British theologian and missionary Lesslie Newbigin said “If the biblical story does not control our thinking, then inevitably we will be swept into the story the world tells about itself.”
The church is pushing back on the world’s story in many key areas including the sanctity of life, the sanctity of marriage, the objective nature of truth and morality, and the centrality of the family in God’s design for culture.
But when it comes to their money, many Christians have been swept up into the world’s story – a cheap imitation of the biblical story. Let’s look at two examples.
Where is your trust?
Many of you will remember the financial crash in the fall of 2008. Plummeting stocks, banks failing, housing market turmoil, government bailouts. In the U.S., suicides jumped almost 9%, primarily among men.[1] People lost hope.
Now think about your current assets, your IRA, 401(k), your home. How would you feel if another financial crash happened like 2008? Would you feel hopeless? Insecure?
Investing for the future in an IRA or 401(k) is wise and worthwhile. Beacon Wealth Consultants is a company that helps Christians invest and plan for the future! But friends, the world tells us that these accounts are our only hope and security. These accounts are not our ultimate source of hope and security, God is!
In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus tells his listeners not to worry about material things saying,
“your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
God knows what we need and said that he will provide it. The icing on the cake is that God loves us, He owns it all, and He is sovereign so we know we can put our full trust in Him. Investment and bank accounts are great but the security they provide is a cheap imitation of the security we find in a loving, generous God.
Where do you find satisfaction?
You’re scrolling Facebook or Instagram and a friend’s photos pop up on your feed. Oh look, they took an expensive international vacation with their family. This is wonderful for them but why do you feel envy creeping into your heart? You only went camping for your vacation, nothing fancy about that. Maybe you wish you had money for an exotic vacation.
Or maybe you are the one posting your fancy vacation photos. Do you feel a sense of pride knowing your friends will be looking at them and thinking how lucky and successful you must be?
Comparison can easily lead us to feel either envy or pride (or both!). We want what others have and we feel unhappy we don’t have it. If I just had (fill in the blank) then I would be happy. Just a little bit more.
The world tells us that money and possessions lead to happiness. The Bible tells us that true joy is found in our relationship with God. Consider Psalm 16:11,
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
God fills us with joy!
Or consider the encouragement and the warning in 1 Timothy 6:6-10,
“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
Godliness with contentment with what God has given us is “great gain.” Again, it is implied that God will provide what we need. Covetousness and greed lead to ruin and may even lead to abandoning your faith. Danger!
The world tells us that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, but God tells us to be content. The endless pursuit of happiness through money or possessions is fruitless and a cheap imitation of the joy and contentment found in God.
Which money story is going to control your thinking, the world’s or God’s? “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
Don’t settle for a cheap imitation of security or happiness, go after the real thing – a relationship with God!
Did you know that God has a story of investing too? Read about it here and give us a call to help align your investments with your faith!
Call us today! (540) 345-3891
Do you know what business practices you are supporting through your current investments?
Want to learn more about how your faith can impact how you handle your finances?
[1] https://money.cnn.com/2013/09/18/news/economy/financial-crisis-suicide/index.html
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