It is essential that we get some core principles down before we make financial, kingdom decisions.
So… in the previous blog about our money, I posted the concept that our true currency is not physical but spiritual. Our currency is the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Principle One
We operate, invest and steward our spiritual currency before we try and steward our physical wealth.
God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
John 4:24 NKJV
In this blog I want to cover a second principle that I feel we have to have clearly fixed in our minds before we jump in to theories, what to do, and what not to do with our money.
Principle Two
It is about our intent and not our investment.
As Christians, we get to navigate the global economy, including emerging financial trends like cryptocurrencies with some revelatory hindsight. At the end of this worlds investment cycles and the financial crashes that seem inevitable with or without Jesus’ intervention, it is His spiritual currencies that will prevail. We are not trapped in the thinking that our investments and financial decisions will be the next big thing. The next big thing is Jesus’ return. But we can leverage the rise and the fall of physical currencies and financial establishments, with the right intent, to benefit the Kingdom now, and at the same time provide Jesus with worshipful evidence that we have the right intent (build His kingdom not our own) with our money. And so it’s crucial to maintain a balanced approach and intent to wealth while adhering to spiritual principles.
By drawing inspiration from biblical verses such as Matthew 6:19-21, Ephesians 1:17-18, and Matthew 25:23, we can discover how Christians can leverage the world’s economy, even crypto assets, without succumbing to the love of money and distorting our intent.
1. Treasures in Heaven
Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us to prioritize eternal treasures over earthly riches. As Christians, we must anchor our hearts on spiritual values and strive to use worldly resources responsibly, remembering that our ultimate treasure lies in our relationship with God. While engaging in financial endeavors, we should continuously evaluate if our actions align with God’s divine order and timing. We don’t get to use our knowledge of end times to benefit selfishly. That’s divine insider trading. Quick question you can ask: Am I leveraging my worldly blessings to irrationally and sacrificially bless others?
2. Wisdom and Revelation in Finances
Ephesians 1:17-18 emphasizes seeking God’s wisdom and revelation in all aspects of life, including finances. When participating in the economy or investing in cryptocurrencies, Christians should pray for discernment and clarity (spiritual assets), ensuring that their actions are aligned with God’s will and not solely driven by financial gain.
In many cases, blessings come from the most unlikely but divinely inspired ideas. But those kinds of ideas, require obedience to the Holy Spirits’ promptings. We need to practice that kind of obedience in the small things and grow in our maturity of that obedience without pride getting in the way.
He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.
Luke 16:10 NKJV
Obedience is a product of the spiritual currency of faithfulness. Invest your faithfulness in the obedience markets.
3. Faithful Stewardship
Your return on investment from investing faithfulness in the obedience markets, is the spiritual growth of your stewardship (asset).
The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:23 highlights the importance of being faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us.
We can reinvest our stewardship assets by our biblically inspired giving to our spiritual storehouse (blog to come), by engaging in responsible investment practices, promoting ethical businesses, and giving back to the community. By employing these principles, we can contribute positively to the Kingdom all the while avoiding the pitfalls of greed and materialism.
4. Guarding against the Love of Money
Pride is the spiritual equivalent of inflation. It will eat away at your spiritual currencies and assets. It will have you in spiritual debt before you can say “me first.”
Pride based investments (those based on any level of the love of money) are as pointless and damaging as losing your second mortgage and family savings at the blackjack table. Despite participating in economic activities, Christians must guard against get rich quick schemes. Pride will have you looking for lazy returns. But kingdom based thinking may cause you to have to work hard.
Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8 NKJV
Get out of pride by investing in contentment and gratitude for what you have.
This kind of spiritual currency investment will help you maintain a healthy perspective on wealth. Regular discussions with your spiritual financial advisor, the Holy Spirit, will prevent you from crossing the line into the love of money.
5. Investing with Kingdom Impact
As Christians, we can leverage the economy of the world to promote Kingdom impact.
Investing in ventures that align with biblical values, supporting charitable causes, and prioritizing sustainable development can create a positive influence in the world.
By seeking the advancement of God’s kingdom through our financial choices, we can honor the divine order of wealth transfer. (Next blog)
Conclusion
Christians can confidently engage with the world’s economy and things like cryptocurrencies, trusting that God’s divine order guides wealth transfer. By prioritizing treasures in heaven, seeking wisdom, and faithfully stewarding resources, we can navigate financial opportunities without becoming lovers of money. While it’s essential to remain mindful of the potential pitfalls, Christians can leverage economic endeavors to impact the world positively, reflecting the values of their faith in all aspects of life.
In blogs to come: Leveraging the World’s Economy, Cryptocurrencies, and Commodities for the Kingdom. What about Divine Wealth Transfer?
One Comment
David Roe
Your first Blog just about blew me away. Ive never looked at “… storing up treasures in heaven…” the way you presented it. This (no. 2 blog) is awesome too. Looking forward to rest. Blessings and peace to you and yours!