FIRSTFRUITS FINDINGS NEWSLETTER VOL. 11 NO. 1 February 2006 Jesus taught us that you can learn a great deal about people by how they use their resources. In fact, He told a parable that addresses this very issue in Matthew 25. It is the Parable of the Talents. It is about being faithful with what God has given to each of us. What is the standard for success in managing God’s gifts to us? God’s standard is faithfulness. We have a responsibility to handle our wealth effectively. Listen to the voice of the Master: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful…” (vs. 21); and again in vs. 23, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful...” Understand that God is not looking for quantity as the measure of success here. God gave to each servant “each to his ability ... to one He gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent.” (vs. 15). The master knew each of his servants well. He knew what they were capable of managing. The faithful steward is responsible for what he or she has, whether it is little or much. As someone once said, “It’s not what I would do if one million dollars were my lot; it’s what I am doing with the ten dollars I’ve got.” Interestingly, the servant who was given two talents received the same reward as the servant who was given five talents. They used those talents in their Master’s best interest. It was the third servant who did not act in the Master’s best interest. He did nothing to increase his Master’s money. The way we handle our wealth can also honor God. Honor the Lord with your wealth…” Prov. 3:9. How do we best do that? We honor God by managing what we have; timely payment of bills, prudent management of debt, saving for emergencies, saving for retirement and wise investing. We also honor the Lord by generous giving. Giving a cup of cold water in His name is demonstrating His love to those in need. A final way we can honor God at the end of our lives is in the distribution of our estate. This is a time we can make a significant statement to our loved ones about our priorities while continuing the work of God’s kingdom after we are gone. Are you effectively handling your wealth? Open your checkbook. It is the ultimate test of your heart’s desire. Are you honoring God by your investments in eternity? Your answers will determine the direction of your life and, your final reward. KNOWING YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION Do you know your financial situation? When was the last time you prepared a financial statement summarizing assets and liabilities? Experts recommend summarizing assets and liabilities on a periodic basis, but no less than once a year. Preparing this financial statement will help you understand whether your financial situation is improving or deteriorating. It will also help you look at how your assets are invested. An integral part of planning your finances is to maintain diversification in the investment of your assets. How much is in stocks? How much is in fixed income? How much is in real estate? Too high a concentration of assets in any one category poses significant investment risk. God expects us to manage our financial affairs responsibly. In the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, two servants were commended for turning two talents into four and turning five talents into ten. To the servant who buried his talent, the master responded that the least he could have done was to put it in the bank and earn interest. Obviously, the master expected more. This year, be sure to take a look at your financial situation. Are you investing God’s assets for the growth and advancement of His kingdom? Barnabas Foundation works with members of the Christian Reformed Church in the U.S. and with supporters of our nearly 200 member organizations on a confidential basis and at no cost to the individual. Please call us at (888) 448-3040 to arrange a meeting. NORM VANDER WEL January 21, 1941 – January 6, 2006 Norm was Director of FirstFruits at Barnabas Foundation for the past 11 years, providing excellent leadership and talent in stewardship ministry. Norm met with many church leaders, councils and stewardship teams across the country challenging Christians to handle all their gifts in a way that honors God. Barnabas Foundation remains committed to continue to do the work that he loved so much and inspired all of us to do. “Blessed are those who die in the Lord ” “...they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Rev. 14:13 RECOMMEDED RESOURCE “Splitting Heirs” By Ron Blue You can’t take it with you, but the wealth you leave can have a big impact on the next generation. Whether your nest egg is large or small, Ron Blue approaches this subject in both a profoundly spiritual and refreshingly practical way. This book provides great insight for Christians who view the stewardship of resources as a divine trust. Must reading for thoughtful parents and grandparents. Cost: $20.00 Order from Crown Financial Ministries www.crown.org or thru any local bookstore.