Most Christians have heard that stewardship should be a significant part of their walk with the Lord, including how we spend our money and how we earn our money. Except for the act of tithing, very few view their daily financial transactions as an act of worship—maybe, because in many cases, it isn’t.
A wise man once said that everything we do is either an act of worship or an act of rebellion. If what we do is to the glory of God, and it is truly in alignment with His will as spelled out in the Bible, it is an act of worship. In contrast, those actions that are executed with disregard for, or in opposition to, God’s will would be considered an act of rebellion.
The same consideration could be applied to every aspect of finances, including how we spend, earn and even invest our money. Being conscious of financial actions can be as simple as asking yourself the next time you open your wallet or purse to purchase something: “Does what I am about to do fit into the category of an act of worship of the one true God or an act of rebellion?”
Some might say, “Mark, you are going too far. Some things are just actions we take every day as part of life, not necessarily for or against God.”
However, before accepting such a conclusion, consider that God calls us to pray continuously. To focus on Him. That we are to be conscious, living purposely and staying focused. Think about it. The more we do “on purpose” to the glory of God, the more our lives will embrace and reflect His glory.
Let’s look at the different aspects of money in our lives:
Earning
Does it matter to God how we make money? Or more specifically, would it be honoring to God if we made a living killing people, prostituting ourselves, stealing, robbing or through fraud? How about promoting lifestyles that are harmful to individuals or distracting them from their relationship with God?
Spending
Does it matter to God how we spend our money? Would it be honoring to God if we spent our money on getting drunk or abusing drugs, purchasing pornography and hiring prostitutes, or just being wasteful and buying things we really won’t use or need?
Investing
Does it matter to God how we invest our money? Consider whether it would it be honoring to God for us to be a part owner of company in some unregulated country that buys and sells children for sex or partner in a company that produces porn? What about owning part of a company that promotes unhealthy lifestyles, pushes anti-Christian values or manufactures products that are addictive and destructive to human life?
If we start with the assumption that every act is either an act of worship to God or an act of rebellion and make ourselves conscious and purposeful of our actions, then it will become easy to honor God in all our financial transactions. And being within God’s will is the ultimate place to live. It is there that we realize the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Mark Minnella is president and co-founder of the National Association of Christian Financial Consultants. He designed the first faith-based professional designation program, Christian Financial Consultant and Advisor, in the industry. He has extensive background as a leader in the faith-based investment movement, is the founder of Integrity Investors, LLC, and the author of The Wall Street Awakening.)
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