Part one (chapters one through three) of this book focused on our core worldview beliefs-how these can help us or hinder us from living more into the life of Jesus. On that issue, please consult relevant sources cited in the notes. It is a hazardous resource, certainly, but within a redeemed community there should be the wisdom and grace available to handle wealth responsibly.” 3 Only brief comments are mentioned about the dangers of money. Andrew Perriman notes, “We cannot ignore the fact that wealth is a positive resource. Perhaps record the questions that come to mind and note which items were addressed and which items need further study.ĭue to space limits, I’ll our focus on the potentially good aspects of the topic as related to our formation. I invite readers to work through the whole chapter before drawing preliminary conclusions. Aspects of the discussion on work and money may seem new. Consequently, the initial section of the chapter explores the subject of work, which in many cases is the means we engage to earn money for our material needs. Also, clarifying an understanding of a biblical view of money requires some idea about a biblical view of work. Yet Jesus’ teachings on money have been perceived as difficult to harmonize and difficult to discern the meaning of, reminding us of the challenges of interpretation raised in chapter one. This chapter’s purpose is to explore Jesus’ life and teaching on these matters and offer suggestions for our formation. France summarizes that, “One indication of a person’s spiritual health is their generosity or lack of it in the use of their material possessions.” 2 When was the last time we thought about our reputation regarding our possessions on loan from God? Do we lean toward being more tight-fisted or more open-handed? It’s ultimately God’s money we’re managing, so shouldn’t it be easier to give away someone else’s money? Loving God means developing a proper attitude about money, as noted in the verse at the beginning of the chapter. But if your eyes are stingy your whole body will be full of darkness” (Mt 6:22-23, Lk 11:34, emphasis added). This verse comes next, “If your eyes are generous, your whole body will be full of light. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mt 6:21, Lk 12:33).
Jesus regards our attitudes about money as very important in the formation of our character.
Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. Excerpt from Chapter 8, pages 184-197Ĭhapter 8: THREE EXEMPLARY JESUS PRACTICES ABOUT MONEY AND WORK
Used by permission of InterVarsity Press, P.O. Excerpt from Living into the Life of Jesus: The Formation of Christian Character by Klaus Issler © 2012.
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