For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light. Luke 16:8b
God is not only interested in the salvation of the soul and the spiritual growth to be like Jesus Christ, but He also wants us to be smart about money. God owns every resource on earth, and He takes delight when His children manage it well to bring honour to Him. In the just-ended PTS in Accra, Mr. Samuel Kofi Asiamah, FHI Executive Director, engaged participants in a mentoring discussion focused on managing money: tools, tactics, and time.
The session began with the meaning of money as a system that allows exchanges for goods and services. It continued with how we get money through earnings from work or investments or receive it as a gift, inheritance, or loan. Aftermath: The Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1–13) was used as a case study for the mentoring session discussion.
A dishonest manager is commended for his shrewdness in settling debts, despite his questionable ethics. In this parable, the unjust manager looked ahead, had a plan, and acted quickly. In so doing, Christians are expected to strive to think ahead in matters of money (future investment), have a plan for their money (budget), and act time-consciously (time value of money).
Mr. Asiamah emphasised that money is a tool to be used for God’s purposes. We are not to hoard it, stockpile it or worship it. He added that money is an acid test for our faith. How we handle money as Christians shows what we love most, who we trust most, and if God can trust us with money.
The key takeaways drawn from the mentoring sessions are:
#1. Make wise financial decisions via routine budgeting and expense tracking.
#2. Investing in long-term wealth through routine budgeting of 10% to God, 30% as an investment for the future, and 60% spending.
#3. Priorities: need over wants; avoid impulse buying; and build emergency funds for future uncertainties.
In conclusion, God wants us to be smart with money, using our resources wisely and productively. By embracing Jesus’ teachings in this unjust manager parable, we can honour God with our finances and live a life of purpose and freedom. Let us strive to be good stewards, investing in eternity and bringing glory to God.
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