It’s hard to predict what nations’ economies will look like by the time this article goes to print, but “healthy” is probably not the word that will be used to describe them. The COVID-19 pandemic is sure to reshape economies and many other segments of our globe forever. And now is probably a better time than ever to allow it to reshape our personal financial outlook. Perhaps it’s time for a financial reset.
It’s possible that your view of money has changed over the past few weeks, as well as the amount of it you possess. For some, this might be the first time that financial need has hit you squarely in the face. And now you are struggling to help someone else because you have nothing yourself. News of organizations and local churches providing medical supplies and food in hard-hit areas has been encouraging, but it’s discouraging when you have nothing to personally give to further these critical causes. Maybe it’s time for a financial reset.
Just weeks or months ago it may have been important to be seen wearing the latest fashions, using the newest phones, having our children enrolled in the most popular schools, driving the nicest cars and posting photos of our exotic vacation destinations. How important does it seem today? Am I the only one feeling convicted about what I spent on some of these things when I could have used that money now to potentially save lives? Our view of money may need a scriptural realignment, and that’s what this issue is all about. It is indeed time for a financial reset.
In this issue, we will examine money’s purpose and potential, as well as its use and abuse. We will see that money is a tool. Many good things can be done with it when used properly. Of course, many destructive things can also be done with money when used improperly. A chainsaw in my hand is likely to be destructive, but in the hands of my father-in-law, an incredibly productive and powerful tool. Some of the following articles show that money can be a trap. We need to be on guard not to fall into the destructive snare of love for money (1Ti 6:9-10). But more than anything, money is a test of our values, priorities and character. In our mad pursuit to “keep up with the Joneses,” how much money have we thrown away, ignoring (purposefully or ignorantly) the need of so many around us?
The final test of what we do with our money is coming. Even for those who have had little money in this life, the final personal audit at the Judgment Seat of Christ will include how we used it. And for those who had plenty, we should remember the words of our Lord: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required” (Luk 12:48 NET).
So read this issue, along with your Bible, and hit the reset button.
