Faith-Driven Impact Investor: What the Bible SaysSample

2. How Are We to Be Disciples in Today’s World?

In the last reading, we saw that Jesus calls us to be disciples, not stewards. But how do we live that out in the real world? We certainly can’t all just be giving everything we have away, can we?

Let’s start by looking at the early church:

“They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” – Acts 2:45 NIV

Back in the days of the early church, they seemed more literal in how they followed the teachings of Jesus. Maybe it was because the memory of Jesus here on earth was still so real, so vibrant, so alive to the leaders of the church.

Clearly, the Holy Spirit was there. And it was the Holy Spirit setting the early church on fire, enabling it to follow the teachings of Jesus. Church members knew that they were called to be disciples – to live as Jesus taught.

So they did just that. They kept it simple too. And it worked.

As new Christ-followers (disciples), church members sought to live out the teachings of Jesus, including sharing resources and giving to the poor. So they gave to the church – not just to pay the costs of operating the church, but to help the poor and disadvantaged in their midst.

No wonder the church grew so fast in those days! The early church overflowed with generosity, sharing, and compassion for the less fortunate. Somewhat different from many of our churches today.

Back then, it was give, help, share. Money to the church and straight to the poor. Those with abundance help those in need.

There was no overhead, no registered charities, no thought of tax optimization, or setting up of foundations. Also, no talk about impact, investment, or loans. Just plain and simple giving to the church, which then helped the poor.

Those with abundant resources just gave. They entrusted their resources to church leaders (deacons like Stephen). They didn’t give just to meet a need or to invest for impact. They gave without trying to direct or control their wealth. They just gave. No strings attached. Just like Jesus taught.

Look at Jesus’ conversation with the rich young ruler:

“Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” – Luke 18:22b NIV

Jesus didn’t say, “Be a good steward. Invest for impact.”

No, Jesus said, give it away, and give it to the poor. To the rich young ruler, he said give everything (Luke 18:22); but with others, he was already pleased when they gave half of their possessions (ref. Zacchaeus in Luke 19:8). There is no command that we as Christ-followers live in poverty, but there is a very clear teaching of simply giving ... to the poor.

The early Christians understood this and acted accordingly:

“No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”– Acts 4:32 NIV

While we can easily agree that everything belongs to God, we often still cling even to the money we give in various ways. We do this by setting up structures, foundations, agencies, or others so that we might still control our “giving.”? It seems hard to just let go and give to the poor, doesn't it?

Perhaps we are afraid our wealth might not be properly used. Or perhaps we don’t fully trust God, or perhaps we really don’t want to give up control... But isn't that a bit like the rich young ruler?

The Bible makes it very clear:

“No one can serve two masters. … You cannot serve both God and money.” – Luke 16:13 NIV

You don’t get to keep a foot in both worlds.

You cannot be a disciple of Jesus while acting as the steward of your wealth.

God gave you any wealth that you might have accumulated. Jesus calls you to let go. Can you do that?