We previously observed that serving leaders see themselves as stewards of money and they are thoughtful about how they obtain money. With this foundation, the heart of serving leaders is fully expressed when they generously share their financial resources with others.  Serving leaders live their entire lives with a focus on others and this is expressed by sharing with others. This heart of generosity is shaped by verses like the following:

“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35, NIV).

“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7).

“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity (2 Corinthians 8:1-2).

Giving expresses a heart that is focused on serving others instead of self. Serving leaders open their hearts to those they serve in many ways. In finances this focus on others is expressed in generous sharing.

Serving leaders share money by design.      

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Jesus’ words remind us that it is a greater blessing to give than to receive. Some leaders casually give when an urgent need is presented to them but forget about giving at other times. By default, they focus more on getting money than on giving. But serving leaders are thoughtful and intentional about giving. They look for ways to give, places to give, people to bless. They stop and reflect on what they give and how they can increase their giving. They are intentional.

Because they are stewards serving leaders seek to give in ways that reflect the heart of the true owner of their resources, God! They pray often about how and where to give. They recognize that while giving always blesses the one who gives, it sometimes can have unintended negative consequences for the recipient.* So they look for ways to give a hand to those in need in ways that empower and bless. They carefully select organizations that are making a significant impact and support them. Serving leaders recognize that the most impactful giving happens by design.  

Serving leaders share money with delight.   

“God loves a cheerful giver.” Not every person who gives does so with joy. Some leaders feel compelled to give or guilty for not giving or they want to be seen by others as givers, but their heart is not in it. But serving leaders love to give and do so cheerfully!  Those who give are the most fun people to be around and serving leaders are delighted to share.

Serving leaders share money for demonstration.

Leaders who have experienced the blessing and joy of giving naturally want others to experience the same. So, serving leaders share money to demonstrate to others how to develop a generous heart. They do not give to show off, but they do give to influence others to also give. Like the Macedonian church, they become an example of generosity to others. A serving leader I visited recently told me that one of the goals of their company is to foster a spirit of generosity among their employees. That is the heart of serving leadership, wanting others to also experience the joy and blessing of giving.

For further reflection and discussion:

• Give yourself a “generosity inventory” by reflecting on these questions:
  • How often do I reflect on how I can give more, how I can give more wisely, how I can give more joyfully?  
  • Is my level of sacrificial generosity increasing or decreasing?  
  • Do I ever give grudgingly or reluctantly?
  • Does my family and those who are closest to me see me as a giver or a taker?           
• What can I do to give with more intentionality?
• How can I encourage those I lead to be more generous?
• Consider these additional verses related to giving: (Proverbs 3:9-10, 11:25, 22:9, 28:7, 22; Luke 6:38, and 2 Corinthians 8:1-7) What more do you learn about generosity from these verses?

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

*For great insights into how giving to the poor can sometimes harm recipients, I recommend the book “When Helping Hurts.”

In the previous issue we looked at how serving leaders surrender money, seeing themselves as stewards of the financial resources entrusted to them. The second principle that guides serving leaders in relation to money is focused on how they get, or secure, money. Serving leaders recognize that without money, they cannot accomplish their mission. They recognize that their stewardship involves a responsibility to think carefully about how their money is obtained. Serving leaders secure money to serve others. This includes the organization, the people on their team, clients, vendors, and their community. As they think about getting money, they consider verses like these:

These verses, and others, indicate that there are correct and incorrect ways to get money and establish guidelines for how serving leaders secure money.

Serving leaders secure money by working well.  

“All hard work brings a profit….” Serving leaders are not afraid of hard work! They are willing to give the time and effort that is needed to earn money.  

Some leaders use their role to get out of work, believing that leadership is getting others to do the work. But serving leaders understand that they lead well by working well. They set an example to others with their commitment to work hard. They think and make financial plans and decisions that require hard work to accomplish. They work to establish financial integrity in their organization with appropriate safeguards for those involved in handling money.  Then they serve by getting busy and working hard!

Serving leaders secure money by balancing well.

