Serving leaders, like all leaders, deal with money every day. Decisions need to be made that involve money in both personal and leadership roles. Serving leaders shape their thinking and decision-making process about money by their desire to serve and bless others. In this series, we’ll examine three basic principles that guide serving leaders in the way they view money and make financial decisions. The first seems counterintuitive but is foundational—serving leaders surrender money! Serving leaders recognize that the money they control is not ultimately theirs, they act as stewards. Consider these verses:  

 “The silver is mine and the gold is mine, declares the LORD Almighty” (Haggai 2:8, NIV).  

“Again, it [the kingdom of heaven] will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them (Matthew 25:14).  

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). 

Serving leaders seek to live out the principles found in these and many similar scriptures by surrendering their money.  

Serving leaders surrender money by acknowledging their stewardship.   

 Haggai boldly declared that God is the ultimate owner of all wealth. In the parable of the talents Jesus teaches that He entrusts resources to individuals to steward on His behalf. This view radically changes how serving leaders view money, it is not theirs, they are simply stewards.  

Some leaders are obsessed with money—getting it, keeping it, and enjoying it. Their focus is inward, and they make their financial decisions based on how it will benefit themselves. But serving leaders surrender money, they acknowledge that they are in leadership to serve others and they have money to serve others. This applies to their personal finances as well as the money they oversee in their organization. As they surrender control as stewards, they experience the freedom of contentment.   

Serving leaders surrender money by acknowledging their leadership.     

Those who see their role as stewards find freedom but also a responsibility—to use the money entrusted to them well. Many leaders use their leadership to gain advantage for themselves, focused on what will benefit them personally. But serving leaders understand that as stewards, the money they manage has a higher purpose than profit or gain, it is to serve the organization and reflect God’s desires and vision.  They are still called to lead and to use the money in a way that reflects the desires of the ultimate owner, and they serve their organizations by taking responsibility for properly managing the finances.    

Serving leaders surrender money by acknowledging their temptation.    

Jesus warns about the dangerous power money can exert in our lives. Money can literally become our god. Many leaders allow money to be the ultimate authority in their lives and do whatever it takes to get more and have more. But serving leaders acknowledge that a love of money can lead them away from serving the good of their families, communities, and organizations. They surrender money so they can lead with integrity, humility and stewardship for the good of those they serve.  

For further reflection and discussion: 

• How have I viewed money and financial resources, as an owner or a steward? What difference has it made in my leadership?  
• As I lead and make financial decisions, do I demonstrate a selfish heart or a serving heart? What example can I give of a decision made in the last week that demonstrates this?  
• In what ways does money tempt me to abandon serving? How do I, or how could I, guard my heart against this? 

• Consider these additional verses related to finances and stewardship: Psalm 50:10, Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 12:42-48.   What more do you learn about how you interact with money as a serving leader?  

Until next time, yours on the journey, 

Jon Byler 

In the next issue, we’ll look at how serving leaders get money.  

As Paul continues to list what he expects from servant leaders, he turns next to the sensitive issue of money. A leader of quality will be “not a lover of money” (1 Timothy 3:3). Paul recognizes that loving money is a powerful temptation for all leaders. He later says to Timothy, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1Timothy 6:10). Paul’s primary concern is not with the amount of money a leader has but with the heart attitude the leader has towards money. Servant leaders seek to honor God in the way they use money and clearly recognize the evil results of loving money.

Leaders who love money use people.

Leaders who love money focus on how their leadership can increase their personal income or help them to achieve their own financial goals. Whether the followers are workers in a business or members of a congregation, the leader looks at them as a way to prosper. They are producers of income and sources of finance. They see the people they lead as means towards their selfish ends. However, servant leaders see the people they lead as gifts from God and honor them by investing in their lives to see them develop. They focus on developing others rather than using them for their own benefit.

Leaders who love money compromise integrity.

