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MONEYGOD OR GIFT

JAMIE MUNSON


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Copyright 2012

Jamie Munson

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any

unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by

any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system with-

out express written permission from the author / publisher.

978-0-9887543-3-1


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WHY THIS BOOK EXISTS

THIS BOOK IS FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE MONEY.No one can serve two masters, Jesus said, 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 (Matthew 6:24).

There is no middle ground.

THIS BOOK IS FOR PEOPLE WHO HATE MONEY.Its not moneys fault that were prone to love it, live for it, and even die for it. Gods provision is a

gift, 1the Lord grants wealth, 2and money answers everything (Ecclesiastes 10:19). If our hearts

belong to Jesus and our lives are devoted to his mission, we need not avoid, demonize, or fear

money. We can love God, love people, and use money to enjoy life and do ministry.

THIS BOOK IS FOR THE CHURCH.New Testament scholar Craig Blomberg calls stewardship of material possessions the most

important test-case of ones profession of discipleship, 3 and names materialism as the single

biggest competitor with authentic Christianity for the hearts and souls of millions in our world

today. 4 As a pastor, I want to see our churchand all churchesfilled with people devoted to

Jesus, not money.

THIS BOOK IS FOR NEW CHRISTIANS.We have so many new Christians at Mars Hill Church. I was once one of them. Before I met Jesus

at age 19, money was my god. I couldnt wait to get rich, so I racked up debt by spending money on

myself. When I learned how to worship God with my money rather than worshiping my money as

god, his grace changed my life. I want to encourage new Christians, and help them learn what God

says about money, so that they can experience more of his goodness as well.

THIS BOOK IS FOR LONGTIME CHRISTIANS.First Timothy 4:16 says, Watch your life and doctrine closely (NIV). I want to exhort every

1Deut. 8:18; 1 Cor. 4:7.

2Prov. 10:22; Eccles. 5:19.

3Craig L. Blomberg, Neither Poverty nor Riches (Downers Grove, IL: InverVarsity Press, 2000), 127.

4Ibid., 132.


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Christian in both areas: know the biblical teachings on money and apply them to life. We do this

closely through ongoing repentance, wise counsel, life in community, and the power of the Holy

Spirit. Without discipline and help, were all prone to reject or abuse the gift of money.

THIS BOOK IS FOR THE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO DONT KNOW JESUS.God works through his people (the church) to reach others with the gospel. If we use our money

wisely and give faithfully, more people will meet Jesusand we will love him more. If youre not

sure about Jesus, I pray that this book would help you come to love and understand him. He is a

good God.

THIS BOOK IS FOR YOUR JOY.Men and women, rich and poor, young and oldeverybody has something they treasure, and

where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 5This book is to point your heart, your

treasure, and your life to the source of all joy, goodness, and love: Jesus.

5

Luke 12:34.


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Acknowledgments

Thank you to Jesus for your grace upon grace, including my wife (Crystal) and our four kiddos

(Caleb, Kara, Orin, and Haley) who top the list of blessings youve graced me with.

Thank you to Andrew Myers and the many others who contributed to this project.

Without your faithful help, this book doesnt exist.

Thank you Mars Hill Church for being all about Jesus.


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TABLE OF CONTENTSThis book is designed to be read and studied over the course of three weeks. Each weeks

worth of reading includes:

Scripture A passage from Luke 12.

Teaching Five instructional chapters per week (three weeks total)

Discussion Questions and thoughts for consideration in small groups, families,

couples, or personal reflection

INTRODUCTION (LUKE 12:47)

What are you afraid of?

WEEK ONE: RICH TOWARD GOD (LUKE 12:1321)1. Haves and Have-Nots: Life in Gods Economy

2. Is Saving a Sin: Matters of the Heart

3. Cheerful Sacrifice: The Bible and Giving

4. Freedom from MasterCardPriceless: The Bible and Spending

5. Retirement Isnt in Scripture: The Bible and Saving

WEEK TWO: LIFE IS MORE THAN FOOD (LUKE 12:2234)6. Wants vs. Needs Priorities: Is God Telling You to Get a Big Screen?7. Redeeming Worry: Hedged Bets Always Lose

8. Give What You Cannot Keep: A Lifestyle of Generosity

9. Invisible Treasure: Gain What You Cannot Lose

10. Churches Are All About Money: And Other Excuses

WEEK THREE: THE FAITHFUL AND WISE MANAGER (LUKE 12:3548)11. Be Ready: Budget for Judgment Day

12. Stewardship for the Whole Family: Money Advice for Kids, Singles, and Couples

13. Die Before Your Money Does: Establishing a Legacy

14. It Starts Today: Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is

15. Conclusion: What Can God Do With 10,000 People and $300 Million?

APPENDIXA. For Further Reading

B. Budget Template


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INTRODUCTION

I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that

they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to

cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of

them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you

are of more value than many sparrows.

Jesus (Luke 12:47)


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WHAT ARE YOU

AFRAID OF?


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TWAS GRACE THAT TAUGHT MY HEART TO FEAR,AND GRACE MY FEARS RELIEVED.

JOHN NEWTON (AMAZING GRACE)The best place to start a book about money is not with budgets and balance sheets, economics and

financial theory, or debt management and career development.

The best place to begin is your fear.

The book of Proverbs states,

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction(1:7). Likewise, Jesus prefaces his teaching in Luke 12 with a sobering reminder to fear God,

the one who possesses sole power to both destroy and preserve. This should elicit a certain

amount of raw, gut-wrenching frighta common emotion exhibited by those who

encounter God throughout Scripture 6but fear in this case carries a much

deeper meaning.

BAD FEARFear and worry reveal us, writes theologian and psychologist Dr. Ed Welch. They reveal the things

that we love and value. 7In turn, the things that we love and value are the things that we worship.

For example, children, money, and friendships become idols when we fear death, insecurity, and

rejection. Our happiness then gets tied up in the well-being of our kids, the size of our bank

balance, or the health of our relationshipsall of which will eventually falter and fail.

Everybody is afraidafraid of suffering, rejection, failure, embarrassmentbecause everybody cares

about something, even if its just themselves. And so we pour out our resources, our energy, and our

days in an attempt to protect what we love from whatever threatens it. The effort is in vain,

however, because children die. People lose their jobs. Families disintegrate. Houses burn down.

Friends move away. Stock markets crash.

We waste life by worrying about things we cant control and fearing things we cant avoid. The Bible

6Exodus 20:18; Isaiah 6:5; Revelation 1:17.

7Edward T. Welch, Running Scared(Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, 2007), 13.


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calls this striving after wind. 8 In the end, it is follythe opposite of wisdom.

GOOD FEARIf fear is unavoidable, then what we fear is of great importance. The fear of the Lord is not a caution

against an abusive father with cosmic mood swings and unpredictable behavior. Fear of the Lord

leads us to worship him: acknowledging with reverence and awe that God is the all-knowing,

all-powerful, ever-present, always good Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

The fear of the Lord is the only thing that can prevent us from succumbing to all of the other fears

that steal our lives away. We cant control anything, but God controls everything, and we can trust

him because he is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice,

goodness, and truth. 9

The fear of the Lord is wisdom because only God deserves our worship. To live otherwise is folly.

FEAR AND MONEYWhen used with wisdom, money is a gift from Goda tool for worshiping Jesus and honoring God.

What that looks like is the subject of this book. Without wisdom, however, were likely to fear,

worship, and live for our money, which makes it our god.

Fear of the money god is slavery. Theres never enough and it offers no salvation. Fear of the Lord

is wisdom and freedom. When an unexpected bill shows up in the mail, when the car breaks down,

when a major business decision looms, or when foreclosure seems imminent, we are free to fear not,

knowing that our future, our eternity, and our lives are in the stable, trustworthy care of his hand:

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, I will

never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper; I will

not fear.10

In the following pages well discuss stewardship, budgets, priorities, giving, and more. But a

heart-level love, worship, and fear of the Lord is the beginning of it all.

8Eccles. 2:17.

9Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q.4.

10

Heb. 13:56.


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RICH TOWARD GOD

-PART ONE-


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Someone in the crowd said to him, Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.

But he said to him, Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you? And he said to them,

Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for ones life does not consist in the

abundance of his possessions. And he told them a parable, saying, The land of a rich man

produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my

crops? And he said, I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will

store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for

many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry. But God said to him, Fool! This night your soul is required

of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be? So is the one who lays up treasure

for himself and is not rich toward God.

