Introduction

This post is part 1 of the series “Christians and Money”.

This post is an introductory post to the wealth series that will span five parts, including this post. These wealth series share the common theme, “Christians and Money.”

The introductory post is Part 1 provides a flavor of what is to come.

Part 1 to Part 5 of the series has the following themes. As each post is limited to 10min read, there may arise the need to increase this series by one or two more posts. Look out for these posts issued weekly.

1. Christian and Money Part 2 – This post examines evidence that shows Christians may have two masters., God and Mammon.
2. Christian and Money Part 3 – This post examines the old and new testament scriptures to understand the consequences of serving two Masters and the evidence that Christians are serving 2 Masters.
3. Christian and Money Part 4 – This post examines new testament scriptures to identify the root cause of money’s enslaving power over Christians and non-Christians alike.
4. Christian and Money Part 5 or more – This post supports the personal application. It draws from the previous post’s clarity to offer a paradigm shift that breaks away from serving two masters’ status quo.

This wealth series is not about taking Christians on a guilt trip. It has the following goals.

1. This series create awareness of the deceptive relationship with money. Man can avoid the eternal consequences that the current norms bring.
2. This series support the Christians’ walk to break out from the mold of the world economic system. It is making stronger connections between scripture, societal stance, and personal practical application.

God does not condemn the rich for their wealth. But for their boastfulness (Jam4:13, 16), oppressing the disadvantaged (Jam5:4, 2:9), and trusting in hoarded riches instead of God (1Tim6:17, Luke12:21).

Neither it is a sin or God’s punishment to be poor, for both the rich and poor operate within the purpose and will of God by the life opportunities and life challenges presented (Jam2:5, 1Tim6:18-19).

Self Check

All are encouraged to perform the following three exercises that frame the unique wealth position of each individual.

1. This link is an Income Percentile Comparison Calculator by Age. It gives the standing among the population based on declared annual income and age group.

2. This Wealth Rank Calculator. It gives the standing among the USA population-based on total net worth.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/baldwin/2019/10/06/are-you-in-the-one-percent-heres-a-wealth-rank-calculator/?sh=692b3b16331f

3. Determine, X = Monthly Disposal Income/(National Means Test for Social Aid x 2.0 x no of persons in the household)

The national means test for social aid is the disposable income an individual has a month below, which qualifies for social assistance. This amount varies and depends on the cost of living of one’s location.

The factor of 2.0 adopted is an arbitrary figure that can vary between 2-3 to account for a lifestyle that eats at home or spends about SGD20 per day on food and transport. This X value reflects how lavish one’s lifestyle above one that is in financial lack.

These three parameters in the back of one’s mind make reading the posts in this series more meaningful.

Enjoy the journey!