Enduring Wealth E-Book

Raymond Harris

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 265

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Find the secrets of success in God's kingdom.   Wealth in a steward's hands is powerful. With spiritual guidance and discernment, you can use your giftedness for God's glory and yield incredible returns of eternal impact.   After years of investing in both successful and failed ventures, Raymond H. Harris shares how he has seen God multiply human efforts when people faithfully steward all God has given them. Based on biblical principles of stewardship and investing, Enduring Wealth will encourage you to   - build economic engines to cultivate assets for God's kingdom, - understand how to convert earthly assets into kingdom capital, - give with wisdom and a joyful heart, - foster partnerships and friendships with others to serve, - listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, and - live with an eternal mindset.   Watch God transform the world as you place your earthly treasures in His hands.  

Leseprobe

If you want to make a difference with the resources you have, invite Raymond Harris to share his experience on how to be an effective steward. Reading Enduring Wealth will change the way you invest in God’s work in this world.

Stan Jantz, best-selling author; CEO, Come and See Foundation

As a Christian who participated in the world of business for over forty years, I always struggled with the integration of my wealth and faith. I greatly admire how Raymond has thoughtfully developed an understanding of wealth from a biblical perspective and has invested his wealth in the kingdom in an intentional way that increases human flourishing. My goal is to integrate many of his beliefs and principles described in these pages into my ministry going forward. This is a must-read for anyone questioning the purpose of work and use of their wealth accumulation.

David Ridley, founder and CEO, Invesco Real Estate; guest speaker; mentor

Raymond Harris is the real deal! Read this book, and you will witness a man devoted to stewardship. My friend Raymond wrote Enduring Wealth based on both Scripture and a life of experience (with ups and downs and lessons learned) as he has attempted to be effective and efficient in how he uses the resources God has given him for His glory.

Bob Doll, chief investment officer, Crossmark Global Investments; former chief equity strategist or investment officer, Nuveen, BlackRock, Merrill (formerly Merrill Lynch), and OppenheimerFunds

Many men and women create wealth, but few understand its purpose. This book is a treasure map, the shortcut for us to learn what took Raymond Harris years to uncover. As a highly successful architect, Raymond has thought deeply about God’s designs for wealth, but even more importantly, he has learned to live them out. I’m proud to call Raymond Harris a friend and an exemplary gospel patron.

John Rinehart, founder and CEO, Gospel Patrons; author, Gospel Patrons

Raymond Harris has the courage to write this needed and excellent book. It contains authentic stories that may challenge your way of thinking about generosity. He shares how to convert earthly assets into kingdom capital that you will be able to enjoy for all eternity.

Howard Dayton, founder, Crown Financial Ministries and Compass—Finances God’s Way; author

I’m a richer man after reading this book. I love the way that Raymond has tackled a topic that is on the minds and hearts of all of us. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for every faith-driven entrepreneur and faith-driven investor.

Henry Kaestner, cofounder, Faith Driven Entrepreneur and Faith Driven Investor; cofounder, Sovereign’s Capital, Bandwidth, and Republic Wireless

My friend Raymond is as kingdom minded and gospel focused as anyone I know in the business world. He and his family want their lives to count for the few things that will last forever and matter most. This focus drives his and his wife’s every decision. They live within the reality of “to whom much is given much is required,” and this helps them make the most of every opportunity. Their stewardship is bearing enduring fruit, and I have no doubt they will hear our Lord say, “Well done.” God gave them many talents, and they are investing them wisely and offering all the return back to God. You’ll enjoy Raymond’s story in Enduring Wealth.

Todd Peterson, NFL placekicker (1993–2005); chairman, Pro Athletes Outreach; former CEO, Seed Company; founder, illumiNations

Raymond presents a new and dynamic perspective on giving and stewardship. His creative use of stories powerfully captures this radical way to invest in God’s kingdom. The resulting approach will change your view of donating and, in the process, put you in a better position to convert your earthly assets into real kingdom capital that will endure through eternity.