Leaders who love money will inevitably begin to make decisions based primarily on what will be most profitable. They will begin to take shortcuts, engage in questionable business practices, develop friendships based on what the other person has to offer financially, etc. These actions can easily be justified as normal since so many others are also doing the same. However, servant leaders refuse to compromise their integrity for financial gain. They make some decisions that will provide less income simply because the decision is right. They treat the poor with the same respect as those with much.

Leaders who love money reject God.

This statement may seem overly judgmental; however, Jesus makes it clear that between God and money, only one will be the master (Matthew 6:24). When leaders choose to build their leadership around money or profit, they have unconsciously rejected God’s rule and authority over their lives. Money becomes an idol that controls how they lead, the decisions they make and the way they relate to others. Servant leaders recognize this sobering reality and consciously seek first God’s kingdom, not material gain. They learn to be content with what they have and view themselves as stewards of all that God has given to them and surrender their finances to the Lordship of Jesus. They give generously and as they do are set free from the tyranny of loving money.

The sad story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10) serves as a biblical example of the danger of loving money. Ironically, in the midst of an act of giving, this couple was guilty of loving money. Outwardly they looked good but they desired to use money to gain favor and respect from others, they compromised truth in their report to Peter and tragically lost their lives as a result. Their sudden death should cause each of us to pause and ask ourselves if there are ways that our own hearts reflect a love of money.

For further reflection and discussion:

Are any of the following warning signs of loving money in my life and leadership? If so, what corrective steps should I take?

• I see the people I lead as sources of money for myself
• I treat people differently based on the amount of money they have
• I make decisions based on potential loss or profit more than whether it is right or wrong.
• I find it difficult to give sacrificially
• I do not experience genuine contentment with what I have

Reflect on the following scriptures. (Matthew 6:24; Luke 12:15; 16:13-14; Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 4:12; 1 Timothy 6:9-10) What is the Lord speaking to your heart through them?

Three days after the exuberant celebration of victory over Pharaoh’s army, Moses faces a huge leadership challenge. So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” (Exodus 15:24) A few weeks later, more challenges: In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. (Ex. 16:2) A short time later they again grumble about the lack of water. (Ex.17) It was hot, they were tired and hungry, and they expressed their discontentment by grumbling, claiming that Moses and Aaron brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death. (Ex.16:3) What can we learn from Moses about how servant leaders respond when followers are discontent?

Servant leaders cry out to God when facing discontent!

Moses’ first response when people complained was to cry out to God. (Ex. 15:25, 17:4) Servant leaders do not lead alone and do not need to depend on their own resources or wisdom to navigate the challenges of leadership. Thank God we have an ever present leadership coach!

Servant leaders anticipate discontent.

Moses had already been in the desert for 40 years. He knew that it was a harsh environment and that there would be times of thirst and hunger. Furthermore, he understood that followers typically think primarily of their own needs and desires. When difficulties come, their lack of faith is expressed in grumbling. Moses’ followers must have expected to go straight from slavery to a land flowing with milk and honey, but he anticipated a time in the harsh desert.

Servant leaders separate their leadership from the discontent.

The crowd clearly directed their complaints at Moses, but he didn’t take it personally. As a servant leader Moses recognized that the vision was not his and neither were the complaints! He reminds the people, You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord. (Ex.16:8) Leaders need a certain amount of ‘self detachment’ from their role and realize that followers may have issues that have nothing to do with their leadership. Certainly there are times when the discontent of followers is a result of our poor leadership. Then we should ask God to reveal that and change our leadership. But in this case, Moses was not at fault. He was able to separate his leadership role from his own identity and was therefore able to react calmly to the complaints of the crowd. He did not defend his position or authority as leaders are tempted to do when attacked. He did get angry at the disobedience of the followers, but he did not seem to direct his anger at their grumbling, just their disobedience to God’s instructions. (Ex. 6:20)

Servant leaders combat discontent by recasting vision.

