The Impact of a Leaders’ Attitude Toward Money

We’ve already considered how a leader’s example in the act of giving can spur others on to generosity. Our example will have even more impact when it stems from the right attitude. God instructs elders to shepherd the flock through their example which includes not “pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve” (1 Pet. 5:2-3). This speaks to actions but also motivation and attitude toward money.

As leaders we’re to serve with an undivided heart toward God, willingly, not distracted by greed but full of integrity. This could pertain to paid or volunteer leaders. Of course, with paid staff, it’s easy to see how salary comes into play. Volunteer leaders, however, have as much potential of being an example in this as they reflect the general populous of the church with jobs out in the world. How much priority they put on making money and their integrity on the job will speak volumes.

Attitude Toward Money Driven by a Core Belief

One of the biggest ways to guard our attitude is to have a biblical view of money. What a difference it makes when we understand the true Source of all we have. It isn’t about our striving to make more and more. Rather, when we say to the Lord, “everything comes from you” (1 Chron. 29:14), it’s about faithfully stewarding what resources we have.

With this core belief, rather than live a life of greed and dishonest gain, we’ll live a life of integrity and generosity. Our jobs and ministries won’t be just about what we can get out of it but what we can give to others through it as faithful stewards of God’s resources. That’s the kind of example people need.

Why A Leader’s Example About Finances Is So Impacting

As people we’re easily pulled by “everything in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 Jn. 2:16). The problem is, all that “comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 Jn. 2:16). By our example, we can “show”, not just tell, them what comes from the Father.

1) We can show them how to conform to what God views as most important.

Loving God with all of who we are which spills over into loving other are God’s top priorities (Matt. 22:37-40). When making money becomes so much of a priority that we have little time for God and ministry, we have a problem. — “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matt. 6:24)

2) We can show them how not to conform to the world.

Temptations exist all around us to do what we need to do to get ahead. In God’s Book, however, the end does not justify the means. When we offer all of who we are to the Lord “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God”, allowing Him to transform our thinking, even in the area of finances, we won’t need to follow “the pattern of this world” for we have a better way (Rom. 12:1-2).

3) We can show them how to be content.

It seems like the more we have, the more we want. We never seem to have enough. If as paid staff we’re always complaining about our salary, it demonstrates discontent. If, on the other hand, we’re honest about our needs yet turn to the Lord for strength to live within our means and maintain the right attitude, we will show others the secret of contentment (Phil. 4:11-13).

When we’re an example in these three areas, we spur people on in ways that count for eternity.

For More, Go To: Church Financial Management & Budgeting Resources

All Practicum Posts about Budgeting and Finances:

• Budget Fit Your Church Purpose?
• Budget Process of Body Life?
• Budget Fostering Body Life?
• Budget Reflect the Great Commission?
• Church Finances & Christlikeness
• Praying About Church Finances is the Christ-like Thing to Do
• Encourage Integrity in Giving
• Managing Finances with Integrity
• Finances & The Way the Church Functions
• Gospel Affects Even Our Finances
• Grace Affects Giving
• Financial Consultants & the Church
• Financial Management in the Church
• Church Finances & the Spiritual Gift of Giving
• Prayer an Integral Part of Church Finances?
• Perspective When Praying about Finances
• Priorities When Praying about Finances
• God’s Word Helps with Church Finances
• Generosity Affected by the Name of the Lord
• Help for Working on Church Budgets
• Before Closing Your Doors, Remember God’s Resurrection Power
• Impact of Leaders’ Example on Church Finances
• The Impact of a Leaders’ Attitude Toward Money
• Protection & Safeguards for Church Finances
• Financial Protection Begins with the Belt of Truth
• Shepherd Leaders Protect and Nurture in Regard to Finances