Serving leaders work hard but they also have “the wisdom to show restraint.” Some leaders never stop working in their pursuit to get money. But serving leaders recognize that the connection between hard work and profit can quickly lead to an imbalanced life so they learn how to show restraint. They find ways to say “enough” and when it is time to stop they leave the office and turn off the cell phone or computer. This allows them to spend time with their family, engage in other activities including their own need for exercise and sleep. Because they see themselves as stewards they take diligent care of the money under their control, but they don’t allow the money to control them and they understand when it’s time to stop work!

Serving leaders secure money by treating well.

Serving leaders serve their organizations by treating the persons in the organization well. Many leaders see workers simply as bodies for production and are not concerned about their personal lives. But serving leaders value those who work with them and refuse to make money at their expense. They seek to pay wages that are as generous as possible while also safeguarding the financial integrity of the organization. Serving leaders understand that treating people well actually benefits the profitability of the organization by increasing employee engagement and productivity.

For further reflection and discussion:

• Is my life a good example of hard work? In what way does this impact my leadership?
• Have I established appropriate financial safeguards in my organization to protect myself and others from temptation and to encourage integrity in finances? If not, what do I need to do?
• In what ways am I tempted to work too much? How does this impact my relationships with family, friends and my own health and wellbeing? What do I need to change this week to begin to show restraint?
• How well do I treat people under my leadership? Am I as generous towards them as possible? Where I am not able to provide more financial benefit to them, do I look for other ways to honor them as people and see that they are well treated?
• Consider these additional verses related to finances and stewardship:  Proverbs 1:19, 6:10-11, 13:11; Luke 14:28, 16:9-11; James 5:4; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 10, 12. 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 examine how serving leaders share money.

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.  

The first recorded action of Barnabas was one of extreme generosity.   

³⁶Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), ³⁷sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4:36-37, NIV). 

Barnabas sold a field he owned and gave the money to the church leaders. He was not the first of the believers to do this (see Acts 4:34), but his name is the first one mentioned in this regard. His action seems to have inspired Ananias and Sapphira to also sell their land (see Acts 5:1-11) but their heart and motives were entirely opposite to those of Barnabas.  The generosity of Barnabas demonstrates traits that all serving leaders do well to imitate.  

Generosity serves by demonstrating sacrifice. 

Barnabas sold the field he owned. This property was likely at his home in Cyprus and perhaps his family inheritance. He likely needed to travel home and then bring the money back to Jerusalem. In any case, in addition to giving the value of the property he gave time and energy. His act of generosity was a sacrifice and reflected the posture of his heart to give. Many leaders are in leadership for what they can get out of the role whether financial gain, prestige, or power. 

But serving leaders sacrifice their own desires and needs to serve those they lead. At times, like Barnabas, this may be a financial sacrifice. But many times, serving leaders sacrifice time and energy or other resources for those who follow. True generosity always demands costly sacrifice.  

Generosity serves by demonstrating sympathy.   

Barnabas was moved to generosity by the needs in the community. There were people who had needs and he had sympathy and compassion for them. He was not looking down on others, but he was looking out for others. His act of generosity shows his heart of sympathy for the needs of others more than his own needs. He recognized that he had possessions that were not intended only for his use but to bless others.  

Many leaders see others as the means to an end, people that can help accomplish the goal or the vision of the organization. But serving leaders do not see ‘workers’ or ‘members’ but they see human beings with their own dreams, passions, and desires. They look at others and see opportunities to bless and encourage. Because serving leaders focus their heart outward, they respond to these needs with sympathy and compassion. They recognize that they have been entrusted with gifts and resources that are intended to flow through them to others.  

Serving leaders give generously to those with genuine needs because they truly care about others and sympathize with their needs.  

Generosity serves by denying self.    

Barnabas sold his land and “brought the money and put it at the apostle’s feet.” In this gesture he gave up the right to determine what happened with his contribution.  The apostles would decide how it would be used in the early church. He wasn’t generous to receive praise. While it’s natural to want others to recognize our good deeds, Barnabas denied himself in this act. His act of generosity shows the focus of his heart which was on others rather than self.  

