Faith as Currency in Our FinancesSample

You may have done a short-term mission in another country. Your church may support missionaries planting churches or doing humanitarian work in other places. But perhaps the idea of missionaries in far-flung places seems archaic or outdated. It may even come with colonial connotations. However, Jesus’ great commission – to take His message of salvation to the ends of the Earth – still stands. There are billions on the planet who still don’t know Him, and He has tasked us with carrying the good news to every corner of the globe. Our giving can have an incredible impact on the gospel’s advancement worldwide.

Just before His ascension, Jesus told His disciples to ‘go and make disciples of all nations… And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age' (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus didn’t put a time limit on this command, and incredibly, He guarantees us His presence.

Paul’s ministry across the Mediterranean rim was supported by a handful of believers who gave sacrificially, but he also worked to support himself. Perhaps you know of people on the frontlines of mission work forced to fund themselves. Perhaps you’re one of them. Sadly, giving to missions has declined in recent years as people’s financial positions have become less secure. This would change if we lived with an awareness that we’re all missionaries commissioned by Jesus, even if we don’t really feel like missionaries in our current contexts. Paul reiterates in various letters to the early churches that we’re to live out our faith amongst unbelievers, to draw them to Jesus.

Christianity isn’t tolerated in certain countries. Followers of Jesus in those places are violently persecuted. In the West, where freedom of religion is supposedly a reality, many Christians fall victim to cancel culture for sharing their convictions. Our giving can support these vulnerable fellow believers who are courageously advancing the Kingdom wherever God has called them to do so.

May we be increasingly mindful that our faith is the dominant currency in uncertain times. Our giving in faith activates a movement for God as we release the resources that He has given to us, to bless others and build His Kingdom. Jesus told us clearly not to worry about money. Even if you have little to live on, that’s ok for such a time as this. There is no pit so deep God can’t rescue you. Remember: it’s in testing times that your obedience unlocks God’s blessing. He can use any almost-empty jar to meet the needs around you. Let’s pray, read God’s Word, and stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Let’s trust God with our resources and share generously and cheerfully with those in need and those who have given their lives to frontline missions and ministry. And may we be filled with God’s peace, hope, and joy.