Thomas C. Leppert, business executive; former CEO, Turner Corporation; former mayor, Dallas, Texas

I’ve been waiting for this book for five years—ever since the day Raymond Harris told me he was trying to figure out how one converts the currency of the world into the treasures of heaven (see Matthew 6:20). His answer is a stunning vision of God’s kingdom economy. This extraordinarily personal and practical book will prove valuable for anyone, but it’s especially relevant for the rich and those who partner with them. It should be a required textbook for the growing impact and faith-driven investment communities and every Christian nonprofit. I am deeply blessed to know Raymond as a friend, and reading his book is like having a conversation with him. He’s simply the real deal.

Bill Hendricks, president, The Giftedness Center; executive director of Christian Leadership, The Hendricks Center at Dallas Theological Seminary

Enduring Wealth provides valuable insights into the beliefs and practices that guide this committed business leader, husband, father, investor, donor, and faithful steward. Raymond writes with both candor and care for those who yearn for a more meaningful relationship with Jesus and money.

Chuck Bentley, CEO, Crown Financial Ministries; founder, Christian Economic Forum; author

Conversations about money cause some to feel guilty and others to feel weary, but this book by Raymond Harris will leave you feeling inspired and empowered. Substantiated by personal examples, Enduring Wealth provides a refreshing and godly take on how to think about money. With grace and conviction, Raymond shares how you can experience the joy that comes from powering God’s economic engine for the glory of His name.

Nick Pitts, PhD, former executive director, Institute of Global Engagement at Dallas Baptist University; current events blogger

I learned years ago from one of my ministry mentors the value of being a student of great people—people great in character and godly wisdom. Therefore, you need this book by my friend Raymond Harris. God has blessed all of us with resources. Be a student and learn from the best. Raymond doesn’t just talk it. He walks it.

Mark M. Yarbrough, president, Dallas Theological Seminary

The title and subtitle for Raymond Harris’s masterful book are perfect descriptions of the challenge he puts before us. What does it mean to be “rich in this world and the next”? How do you build “enduring wealth”? The candor with which he shares his personal stories—successes and failures—provides insight for reflection. If you want to be on the path to hearing God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and building enduring wealth, I recommend you read Raymond’s book with a pen in hand.

David Simms, managing partner and founder, Talanton; former president, Opportunity US; former White House Fellow

Raymond Harris draws on his wealth of experience in effectively earning, managing, sharing, and investing the substantial material resources God has entrusted to him. Regardless of the magnitude of their financial portfolio, Enduring Wealth is a crucial read for anyone who aspires to hear their Master say, “Well done.” For those with significant financial assets, Harris shows a pathway to unlocking untapped kingdom potential and envision possibilities you may not have considered before.

William C. Peel, DMin, president and founder, 24Seven Project (24SevenFaith.com); author

Enduring Wealth is a compelling reflection on a lifetime of stewarding God’s resources to build God’s kingdom. Raymond’s experiences and insights are worth reading for anyone interested in how to be increasingly rich toward God.

Todd Harper, cofounder, Generous Giving

I have loved reading Raymond Harris’s book. Not only does it help us think with honesty and excitement about the money and gifts God has given us, but it also comes from Raymond, one person who ruthlessly practices these principles. He is a true partner who prays, encourages, advises, and pours himself wholeheartedly into people and projects of eternal worth.

Keith Getty, modern hymn writer and Grammy-nominated artist, Getty Music

Raymond Harris has creatively invested his life and his finances in God’s kingdom for decades. When he speaks—or writes—I listen.

Alan Barnhart, CEO, Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Raymond Harris has done it again. This is a must-read book for kingdom leaders. This powerfully insightful book with practical wisdom is sure to make an eternal impact.

Adam C. Wright, PhD, president, Dallas Baptist University

Enduring Wealth is more than just a book on stewardship. It is an autobiographical compilation of a lifelong spiritual journey that the Lord has taken Raymond Harris on. I have been blessed to be a recipient of Raymond’s stewardship, and I have learned countless lessons from his perspective on stewarding God’s resources. I believe anyone who reads this work will be challenged and inspired to look at their own resources through a new lens and will learn how they, too, have been entrusted to make an impact for eternity.

