7 reasons we *must* talk about money

By Andy O'Connell

Infographic showing the prominence of verses about money

Part 1 of a 3 part blog. Part 2.

What is our problem!? Why do we dislike talking about money so much? Of all the talks we do in church, the one on money is one that most regularly touches a nerve! It has been said, 'If you want to start an argument in Christian circles, bring up tithing!'

We often complain about making majors out of minors, but on this issue why do we make a minor of something that Jesus made a major? Commentator Howard L Dayton notes: 'Jesus talked much about money. Sixteen of the thirty-eight parables were concerned with how to handle money and possessions. In the Gospels, an amazing one out of ten verses (288 in all) deal directly with the subject of money. The Bible offers 500 verses on prayer, less than 500 verses on faith, but more than 2,000 verses on money and possessions.'

So we must ask ourselves, why was it such a regular topic for Jesus and why must we talk about money?

1. We must talk about money because it's a matter of personal discipleship towards spiritual maturity

If it was an important topic for Jesus, it must be for us too! We see that in the people who connected with Jesus. The fraudulent tax collector who became a follower of Jesus made things right with those he had defrauded. The rich young man who Jesus challenged about money, to such an extent that he decides not to become a follower of Jesus. (I note that Jesus didn't say 'Oh, its OK, start following me and we’ll sort that out later', which is an approach we are more likely to take today!) Money touches on generosity, love, obedience, worship - in short, becoming like Jesus.

2. We must talk about money because it's an issue that challenges our culture of consumerism

We live in a conflicted world. Consumerism is global and omnipresent in our society, and yet that same society is also increasingly rightly concerned about ethical purchasing/fairtrade/justice. The gospel has something to say into that culture - and Christians living generously and justly make a powerful statement.

3. We must talk about money because it's an issue that challenges our culture of control

We live in an age where we expect to control every aspect of our environment; through climate control in cars, next day delivery, 24-7 services, and customising almost everything to suit my preferences. We want to be in charge! Going back to the story of the rich ruler who decided not to follow Jesus, I think that was an issue of control more than money. Jesus didn't need his money, but he did need his obedience - and money was the issue that helped Jesus draw out that the man's obedience was not going to be forthcoming.

4. We must talk about money because it's a matter of personal witness

God's people have always been called to be a blessing to the nations - and called back to this mandate if they stray. The important passage in 2 Corinthians 8-9 about generosity and grace comes in the textual context of mission. Earlier chapters deal with being ministers of the New Covenant, displaying the light of the gospel, having a ministry of reconciliation, living as ambassadors for Christ, and the church community being the temple (dwelling place) of the living God. We have a missional mandate! In mission, Jesus needs us to be generous people - with our time, talents, and treasure - and he uses finances as the anvil for that discipleship.

5. We must talk about money because it's a issue that tests and trains our hearts

But Jesus does rather focus in on money as a test case. A 'life verse' for me is Luke 16:10, in which Jesus says 'only the person who is faithful with money can be trusted with spiritual riches'. (God spoke to me through this verse, early in my Christian life, that he wanted me to learn to be a good steward of whatever he put in my hand.) He also says, 'Where your money is, there your heart is'.

6. We must talk about money because it's an issue that tests and trains our trust in God

Tithing is an act of trust. It says 'it all belongs to God anyway, so as a faith response to his generosity, I am going to give back 10% of all that I get. I'm going to trust him that the 90% will be enough'. And by doing that, generations of Christians have discovered that you can't out-give God, you can't out-generous God. In 2 Cor 8 we see that one church gave out of their poverty and discovered God's abundance.

7. We must talk about money because it's an issue for the church community

At the beginning of the church (in the book of Acts) we see that as soon as the church was formed, money was an issue they got right into. In Acts 2 we see that right from the get-go, they shared their stuff. In Acts 5 we read a disturbing account that at the very least shows us that financial discipleship was a key issue for the early church. And in Acts 6 we see a very practical account of the administration of care for widows. So, right as the early church was forming, finance was a significant corporate issue.

For us in Oxford Community Church, we're called by God to be a generous people: seeking the good of the city, committed to the spread of the gospel, blessing the nations here and overseas. We're called to be an 'apostolic base', a church with a heart for others, and which is generous with money, people, time.

During the Turning, God reminded us of this through a prophetic word from Yinka, of our call. He prophesied, 'You're called to transform the nation. You're called to sow out sons and daughters, trusting that what we give, God will give back. You're called to pour out. You'll always have more than enough for yourselves, it will never run dry.' This is a call to generosity!