High Stakes

Perhaps you’ve heard the tale of the three bricklayers working on a project. When asked what they were making, the first said, “$28 an hour.” The next replied, “We’re making a wall to help support the roof.” But the third said, “We’re building a cathedral for worshipping God!”

All were engaged in the same task. Only one caught the bigger vision.

I imagine a new version of the story featuring three investors making trades as they implement SMI’s fund recommendations. Someone asks what they’re doing. One investor says, “Oh, just placing some fund orders.” Another replies, “I’m investing for the future.” But the third responds, “I’m managing God’s money for His glory.”

When it comes to handling money, do you have a big vision? Or do you think of paying bills, investing, and giving to your church as simply part of a humdrum routine?

If you’re thinking falls along “humdrum” lines, then you’ve lost sight of the big — and exciting — picture. Your financial decisions have the potential for life-changing blessings and eternal impact — for you, your loved ones, and those you minister to through your giving! By perceiving the big picture and making wise decisions, your efforts will bring a smile to the Master, just as the actions of the faithful stewards did in the parable of the talents.

In contrast, indifference and lack of discipline lead to stewardship failures that waste a lifetime of opportunities. Consider these common failings:

• Failing to develop a spending plan that would help generate a monthly surplus;
• Failing to build a contingency fund;
• Failing to prioritize giving generously to the Lord and His kingdom work;
• Failing to be responsible in the use of credit;
• Failing to live in a home or drive a car that’s within one’s financial means;
• Failing to contribute strategically to an IRA or 401(k);
• Failing to learn the basics about investing wisely.

Taken individually, most of the stewardship tasks mentioned above aren’t particularly difficult. However, all require self-discipline. They take effort and a degree of sacrifice. But the end result is worth it. Not only because good stewards enjoy greater success in money matters but, more importantly, living up to one’s stewardship potential brings glory to our gracious God. Pastor and author John Piper put it this way in his book Pierced by the Word: God made us with the highest creaturely purpose in mind — to enjoy and display the Creator’s glory. This is why we were made (“All things were created through Him and for Him”– Colossians 1:16 ESV). This is why we eat and drink (“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”– 1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV). This is why we pray (“Whatever you ask the Father in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son”– John 14:13 ESV). This is why we do all good deeds (“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”– Matthew 5:16 ESV).

That is why we exist — to display the glory of God.... When we fulfill this reason for being, we have substance. There is weight and significance in our existence. Knowing, enjoying, and thus displaying the glory of God is a sharing in the glory of God. Not that we become God. But something of His greatness and beauty is on us as we realize this purpose for our being....

Not to fulfill this purpose for human existence is to be a mere shadow of the substance we were created to have. Not to display God’s worth by enjoying Him above all things is to be a mere echo of the music we were created to make. This is a great tragedy. Humans are not made to be mere shadows and echoes. We were made to have God-like substance and make God-like music and have God-like impact. That is what it means to be created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

Dear reader, be not shadows and echoes.... Set your face like flint to see and know and enjoy and live in the light of the Lord....

Death will but dispatch you to paradise. And what you leave behind will not be a mere shadow or echo, but a tribute on earth, written in heaven, to the triumphant grace of God.

Image used with permission