I’ve heard it said that “God doesn’t need your money.”
I’ve heard this from people I respect, people I admire, and people who mean it well.
But I disagree with them.
When I’ve heard this in the past, it’s often in the context of calling business leaders and others to stop “just writing checks” and get out there “in the world.” And while I think this is well-intended advice, it is often misleading.
I don’t want a man who is skilled at business and at maximizing profits and managing people effectively, out in the fields sweating. Not because it is beneath him, but because it is not his purpose.
Purpose
A business leader’s purpose is to advance the Kingdom of God through earning money and giving it away.
Because Sally went to work last week, seven orphanages were built in India. She used her skills to provide housing for hundreds of children.
Because Kevin used his skills, someone had the money to get clean water to 65 families in Africa. He followed his calling and provided the essence of life to hundreds of people.
Because Marie acted on her purpose, hundreds of children lived rather than dying of malnourishment.
Yes, God needs your money…if that is your purpose.
God needs your money the same as he needs preachers, Sunday School teachers, church janitors, and missionaries. What God needs…and wants…is for us to follow our calling, whatever that is. He wants us to use the skills we have been blessed with, whether they are in heavy lifting, teaching, or in making money. And if that calling is making money, then yes, He needs your money.
What is your purpose and how are you using it?
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My father is a pastor and he has always said we should use what ever talents we have to support the kingdom. Like the body, each of us have different functions, everyone can’t be the hands, no more that can everyone be the brain. It takes everyone working together to accomplish any goal. In business we know there has to be a finacial supporter before you can sell anything, make anything or ship anything. Money drives the wheels and make things possible. If we understand that about business, then why should we think anything different about the church. God has strategically placed each one of us.
Beautifully stated.
This made me think of a former boss who told me his story. He wanted so bad to go into ministry, but all of the doors kept closing. Finally, he took a strengths/spiritual gifts test and it was obvious…he was to go into business.
He is now a successful entrepreneur supporting missions all over the world. And even he will admit now that he would have been horrible as a pastor 🙂
My pastor says this too, but follows it up with the following. “God doesn’t want your money. He wants your heart. When he has your heart, your money follows.” It’s the same thing you are suggesting. God wants us to use our talents and gifts for him. Good reminder!
That is the most important part…but first that mindset barrier has to be broken…that somehow money is inherently evil.
It’s the old Gnosticism rearing its ugly head, I do believe. The idea that the things of this world are dirty, and the things “spiritual” are inherently clean and wonderful. “Om, mane padme ommm….”
There is definitely a lot that can be accomplished if we become generous. Last summer, generosity built a house in Guatemala. This summer, we’ll be doing other things thanks to the generosity of others.
I want to be a man of action – and part of that action includes giving. Great reminder, Matt!
Beautiful, Jon. You sucked the words right out of my pen.
My purpose is to light the spark of possibility in others, to get them to run toward possibility even if it seems risky. We’re born to “Run With Scissors.”
In my leadership teaching, I discuss traits before techniques, and one of the essential leadership traits is generosity.
I agree with you and @jonstolpe:disqus.
Beautiful!
Dang. Good post! I totally agree. As much as I might think it’s more noble for me to actually be working in a charity for 20 hours a week than for Bill Gates to cut a check to that same charity for a million dollars…lets be honest, Bill did more good writing that check than he could have just showing up–not because showing up is a bad thing, but because he has a unique ability that I don’t: To write a check with lots of zeros at the end!
It’s like when Paul talks about the parts of the body. Not everyone is an arm…or a leg…or the head. And one can’t tell the other that it has no need for it. Likewise we all have different purposes and different skill sets.
Cookie cutter solutions to ministering and serving others will most assuredly leave needs unmet!
So what is my purpose? I believe my purpose centers around teaching and inspiring others and helping them run their businesses in a more effective manner.
You have indeed found your purpose. Finding it is more than half the battle because passion will sustain you through the ups and downs.
Keep going my friend!
Thanks!
My Purpose : to bring success to others. Everyone knows that Zig Ziglar quote, right? 😉
My purpose is leading me to create my Dojo, The Leadership Dojo. Main, I love that I found people who believe the same things I do. Great post Matt!
I’m sooo pumped to interview you as a Friday Featured Senpai!
That is a great purpose Alex!
AWESOME!!!! This is the crux of emotional intelligence. Thank you for a great post!