Nathan H. Sheets, CEO, Nature Nate’s Honey Company

In this deeply personal book, Raymond Harris shares a lifetime of lessons of how to steward the money entrusted to us. He shows us how we can loosen our grasp, open our hands, adopt an eternal perspective, and then invest wisely and well in what will last.

Mark Holman, CEO and chairman, Expanesthetics Inc.

BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC

Savage, Minnesota, USA

BroadStreetPublishing.com

Enduring Wealth: Being Rich in This World and the Next

Copyright © 2024 Raymond Harris

9781424568826 (hardcover)

9781424568833 (ebook)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked EHV are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®). Copyright © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible. Copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Cover and interior by Garborg Design Works | garborgdesign.com

Printed in China

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1: Redefining Wealth

Chapter 2: It’s Okay to Be Rich

Chapter 3: Stewardship Is a Journey

Chapter 4: God Redeems Broken People

Chapter 5: Advice for the Rich

Chapter 6: Why Work—Really?

Chapter 7: Developing Economic Engines

Chapter 8: The Chief Purpose of Business in God’s Economy

Chapter 9: Investment Opportunities

Chapter 10: Raising Leaders, Not Organizations

Chapter 11: The Challenges of Fundraising

Chapter 12: Life Is Hard, and Time Is Short

Chapter 13: Kingdom Treasures

Chapter 14: The Great Accounting

Chapter 15: The Commendation

Acknowledgments

About the Author

 

Chapter 1

REDEFINING WEALTH

MEETING JOHN ENRIGHT

After a brutal twenty-hour flight, we arrived in Cape Town, South Africa. I was traveling with a group of businessmen looking for opportunities to invest in African businesses that would help Christian ministries become sustainable. Our entourage toured several places before getting to Lusaka, Zambia. From there we took a long van ride on a two-lane road to Ndola in northern Zambia, just short of Congo.

I was warned, “You will be meeting with a pastor named John Enright. He has quite a different viewpoint from what you probably expect. Watch out.”

Upon arrival at John’s Kafakumba pastor-training school, we were greeted with a warm smile and cold iced tea. Quite a treat for weary travelers in the African summer.

Sitting on a green concrete patio on the front porch of John’s home, I saw a lot of activity. But I heard even more: a sawmill in the background along with the distant chattering of workers. Over my left shoulder was the school and the sound of a class in session.

John began to tell a little bit about his story and how Kafakumba began, saying, “I grew up in a mud hut, the son of missionary parents in Congo.” He now knew five languages fluently, was immersed in the culture, and, although part American, was “all African.” John waved his hands as he talked about God’s kingdom and how important it was to work effectively in it. “I decided long ago that business was one of the best ways to spread the gospel,” he said. “It has enabled me to support myself as well as the numerous pastors who come to be trained in the center.”

I studied John’s eyes and saw something I’ve seldom seen before—and had been warned about. He was not wild-eyed, but you could see a spirit of godliness and eternal vision in his gaze. Some would classify him as bombastic, but I saw a resemblance to the personality of my own father.

John continued, “I want businesses to support my ministry work so I don’t have to rely on US donations. And I’ll tell you frankly, many American missionaries here are painfully ineffective.”

Obviously opinionated, he seemed to know what he believed. And he lived it out. Some of the guys in our group were taken aback by what he was saying, but I was drawn in. As I listened intently, I began to feel the Holy Spirit over my shoulder saying, I want you to be involved with John. This quiet whisper in the back of my mind made me listen even more intently.

On the trip back to Cape Town, from where we would fly back to America, I wondered what my involvement might be. I didn’t know this man, but I was intrigued by what he had said. And I certainly agreed with the idea of sustainable missions. But what could I do? The Holy Spirit seemed to say, I want you to invest $250,000 in John’s businesses.

Back home, I talked to my wife, Marydel. She was supportive, and we sent the money through another mission organization. I took this step to remain anonymous. Not yet knowing John well, I didn’t want to adversely influence an undeveloped relationship by causing John to see me only as a “money man” for whatever he needed.

The mission organization I had chosen to distribute the money wanted to divide it so that a portion could go to another project in a neighboring country. Because I didn’t know John well yet—but I did have confidence in this organization—I acquiesced. The plan was not exactly what I had heard the Holy Spirit tell me, but the logic seemed reasonable. John received $100,000 while the other effort received $150,000. Although a bit confused, I trusted this other organization’s wisdom.

