Money is a tool, a test, and a testimony
Biblical financial advice is probably not what you think of when you hear the BeeGees on the radio. Even if you were a teenager during the disco era and remember the words to “Staying Alive.” And that’s okay.
But they were onto something with their song, “How Deep is Your Love?” The Brothers Gibb (BeeGees) were talking about romantic love, but each of us can ask ourselves that question when it comes to our money. How deep is our love for God? Is it deep enough to penetrate down to our financial planning and our investments? Or is it not important that our investments are in tune with our first love, our love for God?
Ron Blue is one of the fathers of the faith-based financial planning industry, and he sees three ways that God uses money in the lives of Christians: as a tool, as a test, and as a testimony.
Money is a Tool
Money, and the things that money buys, can be tools that God uses to help us to grow spiritually and to become mature. In our culture, few things grab our attention like money, whether it’s a lack of it or a surplus. If we’re willing and cooperative, God can teach us about himself and ourselves through money.
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13
What have you learned about yourself through the abundance or lack of money?
Money is a Test
Are you faithful in handling the resources that God has given you? We know that God watches our financial faithfulness to determine if we can be trusted with more precious assets – and to God, the souls and lives of people are far more precious. Can you imagine the joy of standing before God and being rewarded for your faithfulness with earthly resources?
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Luke 16:10-13
Have you handled your money well enough to pass the test of faithfulness?
Money is a Testimony
It’s relatively easy to claim to be a Christian who prioritizes God above wealth. Managing your money in a way that proves that priority is harder. But when observers see that what you say matches what you do with your money, it is an indisputable testimony to your belief in the sovereign God.
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16
Does your money management speak so clearly that your verbal testimony is proven true?
Living in a World of Fools
The BeeGees went on to say that they were “living in a world of fools.” Whatever that meant to them, we are living in a world of people who, with stunning speed, are stepping into a Christless eternity. We’d rather think of them as living lives of futility than as fools, although “the fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 53:1) Does your use of money give them a reason to believe that your faith in God makes a difference? Your testimony about money might take the form of your giving, your use of discretionary cash, or your involvement with Biblically Responsible Investing. Can your friends, colleagues, and neighbors see that testimony?
How deep is your love?
The Beacon Wealth Consultants team is always ready to help you with the tool, test, and testimony of your finances. If you’re ready to talk about your financial plan, investments, retirement, or just the concept of using your wealth in a God-honoring way, contact your advisor, send us a message, or call us at 540-345-3891.
Connect with Beacon Wealth Consultants on LinkedIn or Facebook or subscribe to this blog.
Financial Planning & Investment Advisory services offered through Beacon Wealth Consultants, Inc., an Investment Advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.