Jesus (Luke 12:1321)


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PART ONE DISCUSSION

Discussion: Which column (gratitude or greed) most accurately describes your life? In

which areas are you encouraged? Where do you need to repent and seek forgiveness?

(page 18)

Discussion: Where in your life are you prone to grumbling? What does grumbling sound

like in your heart? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you resist the temptation to grumble.

Cultivate a heart of gratitude by sharing evidence of Gods grace in your life, in your

community, and in the promises of Scripture. (page 19)

Discussion: What is your gut-level response to the call to giving? How does that align

(or not) with how you believe God wants you to give? What is holding you back from

giving in response to Gods grace? (page 20)

Discussion: Which aspect of biblical giving is most dicult for you: cheerful, sacricial,

or regular? What does this struggle indicate about your heart? (page 27)

Discussion: Are you prone to spend or hoard more money than you should? What does

repentance look like for you? What fears compel you to hoard or spend more money

than what you believe brings honor to God? (page 33)


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CHAPTER ONEHAVES AND HAVE-NOTS:LIFE IN GODS ECONOMY


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ONES LIFE DOES NOT CONSIST INTHE ABUNDANCE OF HIS POSSESSIONS.

LUKE 12:15The Rich Fool of Jesus parable could be a poster boy for the American Dream. He worked his land,

earned a good living, and planned to enjoy the fruits of his labor. But he could also pass for what is

too often the American Reality. Ruled by selfishness and greed, he ignored the One who created the

land, the One who made it produce a harvest, and the One who numbered his very days.

BIG IDEA: STEWARDSHIPEverything we have comes from God and belongs to God: life, family, money, resources, time, job,

talents . . . everything. 11 We are stewards of what God has given us. He owns it; we use it.

In addition to the breath in our lungs and the food on our table, through the work of Jesus God has

given us forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life: an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled,

and unfading, kept in heaven. 12

All of this is much more than we deserve, and though many Christians would nod their head in

agreement, few of us actually live as though that were true. Rather than cultivating humble

appreciation we covet a higher standard of living. Rather than gratitude for his grace we exhibit

greed for our own gain. The difference between these two outlooks influences and directs every

aspect of life:

11John 3:27; 1 Cor. 4:7.

12Pet. 1:4.


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Gratitude Greed

Attitude Humility (Phil. 2:3) Grumbling (Phil. 2:15)

Perspective

Grace: I am a sinner who de-

serves death but Jesus paid the

price and gave me his perfectrighteousness.

Entitlement: I am a good

person who deserves

heavenplus a comfortable,

pain-free existence in

the meantime.

DesireJesus is enough to satisfy

my life.

Jesus is not enough. I want

wealth / fame / comfort / power

as well.

MoneyGod gives. Therefore my money

is his, and I use it to glorify him.

I earn. Therefore my money is

mine, and I use it however

I please.

Possessions Contentment: I have enough Covetous: I never have enough

ChurchServe as a member of

Gods familyBe served as a consumer

Job

Work heartily for the Lord; cul-

tivating thanks for Gods provi-

sion (Deut. 8:17; Col. 3:23)

Work begrudgingly for the

man; becoming bitter and

jealous against others

(James 3:16)

Family A blessing to embrace A burden to escape

FutureEternal: optimistic/hopeful (2

Cor. 4:79) Temporal: pessimistic/anxious

WorshipTime, energy, and resources go

to God

Time, energy, and resources go

to me

Identity Jesus and his achievementMy abilities and my

achievements

Giving GenerousGuilt- or gain-motivated (or

non-existent)

Discussion: Which column most accurately describes your life? In which areas are you encouraged?Where do you need to repent and seek forgiveness?


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SPIRITUAL HAVESGods grace is a cosmic reality with enormous implications. In Jesus we have everything we need for

all eternity, and more than we deserve here on earth. Were all haves in Jesus. Even if all we have

left is air in our lungs, thats still an occasion to praise him with our last breath because to live is

Christ and to die is gain.13

As for the have-nots in this scenario, theyre often recognizable by a nagging discontent. Listen for

the grumbleperhaps its even echoing in your own heart, maybe when the offering bucket comes

your way, or when its time to put the kids in the car and go to community group. Ongoing

discontentment, entitlement, anger, resentment, and bitterness cloud conversation and douse

any joy.

Were all susceptible to the have-not mentality. It begins with a grumbling mood,says C.S. Lewis,

and yourself still distinct from it: perhaps criticizing it. And yourself, in a dark hour, may will that mood,

embrace it. Ye can repent and come out of it again. But there may come a day when you can do that no

longer. 14We can choose to grumble or we can choose to be grateful. 15 Little by little, our choice of

mood sets the course for a day, which becomes a week, which becomes a year, which becomes the

theme of our lifetime.

Discussion: Where in your life are you prone to grumbling? What does grumbling sound like in

your heart? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you resist the temptation to grumble. Cultivate a heart of

gratitude by sharing evidence of Gods grace in your life, in your community, and in the promises

of Scripture.

Have-nots may be destitute or they may enjoy great wealth. Jesus addresses the church in

Laodicea, which falls into the latter category: For you say, I am rich. I have prospered, and I need

nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.16

God measures rich and poor, haves and have-nots in terms of the heart. 17 We may prosper and

need nothing, but without Jesus and his work in our hearts, we dont have anything. The life of

13Phil. 2:21.

14C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce(New York: HarperCollins, 2001), 7778.

15Col. 3:15.

16Rev. 3:17.

171 Sam. 16:7.


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Paul illustrates this well. He learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether

well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 18Its all about Jesus.

PHYSICAL HAVE-NOTSThe spiritual reality that we have everything we need and more in Jesus should not lead us to

neglect the physical have-nots in our communities and our world. 19On the contrary, Pastor Tim

Keller says, The grace of God makes Christ precious to us, so that our possessions, our money, our time

have all become eternally and utterly expendable. 20

In fact, if we understand the immense value of our spiritual riches, our physical wealth pales in

comparison and we will have no problem parting with our possessions. They used to be crucial to our

happiness,Keller continues. They are not so now.21

Far from an excuse not to help the poor, the spiritual haves view the riches of grace as a profound

motivator. Every opportunity to give becomes an opportunity to demonstrate and share our truest,

most valuable possession: the generosity, goodness, and good news of Jesus. If stewardship is a sign

of a redeemed life,Blomberg says, then Christians will, by their new natures, want to give. 22

Discussion: What is your gut-level response to the call to giving? How does that align (or not) with

how you believe God wants you to give? What is holding you back from giving in response to

Gods grace?

18Phil. 4:12.

19James 2:1517.

20Timothy J. Keller,Ministries of Mercy(Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1997), 63.

21Ibid.

22Craig L. Blomberg, Neither Poverty nor Riches, 247.


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CHAPTER TWOIS SAVING A SIN:

MATTERS OF THE HEART


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I WILL SAY TO MY SOUL, SOUL, YOU HAVEAMPLE GOODS LAID UP FOR MANY YEARS:

RELAX, EAT, DRINK, BE MERRY. BUT GOD SAIDTO HIM, FOOL! LUKE 12:1920On the surface, the parable of the Rich Fool seems to discourage planning and saving because

tonight could be the night when God will require our soul. Is it a sin to save up? Is preparing for the

future evil?

The Lord did not reprimand the Rich Fool for planning ahead. The guy was not only being greedywith his resources, he was also claiming preeminence over the God of destiny. Arrogance is our

problemnot preparation. The book of James explains:

Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a

year there and trade and make a profityet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is

your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. . . . As it is, you boast

in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil (4:1316).

Planning is not a sin. Wealth is not a sin. The Rich Fool earned his rebuke not because of his actions

but in part because of the motivations harbored in his heart.

MOTIVES AND MEANSSaving is a sinif its done for the wrong reasons. Same goes for spending, investing, and even

giving. Any financial transaction reveals our heart by presenting an opportunity to worship Jesus or

worship ourselves.

