The Heart of Financial Stewardship

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At the heart of 2008  global recession, many individuals were eaten up by two emotional juggernaut namely greed and fear, when you cannot manage both it can paralyze or decapitate your long-term financial success. Like any other financial crisis the self-preservation became the starting point of a longer process of economic recovery. The good news is there’s hope that we can outsmart that thinking by knowing who we are and what character should we learn in handling our finances.

A Christian perspective towards global economy should be different from common people. Your true identity that you need to embrace is  you are a very wise fund manager who properly allocate money not only for your existence but also to use it in a more unselfish ways. You don't own anything, that big house that you have, those large asset class portfolios, tons of businesses you are managing are just all resources. A simple principle can be found from the first commandment given to Adam (the first man in the book of Genesis)was to manage everything he could see in the garden. Stewardship is more than spending, saving and investing.

 

Giving is the center of every financial management. If you wanted to change the course of your community and a nation you should also include your money  that you are using as you serve today. Look into the philanthropic activities of those large organizations, the upcoming trend of social entrepreneurship that giving back to our society and environment. These are some good ways of managing funds. As we relate it to your personal finance, learn to give. I recently had a conversation with a highly respectful doctor. He told me that he have investments in different asset class such as mutual funds, stocks, real estate properties and more than enough cash to live but his problem is he still thinks those money are still not enough for him even he’s been frugal throughout his life. I asked him “How’s your giving fund?”, he responded with pure honesty and told me that “I noticed that as I grow older, wiser and earning big bucks I’m becoming more selfish”. Advertisements nowadays says about having more means you’ll be happier but for how long? I cannot blame that doctor, because inside our inner system giving is total counter intuitive.

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Your goal is to maximize your money while you are here on Earth. In a simple context use your funds not just for your pleasure but learn to give and stop using the clench fist financial planning. In God's economy we are all blessed and no scarcity.  When you practice  being a good manager and conscious  leader definitely you will inspire your followers or even young generations. You will stop a vicious cycle that will free everyone from a self entitled culture. 

Giving your Tithes, supporting worlds missions, continuously funding a non -profit organization to reach wide range of people are outstanding forms of selflessness. Money can be use to sustain wars, build iron towers, create roads and expand the kingdom of God. After all, it can change lives. 

Let us all make poverty a history 

David Isaiah Angway is a Financial Evangelist

 

Why Financial Discipleship is important



What would happen if your families were able to focus on establishing a legacy not only for themselves and their children, but for future generations and even the world? That is one of the many question Dave Ramsey threw at you when you read his book (The Legacy Journey). Imagine a world of no scams because everyone is too smart to get into their traps. Think about retirees that got sufficient money till the end of his life.  Crazy kids who are giving generously beyond what they can for the needy. I wish this can happen soon. The book has a lot of biblical concepts so you will surely enjoy this since it speaks the truth in love.

Let me share some of the meaningful information that we will get from the book.

1.      There are more than 2,000 Scriptures on money and stewardship, yet many people are frustrated when it comes to their finances because they haven’t learned and applied them.

2.      The Employee Benefit Research Institute found that 70% of workers say they are not where they need to be with retirement savings.

3.      Culture would lead us to believe wealth is either inherently evil or that acquiring as much wealth as possible is the ultimate goal, neither of which is based in Scripture.

4.      According to studies performed by Empty Tomb, church giving has not exceeded 3% as a portion of income in 40 years.

5.      In a culture motivated by bigger and better, we often don’t prioritize developing a heart of generosity.

6.      78% of Americans today die without a valid will.

Source: The Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsey

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever .  1 Timothy  5:8

David Isaiah Angway is a Financial Evangelist

How to start the year with your finances

Last year was a blast for me. I achieved the discipline of saving and giving consistently. Well it was good but I know this year will become better. But, how do we normally start with our finances this year if we are in a massive debt or how to practically start from the very scratch.. I got basic steps for you. This is not a quick step guide how to be a millionaire but every millionaire know this.

1. Evaluate your past year

Get a piece of paper and start by evaluating your past performances because you will confront your weakness and opportunities. Many of us don't know where they are now but they know where to go. You need to face the truth that you are currently in a bad situation or you are not progressing with your financial goals. By simply doing that you will achieve more because of awareness.

2. Read a lot and apply

The late Ernie barron said that Knowledge is power but for me without applying what you know you are useless. Many of us know that we need to do something but we are always procrastinating (ouch). Your finances is very important and you must believe that this will be resurrected this year. You need to read blogs or books, follow personal finance guru like dave ramsey, randell tiongson, suze orman or larry burkett. They taught me a lot by simply following their personal finance tips.

3. You must Pray according to His will and expect an answer

There's a lot of distraction and things that we cannot control in this life. Perhaps you might be wandering right now what to do with your finances or you don't know what to do because you are in massive credit card debt. Prayer is so powerful because you are letting God move in areas of your life. In the bible God says a lot about money. More than 2000 verses in the bible and that means God wants you to prosper all you need to do is to follow those principle that He keeps on telling you. Grab a bible start reading the works of Solomon (wisest king ever lived) the book of proverbs contains a lot of stewardship and financial management principles so might as well read it and apply.   

Start strong but end stronger. Never lose hope

If you have questions send me an email at david_angway@yahoo.com

David Isaiah Angway is a Registered Financial Planner and a Financial Evangelist