Faith-Driven Impact Investor: What the Bible SaysSample

WARNING

This reading plan seeks to explain the truth of Jesus’ words about money as it applies to our lives today. It is by no means an easy read, yet for those seeking the truth, it can be very fulfilling.

Even as we dig into difficult teachings, we encourage you to stay with the plan to the very end, where we might uncover a practical message on how to interpret and apply the teachings of Jesus to our lives today.

Be blessed as you read on…

1. Owner, Steward, or Disciple?

You worked hard. You made smart decisions. You took risks. And now, maybe you have some wealth – at least enough to feel a sense of security. But before you pat yourself on the back, stop. Who gave you the ability to earn in the first place?

Let’s start with a recognition of where wealth comes from…

“But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” – Deuteronomy 8:18a NIV

Moses also warned Israel not to forget this truth: everything comes from God. He owns it all. The land, the resources, even the breath in your lungs.

“To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.” – Deuteronomy 10:14 NIV

This means that you don’t own your wealth any more than a child owns the bedroom they live in. Any wealth you have may have been placed in your hands, and while you may be free to use it, it is not yours to own.

And yet, what do we do? So many times, we act like we earned it, we created it, and that we are the owners. But some of us go one step better – calling ourselves stewards. That sounds biblical, doesn’t it?

But although stewardship and discipleship are two sides of the same coin, Jesus called us first of all to be disciples, not just stewards.

Here’s the difference…

A steward makes careful decisions about where to deploy resources. A steward ensures the resources are well used but remain in the master’s possession. A steward does not give away resources – unless authorized by the master.

A disciple, on the other hand, obeys his or her master, even when it may not make worldly sense. This is how we follow Jesus. And when it comes to money matters, Jesus repeatedly talks about giving it away – not keeping it. He says multiple times that we should give to the poor, even though that may make no financial sense in the eyes of the world.

From a financial perspective, one of the key differences is this: a steward manages funds to retain capital value, while a disciple of Jesus builds treasure in heaven by giving money away to the poor.

Put simply: stewards manage, disciples surrender.

Of course, stewardship (and discipleship) are about much more than the summary statements made above...

To learn more about stewardship, we strongly encourage you to read "The Top 5 Things God Calls You to Steward — and Why Money Comes Last" to get a more complete perspective before proceeding with this plan.