Issue #11, July 29, 2009
In the last issue we looked at what it means to not be a ‘lover of money.’ Now we’ll examine ways that servant leaders handle the money they have.
Servant leaders handle money as stewards.
Servant leaders recognize that God has given to them many things including their power of influence, gifts and abilities and finances. Paul asks, “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Cor. 4:7) Because they are servants, they handle these gifts, not as their own, but as stewards. When leaders view their finances as stewards they recognize that money is a tool God has provided to carry out His purposes in and through their leadership. They ask, “God, what do you want to do with the money you’ve given me?”
Servant leaders handle money with integrity.
Misuse of money has caused the downfall of many leaders. Servant leaders are careful to use money in ways that will not cause others to stumble. This includes wrongs such as exaggerating expenses, falsifying receipts, or using the organization’s stationary for personal correspondence. But it goes beyond just avoiding sin. Servant leaders make an effort to ensure that their financial dealings are completely open and above reproach in the eyes of others. Paul, when working with money that was contributed by the church said, “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” (2 Cor. 8:20, 21) When dealing with money, servant leaders ask not only “Is this right?” but also question “Will this action seem right to others or will it cause them to stumble?”
Servant leaders handle money with faith.
Servant leaders do not separate their faith and their finances; they handle money in a manner that expresses their faith. When money is in short supply they exercise faith as they move forward with confidence that God will provide for what He has called them to do. They exercise faith when they are willing to give money away even when it doesn’t make economic sense. Servant leaders look at the balance sheet or financial report, but they also keep an ear open to hear God’s instructions and they have the courage to walk in obedience as stewards. God’s instructions may be to give a few coins to a needy person, to put some money in savings for the future, or to give a huge sum towards His work. Faith means walking in obedience.
Your money matters…a lot! The way you use it affects your life and your leadership. Guard your heart from the love of money. Instead use money as a steward with integrity and faith.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Do I handle money as my own or as a steward?
- What decisions have I made recently that reflect this?
- What are my greatest areas of temptation in handling money?
- What can I do to avoid any hint of suspicion in how I handle money?
- In what ways is God calling me to express faith through money?