Is God Interested in Money?
[An article written by Colin Chalkly-Maber for Salisbury Diocese's Sarum Link Newspaper in 2009]
Privileged to speak periodically on Hope FM, Bournemouth’s local Christian radio station, about financial matters, I recently spoke about God’s grace, and that despite what salvation cost Jesus, it is for us a free gift. I talked about our responsibilities as Christians because “From those to whom much is given, much is required!” Luke 12:48
As a stockbroker with Bournemouth firm Farley & Thompson LLP I am part of what is euphemistically called the financial services industry. I have always thought this description somewhat ironic implying as it does firstly that those described somehow share common objectives and secondly that we who are involved, actually make something tangible.
Asked by the editor of Salisbury Diocese's Sarum Link to share some thoughts with readers, I found myself feeling anxious because even as I write, the London market and other markets around the world are issuing their judgements on the economic initiatives of the various world leaders. The sums of money involved are truly eye-watering; $700bn in the US, already increased to $1,525bn, with a suggestion the final number will rise to $3,000bn. In the UK things are on a smaller scale but no less serious, the headline number of £50bn announced in October is actually £650bn when the additional loans and guarantees are taken into consideration. That is equal to half of the UK’s annual income or GDP; no wonder foreign investors are concerned that we as a nation may be out of our depth. We are witnessing what is undoubtedly the worst banking crisis in seventy years and for most of us we feel as bewildered as we feel powerless to do anything about it.
Is God concerned with money; our money and money in general? Absolutely! So concerned is He that money is mentioned more than 800 times in the Bible, in fact there are few topics that recur more frequently. God understands our hopes and fears, He realises that money plays an important role in both. So let us think how Jesus might see our situation.
Well I am sure he would be saddened by the greed that has motivated some working in the banks to lend money in such quantities to people who could not afford to repay it. However, I am also certain that his first concern would be for those in this country and elsewhere who find themselves facing mounting debts, uncertainty about whom to turn to for help and in some cases fearing the loss of their homes.
Jesus sometimes showed real anger at the abusers of the poor, witness his expulsion of the money-changers in the Temple Matthew 21:12. Yet he did not condemn the corrupt tax collectors but sort them out and won them over as with Zacheus, a man who had systematically used his power to rob those unable to resist.
In Luke 19:8 we see Zacheus say sorry for his greed and promise to pay back 4 times what he has taken. Although it has been suggested that executives within failing banks should not receive further bonuses, as yet I have not read of any of them offering to pay back past bonuses never mind four times those bonuses!
Money is a serious subject, and God is serious about money, which is why we should study closely what he has to tell us. In the UK today: 37% of marital problems derive from financial situations; 70% of people live paycheck to paycheck, meaning the money runs out before the month does; The average family is unable to meet an unexpected bill for example a car repair without using a credit card; and Half of us have less than £10,000 saved for our retirement. It is a problem that affects everyone, inside and outside of the church. The fastest growing churches are teaching about marriage, child rearing, finances, and careers. But wait a minute! Let us put our situation in perspective. If you are fortunate enough to have money in your pocket and a little saved in a bank or building society that puts you in the company of the 8% richest individuals on the planet.
In 1 Tim 6 17-19, Paul wrote, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
[In addition to being a Partner in Bournemouth stockbrokers Farley & Thompson. Colin is a Chartered Accountant, Honorary Treasurer of Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA), and a budget coach with Faithworks Wessex. He is married with three children. The family worships at St. Mary’s Longfleet Parish Church in Poole.
Colin can be contacted at Farley & Thompson Stockbrokers on 01202 295000 or through Faithworks Wessex 01202 304004.]