Why is money is so often a forbidden topic in church? Jesus certainly didn’t have that view.
Jesus talked a lot about money. In fact, he talked about money more than he talked about anything else. More than he talked about faith, prayer or even heaven and hell.
The Bible as a whole has a staggering number of verses that deal with money. Year ago, an author called Larry Burkett compiled all those verses into a book which has almost three hundred pages in it. I have it sitting on my book shelf.
The reason Jesus talked about money so much is very simple. Our handling of money is the single most reliable external indicator of where our heart is at. Where would I get that kind of bold statement from? From the man who said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
I struggle with money as much as you do. It is a challenge to me to read how Jesus told us money isn’t worth worrying about and we aren’t to do it.
What I find helpful is a lesson I learned from friends of ours many years ago. Martin and Cindy were going through a time of massive financial challenge. They felt the Lord telling them to put a stone in a jar every time God made any kind of financial provision for them. I visited their house to find the jar full. God told the Israelites to raise monuments which would remind them of his faithfulness, and that is what this couple were doing. God brought them through that difficult time and has provided for them ever since. The last time I saw them they were still putting stones in jars. By now they must have quite a collection.
We are to handle money as if it belongs to God and we are only stewards of it. That should make it easy to tithe, as it reminds us God only asks for a tenth of what rightfully belongs to him.
Giving is an amazing thing. The main reason we give is simply because God is a giver and we want to be like him. If we try to hold on to everything he gives us, our pool will become full of stagnant water and the supply will stop. But when we give, we become conduits of the Holy Spirit. Open up the gates of the dam and the water will flow through. Give and God will give back to you. God will place you in the midst of Ezekiel’s river. That principle applies whether your gift is monetary or a gift of time, emotional support or practical help. God is no one’s debtor. Just try it and see.
So let’s bring money right back into the conversation. Money should never be a forbidden topic in church any more than the state of our hearts should be.
And if we talked about money more and understood it better from God’s perspective, we might just end up with a lot more of it flowing through our bank account.
CONSIDER PARTNERING WITH DAVID & ELAINE CAMPBELL IN HELPING TO SUSTAIN THEIR ACTIVE MINISTRY.
AWAKENING MINISTRIES // FOUNDATION of FAITH Project
Foundation of Faith Project is strengthening generations in faith and bringing beautiful changes to the communities around them. Through teaching, mentoring and coaching, many are finding out who they are and who they are destined to be. They are bringing more to their world. David Campbell is the key leader in this initiative and you can support him financially directly through Awakening Ministries.
When making a donation, please follow these steps:
1. Click the donate button below
2. Enter the amount you wish to donate and choose "Paypal" or "Credit Card"
3. On the next page, in the "Add a note" field, please mark the donation for "Foundation of Faith"
For those in the UK, you may also support us through Emmanuel Church Durham, which receives and passes on any financial gifts designated to us. You are welcome to contact Jenny, the church treasurer, at finance@emmanuel.org.uk, and she will be glad to let you know how you can support us on a once-off basis or by standing order.