With regard to finances, the greatest thing pastors can do is to teach God's financial principles as recorded in God's Word. The next greatest thing pastors can do is to demonstrate that God's financial principles really do work.
Bible versus the world
In Romans 10:14, we are told that for the unsaved to believe we must tell them about Christ. The book of James tells us that we who have accepted Christ are the living testimonies that the Word of God is true. Living testimonies of how God expects His children to handle finances should be no exception.
There are three areas of finance that have been most influenced by the world: borrowing, lending, and sharing (giving).
Borrowing. The world teaches that if you don't have the money for what you want or need, borrow in order to get it. All that is necessary is that you have enough income to pay the monthly bill.
God's Word does not encourage borrowing. However, if you must borrow, do it modestly and cautiously, and always repay what is owed (Psalm 37:21; Proverbs 3:27-28).
Lending. The world says that we can lend to those who have the ability to pay back with interest. In addition, the money lent should be covered by collateral whose value is equal to or greater than the amount of money borrowed. If the borrower doesn't repay, the lender can sue for recovery of the amount borrowed plus interest and legal fees.
God's Word says that Christians are to lend to one another without interest, without expecting anything in return, and without reservation and are not to engage in lawsuits to recover losses (Deuteronomy 23:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:1-7).
Sharing or giving. The world says to give if you can afford it or if you can receive a tax deduction by doing so. In addition, give to the poor through benevolent organizations that can give you a tax receipt.
God's Word says that Christians should give joyfully, willingly, and without coercion. They should provide for every legitimate need within their own fellowships. This could include funds for illness, unemployment, and old age (2 Corinthians 8:14-15).
What should we do to learn what God says?
In order to learn what God says about finances we need to do four things.
- Study the biblical principles of finance found in God's Word. Many times it is helpful to study available materials on the subject of God's principles of finance. An organized study can reduce the time involved in studying and give additional insights from others who have applied the principles.
- Apply godly discipline to your lifestyle. Each Christian family must look at its spending habits and give an account for its stewardship to God.
- Teach your children God's principles of finance. The primary reason given for divorce is financial problems. If parents can teach their children God's principles of finance, the likelihood that financial problems will be a cause for divorce will be greatly diminished.
- Teach your neighbors. Millions of people are hurting financially and don't know where to turn. They will most likely not only respond to any financial advice, but usually will be open to the Gospel if you have helped them with their financial management.
Conclusion
Many Christians have “bought into” the world's financial management tactics, and they feel those are normal and acceptable to God. But contrary to what the world teaches, God's financial principles do not produce debt, worry, anxiety, bankruptcy, loss of job, financial stress, or the break up of marriages. Managing finances God's way inevitably brings peace and financial freedom, not bondage and stress.