What I did not know was that John truly needed the money. It may seem weird that a missionary would be in this much financial trouble, but his circumstances were unusual. The unstable Zambian economy forced him to borrow money at exorbitant interest rates from the local bank. He needed capital to build the economic engine that would keep his work running sustainably and avoid future debt. I’ll talk more about economic engines later, but suffice it to say that John was truly building a business model that would support not only his ministry but also thousands of Zambian villagers.

I developed a long-distance friendship with John over the next year. I soon returned to Zambia after the Holy Spirit prompted me again to help John with his ministry. Traveling with several Christian friends, we arrived at John’s house in Ndola, and he greeted us warmly. Then John took just three of us to a back room of his house.

Looking directly at me, John said, “You’re the one who sent the money earlier.”

“Yes,” I said. “How did you know?”

“I just figured it out.”

“Well, let me tell you what I’ve figured out,” I said. “I believe that the Holy Spirit had led me to give you a larger amount at the outset. I agreed to an adjustment of that plan, but I am convinced that the original amount I was prompted to give is still the right amount. So I’ve come with another $150,000.”

John began to cry. And, of course, I joined him. I can’t explain it; I was just overwhelmed with emotion. The whole room was.

“You don’t know what this means,” John said. “I was into the bank for $150,000 at a 30 percent interest rate, and I just couldn’t make the payments. The money you are bringing is the exact amount needed to cancel the debt. This will make our ministry and our businesses whole.”

He paused to steady his emotions. “And another thing. A man in my church came to me awhile back. He prophesied that a man would be coming to bring exactly the money we needed and that he would be coming with a group of fellows. You see, this prophecy given to me several months ago has now been fulfilled in this room.”

I was floored by what God was doing behind the scenes. The Holy Spirit seemed to be orchestrating not only the first gift but also the timing of the second gift in order to build a relationship with John. Although the first gift was originally anonymous, the second gift was given with full disclosure as a blessing.

This began a wonderful relationship over the next ten years. Together John and I developed a flourishing business model. There were many failures. In fact, we experienced nine business failures before the two major businesses worked. But the ones that worked really worked—on a scale that’s hard to imagine.

Now you know how this story of unusual stewardship began. I’ll tell you more of my journey with John later.

ARE YOU RICH?

While traveling frequently around the world, I’ve noticed the poverty and pain that plague the masses. Walking among the poor on five continents over the past ten years has brought me face-to-face with an unshakable reality: much of the world barely survives from day to day. The ravages of poverty create problems so complex that they seem unsolvable. In fact, I believe that poverty is one of the most complicated problems on earth.

You will probably say that you are not rich because you know many people who have more than you. But compared to most of the world’s population, I bet that your financial net worth makes you very rich. I have been blessed to live in comfort, wealth, and privilege far beyond most of the world. I realize that this is a gift from God and not just the product of my own doing. First Chronicles 29:12 states, “Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.”

The world assumes that the value of life is measured by possessions, but Jesus, in Luke 12:15, warns us to be on guard against that false assumption. We don’t work just to accumulate, spend, or save. It’s about more than just our needs and those of our family. The obsession to make as much money as possible and accumulate as much as possible in this life is shortsighted. Making money and accumulating wealth can be a great blessing. But if we miss the main purpose, we end up with possessions that disappoint us in this life and will not accompany us in death.

When Jesus talked about the financially wealthy on earth, it was usually in contrast to the poor on earth who had wealth in heaven. He never condemned the rich for being rich but for trusting in their riches and remaining blind to God’s purposes because of their riches. To them, He issued serious warnings, all the while demonstrating that true wealth has ultimate and eternal importance and is stored and transported in the heart.

The real question is this: Are you rich in God’s economy? As rich as the poor widow who gave her last coin? Jesus knew her heart, her love, and her trust, and that was worth a fortune to Him. This is the wealth we should seek.

