The Pastor's Soul Volume 5: Leading With Integrity

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

MONEY IS AN IMPORTANT SCRIPTURAL CONCERN. It shapes life in America as much as or more than any other single item. An amazing amount of wealth is coming out of today's stock market and booming economy. The best-selling book The Millionaire Next Door is not a fable, it represents fact. More and more people are asking financial advice, but are they getting the necessary spiritual advice they need?

It is the spiritual leader's responsibility to get involved in the financial lives of those for whom he is responsible. That does not solely mean speaking about the amount they give to the budget but helping them develop a philosophy of getting, keeping, and giving. For too long pastors have been self-conscious, trying to avoid the "money-grubbing syndrome."

Here are several principles to consider when helping the people you lead to handle their money with integrity:

1. Giving may be harder than earning. I cannot imagine a more difficult or dangerous way of life than to spend the bulk of my time giving away my money to worthy causes, especially Christian causes. I say difficult, for profitable stewardship requires a new and more strenuous discipline than making the money. I say dangerous because of the temptations confronting those with money to give.

2. Giving must move from duty to joy. The sheer administrative monotony can turn the joy of giving into dull duty. A. T. Cushman, the past chairman of Sears, told me years ago, "Fred, the art of administration is constant checking." But when done right, giving moves people from duty to joy.

A psychiatrist specializing in alcohol abuse reported, "We now know why some individuals after staying sober for years return to drink while others never go back. Those who labor every day, vowing not ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.