A New Understanding of Money and the War for it

cash money
I recently heard a pastor (Gary Hewins CBC Highlands) give a sermon on Revelation 21:1-8. He spoke of making all things new, a new heaven, new understandings, perspectives and actions in our lives. He preached on Christ making all things new. I believe we also need a new understanding of money.
A lot of people think of money as a tool and therefore seek to use it from that understanding. Christ taught that money was a potential master and that man could be subject to serving it, not the other way around (Matthew 6:24). With that setup, money is more likely to use men than men use money.

 

It was in this light that I read the Pope’s comments after the priest in France had his throat cut. I’m not Catholic, but I recognize Biblical wisdom. The Pope’s comments focused on the fact the world is at war and there is a battle to master and control men. The Pope said it quite bluntly.

“The world is at war because it has lost peace,” he said.

“There is a war of interest, there is a war for money, a war for natural resources, a war to dominate people,” he continued.

He specifically noted there is a war for money. That speaks loudly to me and rings true. There has always been war for money, that’s not new. But, in 2016 the war for money is front and center in your house…in the cost of your kids college education increasing despite no inflation, the price of your groceries and healthcare going up, the interest rate you don’t get paid on your savings due to zero interest rate policies by the Central Bank, the cost of debt if you miss a payment or two on your credit card because your credit rating is a player in the war for money.

The face of money is changing right before our very eyes as well. Digital currencies, Bitcoin and the disappearance of cash in general. There is a movement to remove the $100 bill from circulation which represents around 70% of all cash in the system. There are new currencies and world currencies being issued by nations and central banks including China (ever heard of the SDR)?? Not to mention what is yet to come. At some point the book of Revelation talks about a particular “mark” you will need just to buy and sell.

Christians may need a new understanding of money and the war that surrounds it. Christians do need a Biblical mindset and understanding of what money is and what Christ taught about it.  Jesus taught money reveals your heart….and the heart of those who battle and war for it. Jesus said you need to focus on the owner of all things (money) and not just your stewardship of them. Jesus said the only way to do that is by asking Him with each financial decision…pray about every financial decision. There is more to understanding money than staying out of debt and tithing.

Money is NOT evil and it is necessary for everyday living. Paul reminded believers in the book of Ephesians, that we don’t battle against flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities. It appears the current war for money is being waged by institutions and sovereigns….or is it? If we continue to use our “old” wisdom and understanding of money and war, I am afraid we will not see or understand the new war that is going on around us with and for money…and in turn, our souls.

We may need the Holy Spirit to give us a new view on money and the war for it. A spiritual view. His view and not our own.

About Me

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A husband for 32 years, a father for 24, a financial advisor for 30, a Christ follower for 45, a speaker and a writer but who am I ? I am a coach, student, teacher, servant and soldier of Jesus Christ. Don’t let that scare some of you away or turn you off.

I am convicted to be more intentional with my time and talents everyday. At 55, I have seen there is a beginning and an end to all things, and I am just now learning to embrace and love that fact.

I believe in encouraging and challenging all people, believers and non-believers…I KNOW time is fleeting and we should make the most of EVERY opportunity…I believe we should focus on what unites us and not what divides us…I believe we live in a world at war between good and evil, and Christ won that war over 2000 years ago…I believe we are spiritual beings temporarily living in a physical body…I believe since Christ won the war, it is incumbent upon us to stand firm in that victory…I believe Jesus is making all things new and His Holy Spirit is alive and well.

My passion is to speak up and identify the truth…and to expose that which is not, all in a spirit of love. My heart is for discipleship. We are all disciples of something, the question is what ?

Welcome to My Blog

 

Parks-Brown_Jesus_OR_Money

My name is Parks Brown and this is my new blog. The purpose of this blog is for me to do and start something new…to be open to discuss things old and new…things related to money, time, fiscal and financial in the world in 2016…to study and discuss things that lead to spiritual maturity and unity…to pursue and identify truth…and to do so with spiritual eyes and ears directed by the Word of God. Yes, this is a lofty target and way more than I am capable of doing alone. Therefore, I invite you to read, contribute and discuss along with me.

Time and money are two of my favorite subjects. We see and hear about time and money everywhere and everyday. Time and money are two topics that are on the front page of every newspaper and sports section. Time and money are in the headlines of every newscast, in the lyrics of our music and in our conversations each day. Time and money are also two things Jesus talked and taught about 2000 years ago as well….but He did it quite differently than we do today.

Jesus made all things new. His life was a model for a new understanding of time. He came into time, made use of it then wrecked our understanding of it when He died on the cross and came back to life. He proved that through Him time was not defined by life or death as we knew it.

Jesus wrecked a similar understanding of money. He taught it was a master, not a tool. He taught that man would have to decide between serving it or God. He showed money was a red flag to determine what was in the depths of a man’s heart and that money was not necessarily the measure of God’s blessing.

Jesus made all things new, especially our understanding of time and money. Fast forward 2000 and some odd years later and what does our world have to show for His life and teachings on money and time? What do His followers believe today about time and money…do His followers believe any differently because of His teachings? Do we live any differently because of His life and teachings?

Jesus is still making things new…and I believe we ain’t seen nothing yet.

I look forward to hearing from you and watching what He does through this endeavor. All for His glory. In the name of His son, Jesus…amen.