The significance of the heart levels the playing field between rich and poor because the treasure

itself matters far less than how its stewarded. In his book, Doctrine, Pastor Mark Driscoll includes

an entire chapter about stewardship. The Bible speaks of four ways in which treasure can be

stewarded, he writes:

1) Righteous rich stewards gain their treasure by righteous means, such as working hard

and investing wisely. Righteous rich stewards also manage their treasure righteously by


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living within a reasonable budget, paying their taxes and bills, and giving generously.23

2) Unrighteous rich stewards gain their treasure through sinful means, such as stealing and

dishonest business practices, because their idolatry of money drives them toward greed. 23

3) Righteous poor stewards work hard, act honestly in business dealings, live within theirmeans, stay out of debt, and live in contentment with the treasure God has appointed for

them to manage.23

4) Unrighteous poor stewards seek to gain their treasure through sinful means, such as free

loading and stealing, but fail to succeed. [They] are prone to foolish spending . . .

gambling, chasing get-rich schemes hoping to obtain wealth without wisdom or effort, and/or

are lazy and do as little as possible. 23

Contrary to what many popular preachers teach, God does not require his people to be poor

(poverty theology), nor does he promise that all of his disciples will be wealthy (prosperity theology).

The money itself is merely a prop on the stage of Gods story, used or pursued for good or for ill

depending on the intentions of the stewards heart.

THREE WAYS TO USE YOUR MONEYSince stewardship is a gesture of the heart, it doesnt matter how much money is involved.

Therefore, most of the guidelines found in the Bible apply to rich and poor alike. God does often

challenge the rich directly and advocate for the poor, but rather than a lot of specificshow much

to give, where to invest, and when to retirehe simply provides principles that help us live in such

a way that honors him, protects us, and allows us great freedom to live within the all-encompassing

framework of his wisdom.

When it comes to money, we essentially have three options: give it, spend it, and save it. 24The

Bible includes lots of foundational instruction in each of these key areas of stewardship, so over thecourse of the next three chapters well consider what it looks like to honor God and live under his

principles in the way that we give, spend, and save.

23Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears, Doctrine:What Christians Should Believe(Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2010), 389390.

24For the purposes of this book, well consider investing to be a close relative of saving. Im indebted to Dave Ramsey for the give/

save/spend trio.


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CHAPTER THREECHEERFUL SACRIFICE:THE BIBLE AND GIVING


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SO IS THE ONE WHO LAYS UP TREASURE FORHIMSELF AND IS NOT RICH TOWARD GOD.

LUKE 12:21Jesus said, It is more blessed to give than to receive,25not because you get a warm, fuzzy feeling when

you do something nice for somebody, but because only in giving can you grow rich toward God and

store up treasure in heaven. Giving breaks us out of orbit around our possessions,writes author

Randy Alcorn. We escape their gravity, entering a new orbit around our treasures in heaven. 26

This describes a specific kind of giving, however: giving that honors God. It is quite possible to

dishonorGod by giving. It all depends on whyyoure giving. Our God Jesus is a giver, who though hewas rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.27We give in

gratitude to honor him and be like him so that more people would know him.

HONOR GOD BY GIVING BEFORE YOU SAVE OR SPEND.Many give out of their leftovers. According to the leading research on Christian giving, 20 percent of

all U.S. Christians give nothingto church, para-church, or nonreligious charities, 28and the vast

majority give very little. 29But God requires the firstfruits of our labor, 30without qualification.

He loves us and wants us to trust in him and not our money. A couple in our church was facing

steep medical bills after a serious car wreck. They met with a non-Christian legal counselor whose

first piece of advice was to stop giving to the church. They declined.

A few months after the accident, the couples community group organized a fundraiser that

provided an extra $4,000 toward medical expenses. Many people were blessed by this tangible

demonstration of Jesus love among his people, and at least one man became a Christian in

response! The Father proved faithful, and the couple was able to receive Gods gift without guilt

or shame.

25Acts 20:35.

26Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle(Sisters, OR: Multnomah, 2001), 34.

272 Cor. 8:9.

28Christian Smith, Michael O. Emerson, and Patricia Snell, Passing the Plate(New York: Oxford University Press, 2008), 29.

29Ibid., 34.

30Prov. 3:9.


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HONOR GOD BY GIVING CHEERFULLY.In 2 Corinthians, Paul writes about a church in Macedonia that loves to give. When a need in

Jerusalem arose, the Macedonians began begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of

the saints (8:4). In commenting on this passage, Ralph Martin says, Normally we think of the

fundraiser as begging the would-be donors. Here it is the donors, who could least afford it, who entreated

Paul for the favor of having a part in this enterprise. 31

Paul draws many helpful principles from the Macedonians example. Each one must give as he has

decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 32Money is a

useful tool that God gives us to help others and spread the gospel. When we use it in this way, more

people meet Jesus, move from death to life, and enjoy the same grace that has been given to us.

When Mars Hill Church opened a campus near the University of Washington in fall 2010, the

congregation exploded from three hundred to eight hundred in the first week and thirty young men

and women got baptized on the spot. It was an incredibly joyful celebration made possible by the

many people who gave the resources that allowed us to buy the building, support the pastor, and pay

the bills. When youre excited to see Jesus change lives, you get excited to play a part by giving. Its

not a chore; its an honor.

HONOR GOD BY GIVING SACRIFICIALLY.

Paul also applauds the Macedonian congregation for giving beyond their means to help a churchthat was suffering to an even greater degree. Despite hardship, their abundance of joy and their

extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity (8:2). He draws a connection between this

sacrifice and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who willingly sacrificed his life in order to serve and save

sinners.

Our giving cannot equal Jesus giving, but its clear that, as his disciples, we are to contribute in

similar sacrificial fashion. As opposed to giving out of unnecessary abundance, we willingly give up

something we could have had in order to take part in giving to support the work of the church andits mission.

HONOR GOD BY GIVING REGULARLY.The Bible does not mandate a specific frequency, day, or time for giving to the church. We have

31Quoted in Blomberg, Neither Poverty nor Riches, 192.

322 Cor. 9:7.


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freedom to establish a regular plan that matches the rhythm of our life. For most people, this tends

to be a monthly or twice-monthly contribution that aligns with pay schedule and budgeting

practices. Regular giving requires us to live a disciplined life and also serves as a constant reminder

that what we have does not truly belong to us. Irregular giving indicates poor stewardship: a

reluctance to give, lack of planning, or laziness.

Of course, regular giving does not rule out spontaneous giving. In fact, Jesus celebrates many

instances of spur-of-the-moment generosity.33Regular giving habits are merely a helpful and

necessary foundation upon which to build a more thoroughly generous life.

BIBLICAL GIVING PRINCIPLESGiving Principle If present If absent

Cheerful Excitement and joy toparticipate in the work of Jesus.

Giving feels like a loss and not aprivileged gain.

SacrificialGiving hurts a bit it requiresgoing without something.

Lack of faith and trust in Godsprovision. Other priorities takeprecedent over God.

RegularChurch giving occurs on aregular basis.

Laziness, poor planning, andindifference lead to sporadicgiving (usually guilt-based).

Discussion: Which aspect of biblical giving is most dicult for you: cheerful, sacricial, or regular?

What does this struggle indicate about your heart?

HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?Regardless of what the Bible says about cheerfulness and sacrifice, the little legalist inside all of us

still wants to know where to draw the line: how much does God want from me?

Old Testament law required Gods people to give a tithe (tenth) of their income to the church. 34But,

as Pastor Mark Driscoll writes, The total mandatory Old Testament tithe resulted in over 25 percent of

a familys gross income going to God and ministry.35But God has never needed money, For every beast

of the forest is mine,he says. I know all the birds of the hills and all that moves in the field is mine. If I

33Luke 10:30-37; John 12:18; Matt. 19:21.

34Num. 18:2129; 27:30.

35

Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears, Doctrine, 393; cf. Deut. 12:1011, 1718; 14:2229; Lev. 19:910; Neh. 10:3233.


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were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine. 36

God doesnt needour money. What hes truly after is us. Psalm 50 continues: Offer to God a

sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me (1415).Giving is important because where your treasure is,

there your heart will be also.37It is impossible to love God and not give. 38

Since giving is a matter of the heart, and since Jesus fulfilled the law, Gods people are to give as a

grateful response to his love, not to fulfill a pre-determined percentage or quota. Thats why the

New Testament encourages giving without providing specific numbers, and reminds us that if we

fail to give, we dont harm Godwe only harm ourselves (and our church, since were all part of the

same body). Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,Scripture says. Whoever sows bountifully

will also reap bountifully.39

Contrary to what many popular preachers have taught, bountifully does not solely refer to

material gain. Its about spiritual blessings on earth and tangible treasures in heaven. The more we

give generously (see chapter 8), the more we will store up treasure in heaven (see chapter 9), and the

more we will see Jesus mission progress in our lifetime.

