“We have to consider ourselves as the children of God who are rich. But at the same time we have to remain in spiritual hunger for God and His kingdom while we live on earth. The way to remain in hunger for God is that we trust in not our material prosperity, but in God alone as if we had nothing but God. So, even the richest men should believe that God is their only hope and confidence. We should not be like a foolish rich man in Luke 12:16-21. He stored up things for himself but was not rich toward God. He was searching for security in his hoarded stuff. But we should remember that we can find security in God alone…
We all need to rule over the money and train ourselves in how to use our money wisely and effectively for the kingdom of God, as wealth is the major obstacles in entering the kingdom of God…Meditate on Bible verses about money or wealth and pray to get heavenly wisdom and inspiration about finance every day. Give up the lordship of all your possessions and offer them to the Lord. Start to clear off your debts right now with a little money. Save money to use for the good works. Share money with those whom God takes care of: the poor, the foreigners, the orphans and widows. Plan and manage your finances with the faithful stewardship, and train others in living a simple life.”
Hye Seong Kim in “Philosophy of Biblical Stewardship Paper” dated 29 June 2015 submitted for PT7054: Biblical Stewardship and Christian Generosity class at Torch Trinity Graduate University. To read more insights from my students, check out my recent CLA blogpost: Six Applications from Asia for all Steward Leaders.
Today, Hye Seong helps us see that our growth as stewards requires right thinking and practical training over time. In short, she reminds us that our trust must not be foolishly misplaced, and our actions must reflect biblical faithfulness, and selfless simplicity.
Hye Seong, thanks for urging us to save money not for security but doing “the good works” God has prepared for us to do (cf. Ephesians 2:10)!