I appreciated Pastor Keith’s post about the need for a more scientific study of the situation among professing Christians. Stated another way; does the evangelical church (body of professing Christians) really understand and apply biblical principles on money management in their day to day lives?
I am sure that any discussion of this nature centers on the need for clarification of what is the definition of a Christian. As described in Pastor’s Keith comment (one that is somewhat advanced in the sanctification process) the conclusion that they enjoy financial peace as a result of following God’s economy is true. Proverbs 10:22 “It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich and He adds no sorrow to it” validates this.
However, I would like to direct this posting to the question if the church in general, or believers in general, are much different than the world in handling their money. I am defining believers as the group of individuals that have made a commitment to follow Jesus Christ; regardless of where they are as far as their spiritual maturity is concerned. I personally feel the group mentioned in the last paragraph is a very very small group and has a very small affect on the big picture of where the church is in general on applying God’s principles on money management.
One of the most telling indications of the churches understanding and application of God’s economy is the tithe. A study done by Barna indicates that among all born again adults only 9% contributed one-tenth or more of their income. A study by Crown Financial Ministries indicates that only 20% of those in the average evangelical church tithe.
Since tithing is widely discussed in evangelical circles, this should be a pretty good indication as to how well Christians are applying God’s economy. If tithing is not being practiced can we expect the outlook on debt, hording, investing, trusting and retirement to be crafted by God’s Word?
Like many other principles in God’s Word, even the unbeliever eventually begins to realize they contain wisdom. How many people have come to the conclusion after living a promiscuous life style that God’s plan for lifelong monogamy leads to a healthier life? How many business seminars have we listened to God’s principles of loving one another being presented as “team building” in the corporate world? Many of the principles in God’s Word are full of good practical advice.
God’s economy is no exception. I have sat through many secular “financial experts” seminars to hear the same principles that are taught at church, by Crown Financial Ministries, Sound Mind Investing, Generous Giving or other Christ centered organizations. God’s economy is full of good advice that works in the fallen world today.
I believe that many Christians in the church today follow the principles of God’s economy for the wrong reason. It is not that they are 100% committed to God’s Word. It is because they are conservative in nature and follow what they feel are conservative worldly money management principles. It just so happens that many of these conservative principles are the same as God’s principles. However, sooner or later the different motive becomes apparent.
One of the main differences between God’s economy and the world’s economy is the ultimate destination on the journey to financial freedom. In God’s economy we embark on the journey so that we can follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit without the restrictions of fulfilling our earthly financial obligations. In other words, we become financially independent so we can devote our full time, energy and talents to fulfilling the Great Commission.
In the world’s economy we embark on the journey to become financially free so that we can fulfill self absorbed desires. These desires include travel, golfing seven days a week, a host of others and no responsibility living. There is nothing wrong with them, but very little eternal value.
Our church is privileged to support missionaries who have given up a very lucrative career in medicine to fulfill the Great Commission. I know they are not alone in this situation, but they are scarce. Although this is not a litmus test of an individual’s understanding and application of God’ economy in their lives, it is a good indication.
Combining the statistics cited earlier on tithing with the scarcity of believers similar to those just mentioned, my conclusion is that the church in general does not understand and apply biblical principles on money management in their day to day lives. I personally believe that Christians today (those that profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savor) have been given enough money to fulfill the Great Commission. The problem is that we are not managing our money the way that God wants us to.
If we are going to fulfill the Great Commission we need to aggressively teach these principles in our churches today. I look forward to hearing other thoughts on if the Christian community in general has accepted God’s financial principles.
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