Finance
- Training – Budgeting and Cashflow workshops
- Tools – Building templates
- Coaching – Feedback/ideas to work through problems
When it comes to money you might be surprised about how much the Bible has to say on this topic. Some scholars claim that money is referenced over 800 times. Jesus preached more about money than
many other topics. This is clearly because money and how we manage it matters to God and it should matter to us.
many other topics. This is clearly because money and how we manage it matters to God and it should matter to us.
Here are three concepts from scripture that stand out to me on the topic:
1) Work
- “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take
care of it.” – Genesis 2:15
In the first text we see that Adam, the first man, received his job BEFORE the fall. In fact we
know that he was created to work. Consequently, everyone should have some means of
work.
know that he was created to work. Consequently, everyone should have some means of
work.
- “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he
shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are
busybodies.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:10-11
Here we see that the Apostle Paul taught that everyone should work or not eat. While the
early church was focused on meeting material needs of its members that was in need, the
goal was never to discourage those who could work from working.
early church was focused on meeting material needs of its members that was in need, the
goal was never to discourage those who could work from working.
2) Be financially self-sufficient
- “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work
with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of
outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12
I love the NIV translation of this verse as it calls out the key point to; mind your own business
and work with your own hands. The goal of this is not to be dependent on anyone. This is a
clear call to self-sufficiency and should be a goal of everyone as well.
and work with your own hands. The goal of this is not to be dependent on anyone. This is a
clear call to self-sufficiency and should be a goal of everyone as well.
3) Give
- “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or
under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will
abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
The third concept that I believe stands out concerning financial guidance is to give to God and
others. This final principle can only be accomplished if we have enough to first take care of
ourselves and then have excess.
On the surface these principles may seem challenging to some, especially the one on giving. I
know many Saints who claim that they are not able to give or give as much as they would like
due to their personal financial frustrations. In fact money can be a cause of stress to many who
either don’t have enough or can’t agree with their spouses on where their finances should go
and how to send it there.
At HPC we offer a Financial Empowerment Seminar designed to help you with the principles
above and more.
