THE FOUR SHIPS OF MONEY WISDOM

It has seemed a little on the “too cute” side at times, but when I preach about the Christian’s perspective on money, I sometimes “sail” four ships.

OWNERSHIP – God owns everything. It is all His. Not just currency, but everything material belongs to God, the Creator. I can’t go anywhere in my head about money and get it right until I nail this down. God owns everything. “The world is mine, and all that is in it,” (Psa. 50:12).

STEWARDSHIP – Whatever God allows you to have while you are here, you must take responsibility for. And attached to that responsibility is – you must give account to God. I cannot be a good user of money without seeing myself as “entrusted” with what I have (Matt. 25:14).

PARTNERSHIP – The Lord said, “it is more blessed to give than to receive,” (Acts 20:35). Think of this as being a partner in the legitimate needs of others, to the best of your ability and to God’s glory. “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need,” (Eph. 4:28).

CITIZENSHIP – This world is not my home. Our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). If we can just remember that, when we are writing checks; making investments; responding to needs; teaching our children about money and giving to the Lord. Lay up treasures in heaven. That’s your home.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wondered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs,” (1 Tim. 6:10).