The following article is part of a series of articles that seeks to offer practical advice to preachers. Each article will contain advice from seasoned preachers pertaining to all matters of pulpit ministry.
Finances, money, possessions…there is nothing inherently wrong with them, unless, of course, those things we possess begin to actually possess us. When this occurs, it seems the more we have the more we seem to need and the more we make the more we seem to spend. Money is deceptive and if we are not on guard financial issues can begin to consume us, diverting our attention away from the heart of our calling.
Money talks! In fact, it speaks volumes about what we think is really important. It is so much a reflection of what lurks within us that the Lord Jesus spoke about it often. One of every three of his parables had to do with us and our finances. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is there your heart will be also” (Matthew6:21). He was a master diagnostician knowing that the way we deal with our money and our finances is a vital reflection of our own spiritual health.
As far-fetched as it may seem, our finances and the way we handle our possessions generally marks the position of our own spiritual pilgrimage. If asked to write your biography and could have at my disposal only one of your personal items to use, I would not ask to see your Bible in order to read what personal notes or underlining you may have added. Nor, would I ask to see your prayer journal to gain insight into your daily petitions. Nor, would I request to peruse your diary. If I could have access to only one item to write your biography, I would ask to see your checking account. I would want to know what your check register was saying for that would give true insight into what you think is important in life.
The preacher should always keep in mind that we are nothing more than stewards. Everything we possess will be in someone else’s name in a few short years. We are but stewards of God’s blessings while we pass through this world. We entered the world stark naked and will depart it the same way without taking a single monetary dime with us.
There are three important factors that should always be in the pastor’s mind when dealing with his finances. First, it is important how we get it. The pastor/preacher should take great caution in how he acquires his possessions. Gifts from individuals often come with all kinds of strings attached. The lure of business deals and opportunities in and around the church should be handled with utmost caution and wisdom. Remember that it was the love of money that was at the root of Christ’s own betrayal. Our money talks. Be careful and cautious in how you get it.
The preacher should also be mindful of how we guard it. Hoarded wealthy in the hands of a believer that is not used in Christ’s kingdom, while it may promise to bring joy, brings only misery. When we begin to love money and hoard our possessions they cease to bless us and others and can become a curse. There is nothing at all wrong with wise saving but money that is hoarded up will never spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, money in the hands of a faithful Christ follower and steward will not
only bless the giver but be blessing to so many others in need. Also, extended, out of control, debt can have a detrimental and devastating effect on the preacher’s witness and ministry. Guard against this at all costs and seek help to navigate through it.
Finally, the preacher should realize the importance of how we give it. The tithe belongs to the Lord and in fact scripture teaches it is “holy” to Him (Leviticus 27:30). The tithe is a wonderful place to begin the stewardship journey but a faithless place to end it. Surely those of us in this dispensation of grace would not want to give less than those who lived under the age of the law. Be generous. Be a cheerful giver. You will get a promised blessing and better yet, you will be a blessing. The preacher, as well as all believers, should be wise as to how they give their money to various ministries. Being a steward demands wise decisions. When asked to give to someone or something you should always ask yourself four questions. What is the motive? That is, what are these people trying to do and why? What is the manner? In other words, how do they go about their ministries? Do the lives of the leadership match the stated purposes of their ministry? What is the method? Is it consistent with the motive, do they have integrity? Finally, what is the measure? What about their results? Are lives positively influenced and impacted for God’s glory?
Solomon left some wise words for all of us, “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase. So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10). The wise preacher hears and heeds these words. Go and do likewise.