ACCOUNTABILITY AHEAD

I also know that God will hold me accountable for this wealth and privilege. He will ask how I used my status, position, comfort—all my resources. He will ask me if I used them for His kingdom purposes or if I buried them on earth like the lazy servant in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30). Have I ever demonstrated a willingness to suffer to ensure the proper distribution of wealth to others? Was I willing to work hard to ensure that others had the benefit of what they needed? Did I see my wealth as a divine opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ? Or did I count it all as my own to squander?

Nothing shakes me to the core like the thought of standing before Jesus and recounting how I used what He entrusted to me. This should keep stewards awake at night.

GOD’S DESIGN FOR OUR WEALTH

Why do we then strive to accumulate wealth and possessions? We must realize that wealth is a gift from God, who owns and controls the earth and everything in it. “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours” (1 Chronicles 29:11). Without this realization, wealth and possessions will never fulfill us. The same old materialism will never satisfy the deep longing of our heart. Isn’t it odd that most men and women desire wealth but few know its true purpose and the joy of using it properly? When striving for mere riches, even when they succeed, they fail to find contentment.

It makes me ask what God’s design for our wealth is. Only God can give us the ability to enjoy our wealth. His design is that we are to serve His kingdom with the wealth entrusted to us. Every man and woman should be on a journey to determine how they are to fulfill God’s design in their own life. I have found that you cannot tell someone how to spend money. Everyone must come to grips with why God endowed them with wealth. Only then can the struggle to find contentment have a good ending: God gives it as part of His design.

WEALTH IS MORE THAN JUST MONEY

A wealthy person in God’s kingdom is defined by much more than their financial balance sheet. Money is only one form of wealth. A truly wealthy person, if stripped of their money, may well become wealthy again by their giftedness to generate more.

As a young boy, I remember hearing of some Jewish businessmen who had their physical assets confiscated during World War II. They became wealthy again because they retained the talent and wealth-building habits that had generated their original assets. If you move someone with these abilities to any new place, their family will be wealthy by the next generation. It’s a generalization to be sure, but the principle stands: you may strip the physical assets from a wealthy person, but if they generated them to begin with, they are likely to regenerate future wealth.

DEFINING WEALTH

The same is true in God’s kingdom. Wealth might be measured by accumulated assets, but those assets involve much more than commodities, real estate, cash, or collectibles. The most important asset is the set of characteristics and commitments within a person—the ability to continue generating assets for the eternal kingdom.

I think we can also define wealth as successfully using the giftedness God has given to each person. This type of wealth includes the ability to influence people through leadership, the ability to convene and collaborate for the building up of God’s people. It also includes artistic and intellectual abilities used to bring joy and beauty in God’s creation. Far more than mere financial assets, wealth is the use of our essence to build God’s kingdom on this earth.

PURPOSES FOR ACCUMULATING WEALTH

What is my purpose for accumulating financial wealth? I have often contemplated the question. Is the accumulation of wealth and assets part of our human nature and worldliness, or is this God’s plan for us? Many Christians equate wealth with something less than holy. Although the love of money is a source of sin, money itself is neutral, and we can use it for great benefit. Anything used for the glory of God becomes holy in that use. If God grants wealth to certain people, His intention is for them to use it to glorify Him.

Accumulated wealth of all kinds can help us for eternity if we realize our purpose is to be a conduit of God’s love and provision. There is everything holy in making significant money if we understand the purpose behind it. But if we stockpile or hoard it because of fear of not having enough, it fails God’s intended design for it.

Let’s look at purposes for accumulating financial wealth:

For leisure and pleasure

For security

For an improved lifestyle

For investments

For posterity and inheritance

To take care of family

To take care of others

To expand God’s kingdom

God will hold all people accountable for their accumulated wealth. We know that “everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). We also know that our wealth will testify against us in the final judgment as we stand before God (James 5:3). With this accountability in mind, I think it wise for the rich man or woman to use their wealth in a manner that glorifies God in accordance with His purposes.

LEISURE AND PLEASURE

I love to go on vacation. There are things in life that give pleasure, and that is good. If, however, life consists of mostly leisure and pleasure, then this use of wealth is self-serving, especially while others suffer from want.