Without a hard-and-fast percentage that mandates how much we give, were left with the biblical

qualifiers for generous giving: cheerful, sacrificial, and regular. C.S. Lewis sums it up well:

I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure

on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same

income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or

hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and

cannot do because our charities expenditure [giving] excludes them. 40

If our giving does not require us to trust God, theres a good chance were simply going through the

motions. In my decade-plus of experience at Mars Hill, Ive often counseled and taught that 10

percent is a good place to start. For most people, 10 percent represents an amount that challenges

36Ps. 50:1012.

37Matt. 6:21.,

38Matt. 6:24.,

392 Cor. 9:6.,

40C.S. Lewis,Mere Christianity (New York: HarperCollins, 2001), 86.


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them to walk faithfully in this area of their life. Depending on the circumstances of life, for some a

tenth isnt enough. For others it may be too much. Craig Blomberg speculates, If most affluent

Western Christians were to be honest about the extent of their surplus, they would give considerably higher

than 10 percent.41

In any case, the absence of a specific mandate creates dependence on God because we must activelyseek his will for our finances. We cant identify a percentage and set it and forget it. Rather, giving

is meant to be an ongoing, dynamic component of lives lived in worship of Jesus. When we

understand the joy of giving in response to Gods grace, how much does God wantbecomes how

much can I give?

41Blomberg, Neither Poverty nor Riches, 199.


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CHAPTER FOUR

FREEDOM FROMMASTERCARD . . .

PRICELESS:THE BIBLE

AND SPENDING


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TAKE CARE, AND BE ON GUARD AGAINST ALLCOVETOUSNESS. LUKE 12:15To store up treasure in heaven and grow rich toward God requires patience and delayedgratification: laughable concepts in the Google Age. We cant wait around for five minutes let alone

for eternity.

Nowhere is this more obvious than in our spending habits. Debt is crushing millions of Americans.

The average credit card debt per household with a credit card is about $7,300. 42

We spend on credit cards when we fail to plan, or when we covet things outside of our plan. These

expenses usually seem harmless at the time, and we can easily rationalize spending beyond whatwe have:

Its a really good dealIm actually saving money.

Ill make sure to spend less next month to make up for this months splurge.

Buying this thing will allow me to be more ecient and productive so Ill

actually end up making more money.

Its been a tough dayI deserve to indulge.

Proverbs says,The borrower is the slave of the lender (22:7).The temptation to spend, spend, spend

is so strong, however, that many of us all but close the shackles across our own wrists. To make

matters worse, over-extending ourselves severely limits our ability to give, which in turn draws our

hearts away from Jesus.

Godly wisdom in spending is important not only because it honors the Lord, but also because it

saves us from a life of slavery to the money god and his earthly treasures.

HONOR GOD BY LIVING WITHIN YOUR MEANSDONT BE A SPENDER.Spenders commit themselves to more obligations than they have money to make good on. All of

their money is gone before it even comes in. Spenders arent always poor; successful businessmen,

42The Federal Reserve Board. 2007 Survey of Consumer Finances: Changes in U.S. Family Finances from 2004 to 2007.Prepared by Brian

K. Bucks, Arthur B. Kennickell, Traci L. Mach, and Kevin B. Moore, A45.


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pro athletes, and lottery winners often succumb to rash consumption.

I grew up as a spender in a family of spenders. As soon as I turned eighteen I got my first credit

card (known as free money cards in our household). I took it straight to the electronics store and

maxed out the $500 limit in less than an hour. My brand new stereo with a ten-disc changer was so

rad that somebody stole it a few days later. I got my first credit card bill shortly thereafter and realitysunk in: I was stuck paying off a stereo that I didnt even own anymore.

Spenders wind up in trouble because they dont have the ability to maintain their chosen lifestyle.

This leads to stress and fear as any faith ischoked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their

fruit does not mature (Luke 8:14). Over-spending and consumer debt are completely antithetical to

the worship of a God who calls us to persevere, endure, and bear fruit with patience (Luke 8:15).

HONOR GOD BY SPENDING WELLDONT BE A HOARDER.On the opposite end of the spectrum are the penny pinchers, the cheapskates, and the tightwads.

Hoarders seek to maximize their savings and investments. Like spenders, hoarders may have billions

or nickels. In either case, hoarders are never satisfied with how much is in the bank. Like the Rich

Fool, they selfishly tuck it away for a rainy day that may never come.

Im not opposed to emergency funds or investments. On a functional level, however, hoarders place

their faith in money as lifeline/security/savior. They collect it, bury it, and obsess over it rather than

using it to multiply the church and help people in need.

Jesus tells a story about three servants who each received a sum of money from their master before

he left for some time. He returns to find that two of the servants put their gift to use, doubling its

value. The third servant, however, returns the original sum. I was afraid,he confesses, and I went

and hid your [money] in the ground.43The master is enraged and casts the worthless servant into the

outer darkness (25:30).

God gave us money in part so that we can spend it. The temptation to overdo it is strong, but that

doesnt mean we shouldnt do it at all. Like sex, food, drink, or any of Gods gifts, we can use money

faithfully for great good and enjoyment. Take your spouse out on a nice date. Plan a vacation for

your family. Fix up your house so that you can have people over and show hospitality. There is room

for the periodic celebration of Gods good, material gifts,says Blomberg, even at times to a lavish

43Matt. 25:25.


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extent.44With guidance from the Holy Spirit and the Word, it is possible to spend money in a way

that is neither selfish, nor frivolous, nor sinfuland even honors God.

Discussion: What fears compel you to hoard or spend more money than what you believe brings

honor to God?

HONOR GOD BY GUARDING AGAINST COVETOUSNESS.Like instant gratification, covetousness is widely accepted in our culture, and even seen as

something of value. Prominent atheist Christopher Hitchens calls Thou shalt not covet the most

questionable of the commandments.He argues, Is not envy a great spur to emulation

and competition?45

While there is a difference between healthy ambition 46and covetousness, which is idolatry, 47greed

and envy are inevitable components within the engine of a capitalist society. The American Dream

has become one big covet-fest that empties consumer wallets and then some. This is the water we

swim inwere already drenched and, unless we heed Jesus words to guard against covetousness,

well drown and drag our church to the bottom with us.

Well always be tempted to want more, but it is through this craving that some have wandered away

from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs48The alternative? Now there is great gain in

godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out ofthe world.49

Such contentment requires the supernatural work of the Holy Spiritespecially for we the people

of Western affluence. A good place to start is with the prayer found in Proverbs 30:

Give me neither poverty nor riches;

Feed me with the food that is needful for me,

Lest I be full and deny you and say, Who is the LORD?Or lest I be poor and stead and profane the name of my God.

44Blomberg, Neither Poverty nor Riches, 145 cf. John 2:111; 15:23; Mark 14:3.

45Christopher Hitchens, The New Commandments, Vanity Fair, April 2010, http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2010/04/

hitchens-201004. Ecclesiastes 4:4 makes the same observation and calls such competition vanity and a striving after wind.

46See Dave Harvey, Rescuing Ambition(Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2010).

47Col. 3:5.

481 Tim. 6:10.

49 1 Tim. 6:67.


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CHAPTER FIVERETIREMENT ISNT

IN SCRIPTURE:THE BIBLE AND SAVING


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THE THINGS YOU HAVE PREPARED, WHOSE WILLTHEY BE? LUKE 12:20

We live in a world of unexpected car repairs, costly medical care, and long life expectancies. It wouldbe foolishand dangerousto squander your resources on day-to-day expenses. The lesson of the

Rich Fool is not dont plan. Rather, the Bible offers numerous guidelines for how to save for the

future in a way that honors God.

HONOR GOD BY BUILDING UP SAVINGS THROUGH HARD WORKNOT GET-RICH-

QUICK-SCHEMES.

Throughout his letters, Paul encourages believers to labor, persist, and press on if they expect to seeany progress in faith and in life. 50Proverbs also includes many verses on the connection between

diligent work and long-term planning:

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise . . . she prepares her

bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. 51

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will

increase it.

52

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty

comes only to poverty. 53

Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the eld, and

after that build your house. 54

HONOR GOD BY ALIGNING YOUR SAVING GOALS WITH HIS MISSION.