As soon as God provided water, through Moses He made a new promise to the people. (Ex.15:26) After providing manna He revealed His glory. (Ex.16:10) Moses realized that the complaints were not a food and water issue, they were a vision issue. When people complain about their salary or working conditions, it may well be that they have lost the vision. Servant leaders will not refuse to address the physical needs but seek to turn people’s attention back to the vision. They help followers interpret the current situation in light of the end goal and call followers to endure present hardships for the sake of future success.

This discontent, as we will see later in our study, would give birth to direct criticism and finally open rebellion. But for now, Moses safely navigated the turbulent waters of discontent and gives us hope that we can also make it through.

The background reading for this issue is: Exodus 15:22-17:15

For further reflection and discussion:

• Have I cried out to God when facing discontent, or do I seek to resolve issues in my own strength?
• How have I dealt with discontent in my organization? Have I taken it personally or am I able to remain detached from the attacks?
• In what ways have my followers expressed discontent in the past six months? Are any of their complaints legitimate leadership issues which I need to address? Who can help me know which ones are leadership issues and which are simply issues of discontent?
• Have I recast the vision for my grumbling followers? Is it clear in my mind that God will take me through the current situation to accomplish His vision?

Paul was chained up in prison, struggling, not sure whether it would be better to live or die, and opposed by people determined to undermine his leadership. In this situation he wrote four chapters of inspiration summarized by one of his opening statements, “And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” (Philippians 1:18) Paul was leading with joy. He was not simply practicing the power of positive thinking and refusing to acknowledge his situation. Rather, as he saw his life, past, present and future, from God’s perspective he was able to lead with joy.

Paul had considered his past.

Paul had an impressive list of credentials in terms of training and experience. But he also carried the memory of his persecution of the church. Yet he didn’t allow his past to cause him pride or condemnation. Instead he said, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” (Philippians 3:13) Paul surrendered his past to Christ and moved on. Servant leaders look at their past from God’s perspective, giving God credit for successes and receiving God’s forgiveness for failures. Their joy comes not from what happened in the past, but in God’s grace to redeem their past and use it for a greater good.

To think about: Am I free from my past?

Paul was content in the present.

Paul’s situation would throw most of us into deep despair! Instead, he almost casually mentions his chains and the challenges he was facing. He reveals why he has joy in prison with these words, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12) Paul’s perspective allowed him to recognize that his imprisonment advanced the Gospel and that those who were seeking to destroy his ministry also advanced the cause of Christ. Servant leaders claim the reality that their lives are in God’s hands. Therefore, nothing that happens is out of control or by chance and God works through good and bad times. Many leaders measure their success by visible results but servant leaders learn to be content and rejoice no matter what the circumstances.

To think about: Am I truly content today?

Paul was confident of the future.

Paul’s joy also came from his hope for the future expressed in these words, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) Paul knew that God would finish His work and was so confident of his future that he viewed death as gain! Servant leaders have hope that inspires them to live in the present with joy. This vision of the future is not just positive thinking; it is seeing life from God’s perspective which balances realism with a solid hope.

To think about: Am I keeping my eyes on future realities?

Servant leaders follow Paul’s example to lead with joy as they see life from God’s perspective. This joy is passed on to followers and inspires them to a similar perspective. A joyful leader is a joy to follow.

For further reflection and discussion:

• Take 15 minutes to read the four chapters of Philippians. Circle or underline the words “joy” or “rejoicing” as you read. Pay attention to statements that reveal Paul’s situation as a leader. How does your current situation compare with his?
• When you think of your past, are you more likely to be proud or feel condemned? Reflect on Paul’s words in Philippians 3:4-16. Write a paragraph with your own summary of your past.
• What present circumstances are you in which seem unpleasant? Meditate on Paul’s statement in Philippians 4:11-12. How did Paul learn to be content? In what ways is God teaching you this lesson?
• Meditate on Paul’s view of the future in these verses. (Philippians 1:6, 21-23; 3:20-21). How does your view of the future bring you joy?
• How much do those who follow you see joy in your life? What steps can you take to demonstrate this more clearly to them?