4" last night - a real storm. I asked a few kids as I walked through town in the morning how they slept and if their roofs leaked. Eiber said his house was very wet. The tin leaks and the floor is dirt. He said it was a cold night with many mosquitos, but his little round face is still just smiling, happy to see me or just happy to see the sun. Thank you Lord for our house, for being comfortable, and forgive us, please forgive us, for not being overwhelmed with joy and thanksgiving. Lord never let me take things for granted.
Merry Christmas
Jeff & Monica
P.S. Thank you Lord for giving me a heart to love the materially poor people of Honduras, the poorer they are, the more I love them."
Jesus said this, "God will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no holes in them. Your treasure will be safe - no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." (Luke 12:31-34)
Legacy is a word I associate a lot with this series - for me it is part of that elusive word called significance..What do I want my epitaph to read? What do I want to leave behind? What do I want to be remembered by? That letter is a pretty good legacy..It will live on forever. |