The Rich Fool saved up to bless himself while the Proverbs ant saves to bless its family. Paulreinforces the call to provide for our families while also challenging the rich to use their resources

501 Cor. 9:2627; Col. 1:29; 1 Tim. 4:15.

51Prov. 6:6, 8.

52Prov. 13:11.

53Prov. 21:5.

54

Prov.24:27.


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to dogood, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.55If your objective in saving

is to simply build wealth, you will fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful

desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.56

HONOR GOD BY NOT BEING ANXIOUS ABOUT SAVING.Save as an act of prudence and stewardship, not as an act of anxiety and fear of what the future may

hold. 57God does not require us to save, but he does require us to trust him. Well discuss this more

in chapter 7.

HONOR GOD BY RETIRING TO GIVENOT TO GET.Work is a good thing. Right from the beginning, before sin even entered the picture, Adam had a

job: to work and keep the Garden of Eden. 58Though work became laborious toil after the Fall, that

doesnt change the fact that we were built to work, and to bring glory to God in doing so. 59Exactly

what this looks like, however, will change with age.

The word retirement is not in the Bible. faithfully saving money over the course of a lifetime and

having the ability to quit your job is not a bad thing, provided your post-work years are spent

worshiping Jesus (not comfort and ease). In fact, such a transition could be a great gift if the extra

time is used to invest in our families, serve our church, and help those God brings into our life.

Thats not to say its wrong to enjoy golf, naps, and other good things God has given, but he didnt

create us to hit cruise control at age sixty-five. Were storing up treasure for heaven, not treasure for

retirement. To paraphrase Randy Alcorn, God grants retirement not to raise your standard of living,

but to raise your standard of giving. 60

Take Rick Warren for example. After writing one of the best-selling books in the history of the

world, 61he decided to retire from staff at the church he founded: Saddleback, congregation 20,000-

plus. I could have bought an island,he says, and had people serve me little drinks of ice tea with

551 Tim. 6:18 cf. 5:8.

561 Tim. 6:9.

57Luke 12:2234.

58Gen. 2:15.

591 Cor. 10:31.

60Alcorn, The Treasure Principle, 75.

61PurposeDrivenLife.com, About The Author, October 10, 2010, http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/en-US/AboutUs/AboutThe-

Author/AboutTheAuthor.htm.


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umbrellas in them the rest of my life.Instead, Pastor Rick paid back his salary from twenty-five years

of ministry and continues his work at Saddleback as a volunteer. He now gives away over 90 percent

of his income. 62

Gods people may at times be enormously wealthy,says Craig Blomberg, but a major purpose of God

granting them wealth is that they may share it with those in need.63The Rich Fool took his wealthto be his ownnot a gift from God. When he died, he lost everything. Those who focus on others,

however, giving, saving, and spending to honor God, grow rich toward him. And when they die,

they will gain everything. 64

In the meantime, how much youre able to give, save, and spend will vary from season to season.

You may not always be able to do as much as youd like, but dont make that an excuse to give up on

diligence. Pray and plan in order to make sustained improvement and progress over a long period

of time.

62Rick Warren, Radical Generosity, (lecture, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA, February 12, 2010).


64Col. 3:14.


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LIFE IS MORETHAN FOOD

-PART TWO-


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Then Jesus said to his disciples: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will

eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than

clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God

feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a

single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his

splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here

today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little

faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the

pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his

kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your

possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure

in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where

your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Jesus (Luke 12:2234)


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PART TWO DISCUSSION

Discussion: If somebody were to observe your life for a weekhow you spend your

time, what you do with your money, who you hang out withwhat would they say your

priorities are? (page 45)

Discussion: What do you worry about? What sin does your anxiety reveal? What does

repentance look like? (page 49)

Discussion: Do you nd it more dicult to be generous with your money or your time?

(page 54)

Discussion: Explain the dierence between guilt-based and grace-based generosity.

(page 56)

Discussion: Do you feel that youre drifting toward your treasure, or away from it? How

can you tell? (page 60)

Discussion: Which excuses, questions, or nancial sins did you use to struggle with?

How did God teach you to mature in your giving habits? Which excuses, questions, or

sins do you struggle with today? (page 67)


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CHAPTER SIXWANTS VS. NEEDSPRIORITIES: IS GOD

TELLING YOU TO GET ABIG SCREEN?


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FOR LIFE IS MORE THAN FOOD, AND THE BODYMORE THAN CLOTHING. LUKE 12:23

Air, food, and water. Thats all I need.

Some may add clothing and shelter to the list, but I could run naked through the great outdoors and

do just fine. I would probably need to re-locate to a milder climate and learn how to evade the

authorities, but my life would not cease if I suddenly lost my house and then all my

clothes disappeared.

SELF-MADE RELIGION AND ASCETICISMWe often separate desires into arbitrary categories of wants and needs to help us make decisions

with our money. But this way of thinking can be problematic. In terms of purchases and

possessions, almost nothing is technically a need. Therefore, honest attempts to manage your

desires either lead to guilt (My conscience wont let me eat anything besides tap water and vitamin paste)

or self-righteousness (If God wanted man to wear shoes we would have been born with Velcro on our

feet). You go see a movie and then feel bad about it because its not vital for survival, or you avoid the

cinema altogether and grow smug and judgmental against those who cant resist the latest comic

book flick.

Also, avoiding wants leads to a negative focus asceticism and self-denialrather than a positive

emphasison Jesus and his mission. 65If you give up a latte per week in order to pay off debt and

give more to your church, the focus is on you and what you should not do (buy a latte) rather than

on God and what hes called us to do (make disciples and plant churches).

The truth is, my list of wants is really, really long. I want a lot of things. For starters:

I want to wear clothes.

I want a roof over my head.

I want to buy things for my family.

I want to drive a car.

I want to take my wife out on a date.

65Col. 3:2023.


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I want a new iPhone.

I want to take a vacation.

I want to have people over for dinner.

A straight-up comparison between my infinite wants list and my three-point needs list inevitably

leads me to think in terms of guilt rather than grace. Rather than embracing the finished work of

Jesus on my behalf, I begin to construct my own pathway to righteousness, wondering, Which

wants should I cut out in order to be a better Christian? How many can I keep and still be holy?

This mentality implicitly denies the gospel in favor of a list of rules that I must follow (religion) in

order to alleviate guilt and condemnation. In the name of holiness we end up rejecting Gods good

gifts because anything remotely enjoyable or borderline indulgent stirs up remorse. Since we dont

technically need a vacation, a deck, or a fancy dinner, some Christians suck it up and decline such

gifts in blind devotion to austerity.

Im not arguing against discernment, self-discipline, or moderationa good steward must pursue

all threebut if youre in the habit of always rejecting Gods material blessings because they violate

some arbitrary regulations, youre probably rejecting the fullness of his ultimate blessing as well:

amazing grace. 66

The truth is, Im an imperfect sinner. Im going to screw it up, which means that any guilt and

condemnation I may feel arent going anywhereunless theyre dealt with once and for all, which is

exactly what Jesus did. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.67

PRIORITIES MATTER MORE THAN WANTSSince the Bible does not draw any absolute distinctions between needs and wants. Were simply

called to trust God for our needs 68and be good stewards of everything else he provides. 69Most

wants are not inherently evil, but they are never-ending. Our resources, on the other hand, are

finite, which means we must prioritize.

As Paul puts it, Everything is permissiblebut not everything is beneficialnot everything is

66Col. 2:203:4; Rom. 6:14.

67Rom. 8:1.

68Luke 12:2425 cf. 11:13. We can trust him with our needs because God is a good and loving Father.

69Matt. 25:21.


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constructive.70Since the earth is the Lords, and everything in it,any want that doesnt involve

breaking commandments can be justified. Therefore, our wants matter less than the priorities that

actually determine how we spend our time, money, and energy on a daily basis.

A DISCIPLES PRIORITIESJesus guides his disciples through the work of the Holy Spirit, the wisdom of Scripture, and the

family of believers known as the church. As Mars Hill pastor Bill Clem writes, we follow him as

redeemed image-bearers, worshipers, a community, and missionaries.71Each of these components of

discipleshipidentity, worship, community, and missioncarries with it God-given priorities that

help us categorize our list of wants:

Prioritize Jesus. Our identity is found in the person and work of Jesus, our Creator

and Sustainer, Savior and King. Without him we are lost, so we must prioritize ourrelationship with him, and live our lives in worship of him.

