Wealth for Kingdom Building–III

In the last reading, your worldview about Christian wealth management was likely turned completely upside-down and inside-out.

Jesus’ teachings were radical at the time, and remain so today also.

Unfortunately for us, our ideas of wealth and wealth-management are largely dictated by the world’s view, not the Bible, and not even Jesus himself.

Imagine with me for a moment what Jesus might say or do if He were to sit beside you the next time you review your portfolio or make an investment decision… what would He say?

Would He check your investments against the metrics of the “Quadruple Bottom Line” that is popular in Christian circles? Or would he just stick with His suggestion of giving it all away?

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.” – Luke 12:32-33

“If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” — Matthew 19:21

Or maybe there is something special about your portfolio that Jesus would compliment you on and encourage you to continue as is? After all, maybe you worked hard to earn it, or maybe you’re very diligent about how you invest it, aiming to check all the boxes of the “Quadruple Bottom Line” theology?

Sadly, we both already know that Jesus would give the same message as He did 2000 years ago: give it all away. Help the poor. Build treasure in heaven, not on earth.

But that’s impossible isn’t it? Yes, it is, and Jesus recognized that too:

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” – Mark 10:27

So here we are, firmly wedged between a rock and a hard place. We want to follow Jesus, to be Christ-like in all things, and yet we cannot bring ourselves to just give it all away. Now what?

Let’s go back to the Bible. Consider this message from the Apostle Paul as a jumping-off point for your own planning & thinking with regards to the wealth that has been given to you:

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” – 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Not quite so radical as Jesus, nevertheless solid Bible teaching on which we can begin our wealth management journey as Christians, isn’t it?

In the next and final reading, we’ll get seek out a practical blend of what Jesus and Paul are teaching.