SECURITY

There is certainly nothing wrong with using financial wealth to help us become secure. If we, however, trust in our wealth for our security, we have created an idol to replace God’s role as our provider. Wise people prepare for the future to take care of themselves and their families so they won’t be a burden to others. Financial security is not a bad thing as long as we don’t make it the main thing or place our confidence in our accounts rather than in God. He is the one who provided them and sustains them. God owns us and everything we have.

LIFESTYLE

Should we use our financial wealth to improve our lifestyle? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It would be difficult to effectively help others if you lived in abject poverty. Motivation and balance come into play. Is your heart focused more on living a life of leisure or being effective for God’s kingdom? Improving your lifestyle is certainly not bad, but it should be balanced with the realization that most people around the world do not have basic necessities. How far are you willing to indulge yourself while others do without? No one can answer these questions for you; God designs and deals with each of us uniquely.

INVESTMENTS

How about investments? You can’t make them if you don’t have money. You must accumulate to be able to invest and provide for the future. Financial margin is the ability to invest when opportunities arise. We never know when something will come along that will be good for investment. But again we must look to the purpose of investing: if it is solely to make more money, it is an unholy end in itself. But if there is a greater purpose—one in keeping with God’s design—it becomes a holy endeavor.

SUCCEEDING GENERATIONS

Do we leave our money to posterity or children? It is generally good to leave an inheritance to your children and to your grandchildren as a blessing. I will share two cautions. First, don’t harm them unintentionally by giving them more than they can handle without limiting their self-development, responsibility, and work ethic. Otherwise the blessing of wealth can quickly become a curse.

Second, don’t relegate your stewardship responsibility to future generations. One of your most important responsibilities is to develop and model what it means to walk with Christ and the values of a good steward. It’s good to tell them about giving. It’s far better to model it and to find ways to do it with them.

How do you answer this question: Which is the greater privilege for your children—to have your money to live on or to have training opportunities for them to become stewards? I’ve noticed that money very seldom passes through to the third generation of a family. The second generation usually consumes it, eliminating it by the third and often leaving a bitter trail of dysfunction and destruction. There are few instances where financial wealth transfers down through the generations, successfully satisfying God’s design for it.

FAMILY

It is our responsibility to take care of our family in a manner appropriate for them. The apostle Paul encouraged the early church to look to the needs of the family by writing, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for member of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).

OTHERS

We are to look to the needs of others just as ourselves. That is the essence of the second great commandment. About this, the apostle Paul wrote, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

KINGDOM PURPOSES

Using accumulated wealth for God’s kingdom is a tricky subject. Is giving money an investment in God’s kingdom? Sometimes yes, sometimes no; it depends on who the recipient is and how they steward that money into the kingdom. Sometimes starting or supporting businesses that help others may yield a better return than giving to a nonprofit or a ministry.

Marydel and I have invested in a honey business in Africa that generates nine thousand jobs and gives earned income to the poorest of the poor, bringing them out of debilitating poverty. We’ve also used investments in a for-profit business to help women escape sexual slavery and abuse by providing employment, housing, and protection. We have invested in projects that provide health care in some of the poorest countries in central Africa. Some projects generate sufficient income to be self-sustaining; others provide necessary medical care but require continual funding.

Taking care of the poor is a great use of accumulated wealth. Although few metrics exist to document the return on this kind of investment, God knows and keeps an accounting for us. Taking care of the poor is on His heart. After all, the poor will be the rich in faith in His upside-down economy. Simply feeding people and clothing them is not a waste. It is an honorable use of accumulated wealth that also helps restore dignity stolen by life circumstances.

God gives us wealth in all its forms so we can work in His kingdom’s economy to serve our stewardship purpose in life. We know that God gives wisdom. If we don’t have it, he will give it to us if we ask. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). And we saw earlier that He gives financial wealth. He entrusts both to our stewardship.

AVOIDING THE BAD RAP

It is obvious that not all rich people steward what God has entrusted to them for His intended purposes. Most have a bad rap because of the perception that they spend it on themselves or leave it to future generations in lieu of taking care of God’s kingdom while they have the opportunity. Fortunately, there seems to be a growing number of exceptions—wealthy individuals who are becoming wise (and blessed) stewards.