[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_wp_text text=”Every time I write about money I get my world rocked. It’s the most terrifying thing in the world to teach about, because two things always happen: I get convicted, and people get angry.
Crazy, right?
Actually, people getting miffed isn’t that big a deal. All but the grumpiest folks get over their irritation quickly, once they realize that I’m not out to get something from them, but that I want to help them shadow God more faithfully. It’s the stuff that happens to me that’s the killer. I get pummeled by scripture, convicted by the seemingly endless collection of wrong attitudes, prejudices, and assumptions I’ve been carrying. The historical books and the teachings of Jesus contain stories in which I easily see myself as, sadly, the villain. At the end of one of my writing weeks, I usually feel like joining a monastery and taking a vow of poverty. They don’t let you bring your wife and kids though, so I guess I’m stuck where I am, forced to serve Jesus in real ways with all the resources he’s given me.
This book is a collection three sermons about money originally delivered at Westwinds Community Church. The first series “A Capital Experience” deconstructs the notion of the tithe—demonstrating that the tithe is rooted in Old Testament financial practices and was never intended to be used outside of that context, let alone become the standard for Christian giving. Instead of advocating tithing, we consider Paul’s admonitions in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 for Christians to give generously and sacrificially each week to their local church. The second series “Justice and Charity” concerns using our God-given wealth to assist those less fortunate than ourselves. Scripture has much to say on this issue, so this series is an appetizer to further study, but it is a crucial part of understanding the importance of living generously as followers of Jesus. The third series “Affluenza” explores the excesses of our Western, materialistic, consumer-driven culture. It is a critique of the way we live, designed to provoke greater awareness about spending, ecology, and contentment. Together with Westwinds’ latest series on finances “Heart of Gold” (available through Amazon.com or via westwinds.org) these teachings comprise a functional biblical theology of money.
Since money is a profound intersection of faith and real life, it is important for all of us to be crystal clear concerning God’s desires for our finances. Following His purposes, of course, can be unsettling and—dare I admit it—even unpleasant in the short run. But in the long run, we will reap rich rewards that will keep paying off long after the initial hump of discomfort is behind us.
Invest in the biblical teaching about money.
It’s worth it.”][/vc_column][/vc_row]