Prioritize human relationships.We were created to need community, to love, serve,

and help one another. Therefore, we must prioritize our relationships with people,

beginning with our family (first spouse, then children), then our church, friends, and

neighborhood.

Prioritize mission. God has given us the mission to make disciples, 72and he calls his

disciples to participate in this work. We are entrusted with the message of Jesus 73

we get to proclaim his work that saves people from death to life! 74Therefore, we

must prioritize the gospel, using our resources to bless, care for, and share the

gospel to those in our circles of influence.

Once we align our priorities according to life as a disciple, we can begin to evaluate our wants inlight of this framework.

701 Cor. 10:23, NIV.

71Bill Clem, Disciple: Getting Your Identity From Jesus(Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011), 51.

72Matt. 28:19; Acts 1:8.

732 Cor. 5:20.

742 Tim. 1:10.


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Discussion: If somebody were to observe your life for a weekhow you spend your time, what you

do with your money, who you hang out withwhat would they say your priorities are? Ask your

spouse or a close friend to give their honest assessment.

IS THE HOLY SPIRIT TELLING YOU TO GET A BIG SCREEN TV?Doug is a disciple of Jesus with lots of non-Christian friends. Doug wants to buy a nice, big, brand

new TV for holy reasons and selfish reasons. Yeah, he plans to invite his buddies over to watch

sports, build relationships, offer hospitality, and point them to Jesus. But Doug also thinks it would

be pretty relaxing and awesome to own a decent home entertainment system for himself and his

family.

Is it wrong for Doug to drop a couple grand on home electronics?

Its easy for legalistic Christians to issue blanket condemnation of anything that costs a lot and

therefore impedes nobler pursuits. Some even used this argument to criticize Jesus. 75On the other

hand, its also easy for Christians to cite freedom in Christ to justify selfish, destructive behavior,

making something a priority when it really should not be. If Doug can pay for a TV without going

into debt or compromising his ability to provide for his family or ceasing to give to his church and

those in need, then maybe Doug should buy a TV.

If Doug were thinking in terms of wants and needs, he would never buy the big screen. Or he

would buy it and feel bad about spending money on something thats not a need. In reality, some

Dougs can buy their big screen, enjoy it, and use it as a ministry tool, guilt-free. Amen. Other Dougs

need to honor their higher priorities before reaching the big screen item on their wants list.

Stewardship is an act of worship that proceeds from a changed heartnot a rote list of dos and

donts. The Bible gives us freedom, which compels us to rely on the Holy Spirit to provide

discernment and wisdom, For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is

received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.76

75Matt. 26:89.

761 Tim. 4:45.


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CHAPTER SEVENREDEEMING WORRY:

HEDGED BETSALWAYS LOSE


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AND DO NOT SEEK WHAT YOU ARE TO EAT ANDWHAT YOU ARE TO DRINK, NOR BE WORRIED . . .

YOUR FATHER KNOWS THAT YOU NEED THEM.LUKE 12:2930Do not be anxious . . . nor be worried . . . fear not, little flock,Jesus says. The fear of the Lord is the

beginning of wisdom and knowledge (see introduction), but for many, financial anxiety eclipses all

reverence for God. Worry reveals our lack of faith in his promises.

To put it plainly, worry is sin. Dr. Ed Welch explains this well:

Worry, therefore, is not simply an emotion that erodes our quality of life or a pain to be alleviated.

It is a misdirected love that should be confessed. It is trying to manage our world apart from God.

It is making life about our needs, desires, and wants . . . find anxiety about finances and you find

sin; it is as simple as that. 77

God redeems our worry by using it as a flashing neon arrow that points right to our sin. His

objective is not to make us feel bad by illuminating our shortcomings, but to reveal ourdesperate need for Jesus. If we see worry as an emotion or as pain, we can only mitigate or manage

it This makes us slaves to anxiety. But when we understand worry as sin, however, it is dealt with at

the cross. Through Jesus death we are forgiven and set free from all sinincluding worry.

CONFESS WORRYOver and over again, throughout Scripture, God assures us that we need not worry because we can

trust him; 78he is a good God. 79No matter what we say about God with our mouths, as long as

worry resides in our hearts we do not believe him. Rather than justify this anxiety, confess the truth.

God is not surprised.

In Matthews version of Jesus teaching on anxiety, he begins by saying, No one can serve two

77Welch, Running Scared, 163.

78Matt. 6; Luke 12:24, 30, 32; Phil. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5.

79Luke 11:13, John 10:1011.


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masters . . . You cannot serve God and money.80Theres plenty of things to be afraid of in a great big

world filled with sin, but Jesus seems to recognize a certain universality when it comes to financial

fearsfear that Gods provision will not be sucient when it comes to money, food, and clothes. In

doing so, Jesus draws a clear line between a fleeting material kingdom and the eternal kingdom of

God. Maybe we assume that were on the right side of the line, but our worry indicates otherwise.

Thats where confession comes in. Confession acknowledges that we still invest in both kingdoms,

hoping to minimize our risk,Welch writes. The rule of kingdom investment, however, is all or nothing.

All hedged bets are deposited in the earthly kingdomthe one with mine written all over it. Everything

must go into one account or the other.81

God knows that the temptation to hedge our bets is strongwhich is probably why the Bible

addresses worry so oftenso when we blow it, theres no use pretending otherwise. As with any sin,

freedom from worry requires admission of guilt. Confession is a humble declaration:

I have committed treason against the kingdom of God by placing my hope and trust in an earthly

kingdom of money and stuff. I need Jesus death in my place, and I need the power of the Holy

Spirit in order to change. Thank you Father, for your grace.

Our worries reveal our slavery to sin. Our inability to cease worrying reveals our helplessness. Our

helplessness reveals our need for Gods grace. Gods grace sets us free from worry and enables us to

change.

80Matt. 6:24.

81Welch, Running Scared, 163.


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REPENT FROM WORRYAs we learned in part 1, planning is not a sin. In fact, prudent preparation can help address many

finance-related worries. For example:

Common Worry Suggested Plan

UnemploymentMaintain a savings account to cover livingexpenses for three months

Sudden crisisBuild an emergency fund forunplanned expenses

Husbands deathPurchase enough life insurance to pay off alldebt and provide for ongoing living expenses

Cant afford kidsBegin living off of husbands income; researchcost of children; budget accordingly

Retirement fundsUse a retirement calculator to plan ahead;adjust lifestyle as necessary

Insofar as its possible, good stewards use these tools to prepare for the realities of life. Stuff

happens. Dont dwell on the possibilities; trust God and plan accordingly. Do not be anxious does

not mean, Be lazy and make no plans.

I share these ideas because repentance from worry may include putting together a plan (and maybe

repentance from laziness as well). But prudence may still cover a sinful heart. Planning deals with

behavior and circumstances; true repentance deals with what we worship, which then affects

behavior and circumstances.

If you worry a lot about your spouse dying, for example, purchasing a life insurance policy may

alleviate financial concerns, but that only gets you so far in dispelling anxiety because savings

accounts and insurance policies cannot provide ultimate security.

Discussion: What do you worry about? What does your anxiety reveal about what you believe

regarding the character of God? What would it look like to be prudent while trusting God as a good

Father?

Rather than commanding us to fear not and leaving it at that, Jesus invites us to something

greater. Seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.This isnt a distraction technique.

Its not, If you stay busy seeking the kingdom of God, youll simply forget about your worries! Nor is

it, Dont worry about food and clothes because those things arent important. Its a promise: Dont


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worry about what you are to eat and what you are to drink because youll get it. Seek the kingdom

of God and you will have enough.

Jesus doesnt belittle our material concerns. He promises that God will provide for them, which

means we can spend our time and energy on bigger things. Our job is to seek the kingdom; his job is

to take care of us along the way, according to his will. And what instructions does he leave us for thejourney? How do we go about seeking the kingdom?

Sell your possessions, and give to the needy,Jesus says. 82In a word: generosity.

82Luke 12: 33.


