The Money RevolutionApplying Christian principles to handling your money.

Before we start……

Pause for a moment. Which of the phrasesbelow reflects your view of money?

I feel guilty about having it.

A blessing from God.A necessary evil.

“Of the world, rather than of God”

A means to an end. It’s scarce!

Money and Faith

Money Faith

Money and Faith

Money Faith

16 of Jesus’ parables refer to money or wealth.In the bible there are 2,325 verses on money, wealth or possessions,but only about 500 on either faith or prayer!

Everything belongs to God :

The world around us says …..• You are what you own• We are owners and consumers –

what we buy is ours to do with what we will.

But we say everything belongs to God.• We are stewards, making responsible

decisions about all that which is entrusted to our care.

• The parable of the talents

• Genesis 2 : responsibility to care for the land.

• King David : Everything comes from you, O God.

Principle Two :

• Be active in your stewardshipThe world around us says …..• Yes, take action over the planet but• Spend what you want, on what you

want.• We are not accountable for that which

we own. We own it, stupid!

Skills need to be developed….

When is enough, enough?

Principle 3 : Live within your resources

Principle Three :

• Live within your resources.But the world around us says …..• We are not rich…… even though a UK

average income will put us in the top 10% of global earners.

• We are not rich enough….. we need to borrow beyond our incomes to live an appropriate lifestyle.

• Remember, you are what you own.

But debt is complex…..

• Mortgages• University Loans• Unsecured loans• Interest Free

Principle Four :

• Build up treasure in heaven, not on earth.

But the world around us says …..• You are what you own – build up

treasure here, since that increases your value as a person.

Principle Five :

• Give generously

The world around us says …..• What is mine, is mine. I may give out of

my spare cash to charity, but only when I want to and feel I have sufficient spare resources.

• It is not my problem that someone else has needs.

Principle Five : Give generously

Five characteristics of Giving :

It should…..• be a priority• be planned.• be proportionate• be sacrificial• be given joyfully

Summary : The 5 Principles

• Everything belongs to God – we are stewards

• Be active in your stewardship• Live within your resources• Build up treasure in heaven• Give generously

Stewardship must have a broader impact…..

• Not just our giving• Our saving and spending also reveal our

values and have an impact on building treasure in either earth or heaven.

• Maimonides (Jewish Teacher c1200) taught that the highest level of giving was to help someone become self-sufficient.

• Ethical investment, fair trade & other ethical spending, debt cancellation, can all impact the self-sufficiency of the poor.

A workbook for personal application…

www.themoneyrevolution.net