Prep 2 Go: Money Matters

There is a cost to going. Not only do you sacrifice personal privacy and comfort and convenience, but also, weeks of advance planning for your kids staying behind. Preparing their hearts and yours. 

And there are financial implications too.

I had someone mention to me that they really would love to go but aren't in a position to do so because they just don't have the money.

And yes, it is much easier for you, Liezl, because the Church pays for you.

Uh. Stop the bus. 

We have to save and trust God for our travels, just like any other average Joe. In fact, I have had to trust God, save and say no to spending money in order to save, since my first missions trip at the age of 15!

(And yes, there are Churches with a different policy, doing things differently, and that is totally okay.)

Lets pick on money for a moment:

Money is neutral.

But what you spend your money on, reveals a lot about your priorities. This very same person who told me they cannot afford to go, happens to have all their kids in a private school... Get the point?

Sure Liezl, are you saying then that private schooling is bad?

Nope. 

What I am saying is that anything robbing you from being generous; being able to go; giving you sleepless nights; keeping you grumpy, is probably a bad idea.

Okay Liezl, but my kids' education is paramount! How can I give it up?

Schooling is absolutely necessary, yes (that is why it is law), but are you putting your kids in a private school because it is the best (even better than what your income can buy *trouble*)... or because it's God's will and you are privileged that He has provided for such means? Have you asked God what His opinion is? (And this, of course, goes for anything we throw money at.)

Heb 13:5-6  Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear

I sometimes wonder if God does not want us to rather live within our means and brave the public schooling system because it will force us to be more involved at the school and to trust God more; fear less for our kids' future.

I am probably stepping on a lot of toes. And stirring the pot at the same time. (Might as well go big, right?!)

The point is: GO WITH GOD! (The pun was intended.) LIVE GENEROUSLY.

God's heart is always for generosity. And generosity often starts by being generous toward our Godly family through dinner invitations and coffee dates, through visiting and encouraging one another. And this should also include visiting and encouraging our friends abroad.

But we take ourselves out of fellowship through the way we spend our money. Kids first, the Kingdom last... *ouch*

Bonus point: there is nothing wrong with planning and saving for a trip. We have lost the importance of saving. It's all about instant gratification nowadays. Just thought I'd mention this ;-)

Make your money subject to Jesus. Don't be subject to Mammon (the god of money). Tithe. Be generous. Save and put your feet in another nation. 

May our bank statements declare the Lordship of Jesus in our lives.

Some extra points to ponder:

1. People matter more than money. "Duh, of course," But does your money agree? Listen to this brilliant piece of scripture.

Luk 16:13  No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." 

Luk 16:14-15  The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed (sneered outright at) him.  And he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination (idolization) in the sight of God". Brackets were added; from original root words.

This portion of scripture starts with Jesus sharing a parable. He is telling His followers that they should be kind and generous with their money toward others. Doing so is shrewd/wise because it will open doors into people's homes and hearts. 

The Pharisees sneered at this and probably thought "pffff, whatever. What does He know about business? If you are going to be generous, then you will only become dirt poor." Jesus then answered them by saying that although they might look like they have another person's best interest at heart, God knows the truth: that they are greedy, wicked and selfish men (and He specifically hammers on their divorce policy for which they probably were getting paid.They were approving and encouraging divorce - the destruction of relationships- for money. *Ooh*) 

Then Jesus continues with the famous parable of the rich man who dies and the beggar Lazarus who dies... trying again to explain to the crowds that we might as well be generous here on earth because we ain't taking any of that with us when we die, except the relationships we have.

Wow! If this does not make you see money as a gift or a tool for deepening friendships, then I don't know what will.


2. I don't want to go. Liezl, I am a generous person but I see no point in going on a missions trip. I don't mind giving toward such a trip, but why go?

I cannot try to convince you except that I know what it means and does for me. Not everyone will go. Not everyone can go. This question is something you need to ask God for clarity.

Sometimes, we need to invest our bucks (because it represents our time and effort) and our hearts will follow. 

If you do not have a heart for the lost and for the nations, then you should really consider going... even if you do not feel it's your thing. Trust me, you'll be surprised...

3. What, tithe!?!
I know wealthy people who are generous and I know financially less fortunate people who are also generous. I know wealthy people who worship money and I have seen poor people worship money. Again, its not the amount of money that matters but what is done with it. 

This is why the tithe is such an incredible amazing God-given concept! Well, I personally think it is incredible and it makes me more in awe of God! In some ways, I am a total math geek and this concept is so freaken genius: you don't need a math degree to work out ten percent (it's a bit trickier to figure out what 7 percent or 14%  is, for example) and God does not ask a set amount which will be easy for some to give, but difficult for others. No, He justly and righteously tests the hearts and minds of every believer: Does your money serve the purposes of God? 

Then there is the added bonus of an (almost) infinite multiplication effect: I give my tithe to the storehouse (my local church where I am a member) and the church, in turn, gives a tithe or offerings to other 'projects' such as supporting a church in another country and that church in turn gives offerings toward something or someone else and so forth and so forth...

Seriously, if even ten percent of your income cannot serve God, then you are serving your money. Think about it.