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CHAPTER EIGHTGIVE WHAT YOU CANNOT

KEEP: A LIFESTYLEOF GENEROSITY


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SELL YOUR POSSESSIONS, AND GIVE TO THENEEDY. LUKE 12:33More often than not, God works through his people. As the community of the redeemed seeks firstGods righteous standards,Blomberg writes, by definition they will help the needy in their midst.83

Therefore, these things will be given to you as well84in part because the church as a community of

Christians seeking the kingdom of God will be the church that provides for its impoverished

members. And when believers realize that others will care for them if they unexpectedly find themselves

impoverished,Blomberg continues, they can then be freed to give more generously in times of plenty.85

The book of Acts provides an example of what this looks like. There was not a needy person amongthe early Christians. 86This pattern continued, and in A.D. 361 Roman emperor Julian complained

that the impious Galileans [Christians, impious because they did not conform to the pagan practices of

the day] support both their own poor and ours as well; all men see that our people lack aid from us!87

What motivates such flagrant generosity that moves people to sell off property, lower their standard

of living, and cause the Roman emperor to take notice?

THE FAMILY RESEMBLANCEFor starters, God is a giver. Author Gordon MacDonald describes how each member of the Trinity

demonstrates this characteristic, God the Father is the first generous giver, God the Son is the chief of

generous givers, and God the Holy Spirit is the ongoing expression of Gods generosity in us.88

As Gods image-bearers 89we bear his imprint, which includes an inherent sense that generosity is

good. More specifically, those who love Jesus want to emulate his example of generosity. But true,

godly generosity goes much deeper than a basic desire to be like Jesus.


84Luke 12:31.

85Ibid., 145.

86Acts 4:34.

87Quoted in Keller,Ministries of Mercy, 87.

88Gordon MacDonald, Generosity(Alpharetta, GA: The National Christian Foundation, 2009), 6.

89Gen. 1:27.


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DONT EAT THAT STEAK! (AND OTHER GUILT TRIPS)In his bookMinistries of Mercy, Tim Keller writes this insightful passage explaining the motivation

for Christian generosity by contrasting it with another very common yet fundamentally

flawed tactic:

Often books and speakers tell Christians that they should help the needy because they have so

much . . . Ultimately it produces guilt. It says, How selfish you are to eat steak and drive two

cars when the rest of the world is starving! This creates great emotional conflicts in the hearts of

Christians who hear such arguing. We feel guilty, but all sorts of defense mechanisms are engaged.

Can I help it I was born in this country? How will it really help anyone if I stop driving two cars?

Dont I have the right to enjoy the fruits of my labor? Soon, with an anxious weariness, we turn

away from books or speakers who simply make us feel guilty about the needy.

The Bible does not use guilt-producing motivation. . . . The deeper the experience of the free grace

of God, the more generous we must become. This is why Robert Murray MCheyne could say:

There are many hearing me who now know well that they are not Christians because they do not

love to give. To give largely and liberally, not grudging at all, requires a new heart. 90

Generosity is an outward sign of inward transformation: rebirth by the power of the Holy Spirit. Its

quite possible to give a lot of money without a generous heart. A wealthy family could give a lot of

money and appear quite benevolent while failing to be generous with their time or their other

possessions. Generous, biblical stewardship does include financial giving, but it also extends to our

time and the spiritual gifts (talents and skills) God has given us.

RANDOM ACTS OF GENEROSITYTrue generosity is a lifestylenot a monthly financial contribution or a checkbox on your to-do list.

Here are some ideas for incorporating spontaneous generosity into your everyday life.

Tippingdouble the price of your latte or meal Buy dinner for the couple next to you, or the car behind you in the drive-thru

Bring your wife a surprise gift card

Take your kids out for ice cream

Buy doughnuts for your co-workers (or low-fat Greek yoghurt)

90Keller, Ministries of Mercy, 6263.


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If youre dining in the city, box up an extra meal and give it to a

homeless person

Mow your neighbors lawn

Read the newspaper for stories about local needs you could help meet

Oer free babysitting to families in your community group If youre a single lady, volunteer to help out a new mom

Participation in the local church cant simply be a business exchange where we essentially pay for

religious services or give to satisfy our conscience. Jesus calls us to be all in, but this will look

different in various seasons of life. Some may have few dollars but lots of hours to volunteer. Others

may be in a frantic season of work when all they have time to do is write a tithe check.

We cant impose unhealthy legalisms and quotas on the church body. Not only are lifecircumstances always changing, but also the Bible gives no grounds for such mandates. At the same

time, church members must not justify their lack of involvement with inappropriate excuses. We

need the wisdom and help of the Holy Spirit and church family to avoid sin and align our hearts

with the work God has called us to do.

Discussion: Do you nd it more dicult to be generous with your money or your time? Explain

why. What random act of generosity would you like to try this week?

GLORY THIEVESWithout the Holy Spirit at work in our hearts, our natural desire to give is hopelessly tainted by sin,

and any act of benevolence we attempt contains some ulterior motive for personal gain: we give to

get rid of guilt instead of trusting in grace; we give to get applause; or we give to get a favor

in return.

For example, scroll through the list of billionaire philanthropists on The Giving Pledge website

(givingpledge.org) and see how many are vested in foundations and programs named after

themselves. The berwealthy arent the only ones liable to twist generosity for some personal

benefit, however. C. S. Lewis observes, Sometimes our pride also hinders our charity; we are

tempted to spend more than we ought on the showy forms of generosity (tipping, hospitality) and less than

we ought on those who really need our help.91

91Lewis, Mere Christianity, 8687.


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Whether its our name in the charitys title or a warm smile from the barista after dropping a dollar

in the tip jar, we want accolades, gratitude, applause, and recognition. We want the worship only

God deserves. We are glory thieves. None of it belongs to us, however, for when [a man] dies he will

carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.92

We may be able to glean some temporary praise from our fellow humans, 93but when we bring ourgifts before God, looking for a pat on the back, he sees them as filthy rags. 94This is not because its

wrong to help people, tip generously, give to charity, or serve others. In fact, any act of generosity

expresses shadows of truth:

A desire to do good, show mercy, and work for justice 95reveals Gods imprint

on our hearts. He is a good God 96and we are made in his image. 97

God created us for good works.98

God can use non-Christians to help redeem his creationhealing the sick,

feeding the hungry, and promoting justice. 99

When these acts proceed from an unredeemed heart, however, the result nurtures human pride,

self-suciency, and morality, drawing us away from God rather than toward him. Generosity is

meant to spill out of our worship and love for him, not to complete a karmic transaction that moves

us one notch closer to holiness. There is more than one way to get to heaven,Warren Buffett said

after giving $30 billion to the Gates Foundation, but this is a great way.100

GOD SAVES SINNERSWhen I was a new Christian, I didnt want to part with my hard earned money. I was going to

school and working at a restaurant, so giving money to the church didnt make a ton of sense. But

since the Bible says its important, I decided to give it a shot.

92Ps. 49:17.

93

Matt. 6:2.94Isa. 64:6.

95Micah 6:8.

96Ex. 34:6.

97Gen. 1:27.

98Eph. 2:10.

99Luke 7:5.

100Warren Buett signs over $30.7B to Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USA Today, June 26, 2006, http://www.usatoday.com/

money/2006-06-25-buett-charity_x.htm. He later tried to clarify his statement, but the underlying sentiment remains evident

throughout American culture and religion: the way to get to heaven is by being a good person (Bob Gary, Jr., Billionaire claries

get to heaven remarks, Chattanooga Times and Free Press, July 12, 2006, http://www.allbusiness.com/society-social-assistance-

lifestyle/philanthropy-charities/14639689-1.html).


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I was quite pleased with myself when I decided to start giving $10 per week to Mars Hill. The more

I read the Bible, however, the more I realized that my contribution was merely a token gesture. For

me, $10 in no way represented the sort of generous, sacrificial, worshipful giving that God invites

us to.

So did he strike me down for my pride? Hardly. As a loving Father, he sent the Holy Spirit to convictme of my sin and graciously and patiently encouraged me to give more and more, while at the same

time building my faith in his continued provision and promises. No longer filthy rags offered with

self-serving hands, my gifts were becoming a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to

God 101because they came from a heart redeemed by his Son.

Discussion: Explain the dierence between guilt-based and grace-based generosity. Does pride,

guilt, or grace tend to motivate your generosity?

GIVE WHAT YOU CANNOT KEEPOn October 28, 1949, Jim Elliot wrote in his journal, He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to

gain that which he cannot lose.102In 1956, he was speared to death in the jungles of South America

while sharing Jesus with the Waorani people. Jim Elliot gave everything for the gospel, but he

understood that none of it was his to keep in the first place. We brought nothing into the world,

writes Paul, and we cannot take anything out of the world.103

Throughout Luke 12 we see that our life, our provision, and our eternity are completely in Gods

hands. We are stewards and cannot keep any of it. But we can give it away, and in doing so gain

much more in return: treasure in heaven and God himself.