Many leaders consider being as generous as Barnabas but want to make sure that their name will be announced in the list of donors. Others act with generosity but want to control the outcomes or determine the way others should receive their gift. But serving leaders deny themselves and generously release power to others.  

For further reflection and discussion: 

• How does the generosity of Barnabas challenge me as a leader? What action can I take this week to be more like him?  
• When I give, is my generosity sacrificial or do I usually give only what I don’t want or use anyway? What steps could I take to be more generous?  

• How do I see others on my team? Do I view them as persons who are there to help accomplish my vision or do I see them as humans of equal worth as myself, with their own dreams, desires, and difficulties? How does my view of others impact my leadership?  
• Reflect on a time when you gave finances or tangible items to others with these questions. Was I able to give without any need for recognition or appreciation? Was I able to release control of the gift fully to the recipient or did I maintain power in the transaction? What do my actions reflect about my heart?  
• Read Acts 5:1-11, the account of Ananias and Sapphira who also sold their property. In what ways did their generosity contrast with that of Barnabas?  

Until next time, yours on the journey, 

Jon Byler 

In the next issue, we’ll examine how Barnabas served with a team.  

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?

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?

Money matters to everyone. We all use money, need money and handle money every day. Our money is a powerful force in our lives and it is not surprising that the Bible has a lot to say about possessions and finances. The way a leader thinks about and handles money both reveals much about his/her heart and it also powerfully impacts those who follow.

A servant leader is cautioned not to be a lover of money. (1 Tim. 3:3) Paul’s instruction deals not with how much money we have, but with our attitude towards it. Specifically, he cautions against an unhealthy appetite for money. How can we know if we ‘love money?’

Choosing our vocation based on money.

God calls servant leaders in the marketplace, in education, in the arts and in church work. Each of these callings has monetary implications. For some, this means a business vocation that provides more than enough money and in some cases a special gifting to make money. For another, God’s call may mean a life of sacrifice and seeming financial limitations. In either case, we cannot choose obedience if we are a lover of money and make career choices based on financial results instead of obedience. While God certainly has given every leader the responsibility to work hard and provide for their families, servant leaders seek to hear God’s voice in their calling and to walk in obedience. How have you chosen to do what you do? Is it a calling or a decision based on finances? Is your objective to become financially secure or is it to maximizing your gifts so others may benefit and may see Jesus in your work and leadership?

Setting our priorities based on money.

What is most important shapes our lives and determines our priorities. Leaders are faced daily with choices about priorities that determine the direction of their lives and those who follow. It is natural to focus on priorities that produce more money. In church planting, we can prioritize a higher class neighborhood rather than working with the poor. In a business, we can focus on short term profitability rather than longer term health or focus on profit over generosity towards employees.

Jesus’ priority was clear; He focused on doing the will of His Father and taught that our first priority should be seeking the advancement of the kingdom, not financial gain. Servant leaders focus on kingdom priorities even when at the time it doesn’t seem to be the best financial decision.

Making our decisions based on money.

When our heart’s desire is to have money, the daily decisions we make will reflect this passion. For business leaders, this is often means maximizing return rather than serving the customer first or delivering a quality product. This is often referred to as putting the ‘bottom line’ first. Church leaders may decide who to visit based on the income level of the person involved or may be tempted to avoid preaching about certain issues for fear of offending a member with financial power.

Servant leaders look beyond these aspects and look at broader objectives. They ask, “How will this decision benefit others whether members, customers or staff?” “What is God’s desire for this situation and how can I act in a way that advances His kingdom?”

What role does money play in your leadership? Are you a ‘lover of money’ or a servant leader with a radically renewed heart?

For further reflection and discussion:

• In what unhealthy ways have I allowed money to impact my priorities and decisions?
• What would those who follow me say about the way I view money?
• Can you share a decision you made that was clearly not made on a financial basis?

In the next issue we’ll look at some ways that servant leaders handle money.