Finding Freedom from Financial Anxiety
. . . recommended reading from the Faith & Finance Team
“To give largely and liberally, not grudging at all, requires a new heart.”
—R. M. McCheyne, 19th-century Scottish pastor
God loves us. He wants the best for us. And He knows that we thrive when we give ourselves away. Thus, He calls us to be givers—not tithers, not donors, but radical, all-in givers.
We did not always understand this, and in some ways we’re still learning it, and relearning it over and over. But this book is about our ongoing journey from mindsets of Spending (Greg) and Saving (John) to the mindset of Servant. We have learned so much along this journey, but most significantly, we no longer ask “How much should we give?” Rather, our question has now become, “How much do we need to keep?”
At the start of our time at Harvard Business School, we each had plans to buy multi-million dollar houses, accumulate fortunes for ourselves, and yes, perhaps give to our churches and some charities along the way. John’s online banking password was “Retire_at_40”! Now, however, we’ve pledged to give away all of our financial earnings beyond certain thresholds we have prayerfully established. We believe this is a healthy response to what the Bible has to say about wealth, and we give all of the credit and praise to God for taking us on this journey. It has been a hard one, but one in which His faithfulness, sovereignty, and boundless love have been made crystal clear in our lives. We now have some insulation from all the stress and anxiety (and sin) that money often causes. Our lives have been enriched in every way by embracing a new way of thinking about wealth—a way that first and foremost seeks to bring glory to God through our finances. We’re thankful to know Him. We’re thankful for newfound joy and peace that has become tangible in our daily lives!
In fact, through our research we’ve become convinced that our generation stands poised to witness a groundswell of generosity unlike anything the world has ever seen.
In writing this book our goal has been to stay close to Scripture, and we attempt to reference relevant verses when possible. However, we also have backgrounds in finance (Greg) and engineering (John) and strive to bring empirical rigor and modern financial analysis into the mix as well. The result, we hope, is something that honors the best in the culture around us, engages with sociology and philosophy, adheres to the Scriptures, and finally brings a deep challenge to the heart of every Christian.
We believe that this book is a small part of a large movement. In fact, through our research we’ve become convinced that our generation stands poised to witness a groundswell of generosity unlike anything the world has ever seen. We pray that it will happen!
To illuminate this growing trend and bring the principles we’ll explore to life, we will dive deep into the stories of five families in the chapters ahead. They will appear throughout the book, putting a human face on the concepts we’ll explore together. Because they revealed sensitive personal information we have changed their names and cities, but all other details, such as their jobs and actual dollar amounts appearing in the stories, remain unaltered. We hope your journey through this book will be uplifting and challenging, freeing and convicting. It has been all of these things for us.
Excerpted from God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School by John Cortines, Gregory Baumer
Faith & Finance Perspective:
We often feel the key to financial freedom is to put away as much as we can to build up hefty reserves. Although there is scriptural wisdom in keeping our financial house in order and caring for our needs and the needs of those God has entrusted to us, His word instructs us to give priority to the things that are eternal—things that establish His Kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.” Prayerfully reflect on the question posed by the authors, “How much do we need to keep?” How would this paradigm shift in thinking impact how you view and manage your finances? Consider how this perspective could alleviate the stress and anxiety that often surrounds our relationship with money.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. –Matt 6:19-21