101Phil. 4:18.

102Billy Graham Center Archives, Jim Elliot Quote, October 10, 2010, http://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/faq/20.htm.

103

1 Tim. 6:7.


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CHAPTER NINEINVISIBLE TREASURE:

GAIN WHAT YOUCANNOT LOSE


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PROVIDE YOURSELVES WITH MONEYBAGS THATDO NOT GROW OLD, WITH A TREASURE IN THE

HEAVENS THAT DOES NOT FAIL. LUKE 12:33Generosity is the means to treasure in heaven. Not a means to get into heaven, but the means to

treasure in heaven. Jesus says we gain treasure in heaven by giving our time, energy, money, and

skills to seek the kingdom of God.

If we are to be generous in order to gain treasure in heaven, how is this any less selfish than the

generous non-Christian who gives in order to gain something on earth? There are two key

differences between earthly treasure and heavenly treasure. One, we cannot lose heavenly treasure.And two, the object of desirethe treasure to be gainedmakes all the difference.

THE LOGICAL APPEALGod is good and he makes good thingsin heaven and on earth. Even money is a gift that can be

extremely helpful.104When Jesus discourages us from storing up earthly treasures, hes not saying

that earthly treasures are bad. They simply wont last.

Keep your treasure on earth and youll lose it in the end, because here moth and rust destroy and .

. . thieves break in and steal. 105Give your treasure away, and youll never lose it. Like salvation for

those who love Jesus, your treasure will be kept where no thief approaches and no moth

destroys.106Randy Alcorn calls it the Treasure Principle: You cant take it with youbut you can

send it on ahead. 107As Jesus said, Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses

his life will keep it. 108

Its not an emotional appeal,explains Alcorn, its a logical one: Invest in what has lasting

value. . . . . Whatever treasure we store up on earth will be left behind when we leave. Whatever

treasures we store up in heaven will be waiting for us when we arrive. 109

104Ecc. 10:19.

105Matt. 6:20.

106Luke 12:33.

107Alcorn, The Treasure Principle, 18.

108Luke 17:33.

109

Alcorn, The Treasure Principle,19.


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WHAT IS TREASURE IN HEAVEN?Jesus does not downplay the fact that there will be rewards in heaven based on how we conduct

ourselves on earth; the promise of treasure should serve as some encouragementincentive even

for Christians to persevere. I beat my body and make it my slave,Paul wrote, so that after I have

preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.110

Since none of us have ever been to heaven, none of us can say how the whole treasure distribution

system will actually go down, let alone the precise nature of these mysterious rewards. They are,

however, secondary to the greatest treasure to be found in heaven or earth: God. In view of Gods

infinite power and wisdom and beauty,Pastor John Piper says, What could God give us to enjoy that

would prove him most loving? There is only one possible answer: Himself! . . . He alone can satisfy the

hearts longing to be happy.111

When the Christian gives to gain more of God, everybody wins. Piper continues:

The reason our generosity toward others is not a sham love when we are motivated by the longing

for Gods promise is that we are aiming to take those others with us into that reward. We know our

joy in heaven will be far greater if the people we treat with mercy are won over to the surpassing

worth of Christ and join us in praising Him. . . .

It would only be unloving if we pursued our joy at the expense of others. But if our very pursuit in-

cludes the pursuit of their joy, how is that selfish? How am I the less loving to you if my longing for

God moves me to give away my earthly possessions so that my joy in Him can be forever doubled

in your partnership of praise? 112

In our sinful state, it is dicult to comprehend a scenario where its healthy to desire something in

return for our giving. When we consider the alternative, however, it begins to make a bit more sense.

John Piper, one more time:

The one who actually sets himself above God is the person who presumes to come to God to give

rather than get. With a pretense of self-denial, he positions himself as Gods benefactoras if the

world and all it contains were not already Gods. . . . You cannot please God if you do not come to

1101 Cor. 9:27.

111John Piper, Desiring God(Colorado Springs: Multnomah, 2003), 4748, 96.

112Ibid., 195196.


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him for reward![113] . . . He is our exceeding great reward! In his presence is fullness of joy, and at

his right hand are pleasures forevermore.[114]

Its also encouraging to remember that this exceeding great reward and all of the treasures in

heaven are equally accessible to everyone. How much you give counts for nothing. What matters

is generosity according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.115Thats how,when an old woman gives two pennies, Jesus can say, Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in

more than all of [the rich]. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put

in all she had to live on.116

God asks us to live generously with what we have. Not with what we dont have, and not with what

our neighbors have. The scope is intensely personal, aimed right at the heart.

HEAVEN PRACTICE STARTS NOWMoney follows heart. Heart follows money. The more you invest (money, time, energy) in Jesus

mission on earth, the more youll look forward to seeing everything come to fruition when Jesus

returns. In the process, giving generously will compel you to part with stuff that you might

otherwise be tempted to worship, trust, and cling tostuff that could choke out 117the hope of

Jesus great promise: It is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 118

Discussion: He who lays up treasures on earth spends his life backing away from his treasures,writes Randy Alcorn. To him, death is loss. He who lays up treasures in heaven looks forward to

eternity; hes moving daily toward his treasure. To him, death is gain. 119Do you feel that youre

drifting toward your treasure, or away from it? How can you tell?

In the book of Revelation, John describes the scene in heaven when the kingdom of God is

complete. The people of God, forgiven, redeemed, and made righteous by Jesus, celebrate in his

presence together:

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and

113Heb. 11:6.

114Ps. 16:11.

1152 Cor. 8:12.

116Luke 21:34.

117Luke 8:14.

118Luke 12:32.

119

Alcorn, The Treasure Principle, 45.


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like the sound of mighty pearls of thunder, crying out,

Hallelujah!

For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory,

For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure . . .

Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.120

Here is the ultimate fulfillment of the provision Jesus promises in Luke 12. Clothes: fine linen, bright

and pure. Food: the marriage supper of Jesus. Though in this world you will have trouble,121God will

ultimately make good on his word to provide everything we needtangibly, for all timeand more.

This heavenly treasure may still seem off in the distant future, but we have forgiveness of sins today.

We have the free gift of grace today. We have the Holy Spirit today. Already the kingdom of God has

come upon you,122and though its not yet time for the marriage feast of the Lamb, the countdown

has begun. Its our great privilege, mission, joy, and treasure to invite others to the party.

120Rev. 19:69.

121John 16:33 (NIV).

122Luke 11:20.


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CHAPTER TENCHURCHES ARE ALL

ABOUT MONEY: ANDOTHER EXCUSES


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FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILLYOUR HEART BE ALSO. LUKE 12:34

When it comes to giving, generosity, and the faceoff between heavenly and earthly treasures, Ivepretty much heard it all. We can usually think up plenty of reasons not to steward our money well.

Sometimes its a matter of ignorance or immaturity, and we need someone to explain what the Bible

says on the subject. Other times its just an excuse, and we need somebody to rebuke us.

One of my personal favorites was from a young gentleman who was looking for any reason he could

find not to settle down and pick a church. He passed on Mars Hill because he heard that we get

access to every members bank statements in order to calculate their income and giving to ensure

that everyone gives at a level of 10 percent. Im not an expert in criminal law but I assure you: if yourchurch is secretly monitoring your bank accounts, youve got a significant problem, a creepy church,

and some talented hackers on your hands.

Here are a few of the more common questions and concerns Ive heard in over ten years working

on the financial life of the church. My hope is that this chapter can serve as a quick reference guide

for discipling ourselves and others toward more faithful stewardship, a more generous lifestyle, and

more treasure in heaven.

MY GIVING HABITS ARE NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. MONEY IS A PRIVATE MATTER

BETWEEN ME AND GOD.There is nothing magical or especially holy about money. Its just a gift. A tool. We can wield it

wisely or foolishly, so we need to hold each other accountable for how we use it. Though we will

give a personal account to God for how we steward our resources, 123he has given us these resources

in part to help build his kingdom and spread the gospel, which is not a solitary, private

accomplishment, but work that is carried out by the church. 124Pl

money god or gift

Documents

gift of money

money answers

money asgod

money matthew

book existsthis book

spending money onmyself

love people

agood god