I, Lord Jesus, my money
[Investment and Financial Management and Confidence] 12
Translated by Qiu Lihua
When it comes to finances, we often struggle to decide whether to involve Jesus in decisions. Sometimes we like Jesus to be involved, but more often we exclude Jesus. Sometimes we put Him in an ambiguous position, like God giving us financial advice through our spouse, because it’s easier than actually trusting and obeying.
past infidelity
When I first entered the investment industry, I never expected to involve Jesus. Sometimes I have a vague sense that Jesus is interested in helping me integrate my faith, business, and finances. But whenever this feeling comes up, I usually brush it off as just random thoughts from my busy life.
This feeling was contrary to the culture of the environment in which I was working, and even contrary to my own heart, because I had no serious intention to follow Jesus in my daily life. At that time, I felt that it was too scary and confusing to consider trusting Jesus for life decisions, financial decisions, and daily meals.
Like the unfaithful servant in the Bible’s “Parable of the Talents,” I thought Jesus was a harsh master, so I hid the talents He had given me instead of applying them according to God’s will for the Lord. investment brings returns.
Financial role models emerge
I started to reevaluate my attitude when I asked a couple of potential clients who were interested in investing in a mutual fund the day I presented them with an investment proposal, and their response was, "We're going to pray about it." — This is the first time I've heard anyone respond like this.
I was so surprised! On the one hand, I thought this might be a way for them to tell me that they were not interested in the proposal. On the other hand, I thought this idea was interesting and worth exploring. Then, the idea suddenly flashed into my mind: The small amount of money I have now actually belongs to God, and He has great ideas on how to use it!
But I still didn’t fully believe that God would specifically answer prayers or care about my personal interests and intervene, until one night in 1990. I was at a crossroads and needed God's specific intervention in my life in the areas of relationships, finances, and business. For hours on end, I cried out to God at the highest decibel level I had ever heard. I dropped to my knees, raised my hands, pumped my fists, and begged Jesus to lead me, to guide me, to show me the way.
A night of transformation
At about two o'clock in the morning, I knew clearly that Jesus had heard my prayer and was interceding for me. He gave me a vision, a sign, and assurance. I saw a thousand arrows shooting into the sky, flying through the atmosphere, through the stars, and up to the heavens. When the arrows disappeared from sight, I burst into tears, my whole body shaking, and my heart was filled with awe of God and anticipation of what was to come.
Exhausted, I fell into a deep sleep, and when I woke up at sunrise, I felt more confident than I had ever felt before. I also knew clearly that I needed to do two things: 1) Propose to my girlfriend; 2) Continue to run my financial business, but in a different way—working hard for the kingdom and glory of God, not for money. Kingdom and self-honor.
That night, Jesus led me onto a new path, a path that He thought was best for me. A few months later, I was married and working for a financial management company that respected biblical values.
Pray persistently and seek immediately
A few years later, I began learning to be a leader who walks this path of faith and leads businesses. For me, one of my mentors was actually a new financial advisor that I was training at the time. He was a passionate Christian who prayed at every opportunity during financial meetings and asked people if they needed his prayers at every opportunity.
He actually prayed for them—usually right there and out loud! I think most people say things like, "I'll be thinking of you," or "I'll be praying for you," or "Let me pray about this," or "I'm praying for you," but very few Someone will immediately jump into prayer. This friend's bravery deeply inspired me.
Later, God also led my wife Mary and I to meet other spiritual teachers, namely Herb and Delores Mirly. We would pray together for hours on end about many things, including finances and business. They often tell us: We pray because we believe God desires a relationship with you, with me, and with all of humanity.
We also understand from this: the reason why prayer can satisfy everyone is because it connects us with God; the reason why prayer can satisfy God is because God looks forward to establishing a relationship with each of us, and prayer opens a door to realize His desire. Door.
Five Steps to Prayer
One of the reasons we especially enjoy learning from the Murrays is that they have a simple and clear procedure for all spiritual matters. Over the course of ten years of our study and partnership, my wife, Mary, and I have come up with the following five steps on how to pray about all aspects of financial decision-making:
1. Trust God firmly
2. Pray fervently and inspired by the Holy Spirit
3. Have a submissive attitude
4. Be willing and attentive to listen
5. Follow-up actions
The picture on the left reminds me of how my wife, myself, and Jesus can be fully connected by God’s love and His vision for our lives. I think this picture shows that Jesus is the supreme God worthy of our life-long following, and also describes His earnest desire for the Holy Spirit to operate in our daily lives.
Image Source: http://pp959.com/archive/2007/07/post_270.html
Seeking God for Business and Finance
The understanding of these five steps can help me clarify relevant issues and select Bible verses for each specific aspect of life. Below are examples I might use for business and financial decisions. Whether you have never considered letting Jesus intervene in your financial affairs or you have been practicing this philosophy for years, I sincerely invite you to take a moment and ask yourself the following questions:
1. "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from me; however, not my will, but Yours, be done." An angel appeared from heaven to strengthen Him. Jesus was in great pain, and he prayed more earnestly. His sweat fell like large drops of blood to the ground. (Luke 22:42-44)
Do I really ask the Lord Jesus to lead me in my business career? Do I want to believe that He cares about me and that His plans are entirely for my good?
2. At that time, Jesus went out and went up to the mountain to pray. He spent the whole night praying to God. (Luke 6:12)
Am I really spending energy in prayer? How urgently do I pray when faced with a specific financial problem? How long did it take to pray before moving on to the next step? Am I spending as much time researching the problem or worrying? Do I write down notes or make a few entries in a journal about prayer?
3. Am I willing to obey what Jesus points out to me as what might be the best option in the moment? Am I willing to turn my back on what I think might be the best option for me right now?
4. The Holy Spirit drove Jesus away into the wilderness. He spent forty days in the wilderness, being tempted by Satan and with wild beasts, and angels came to attend to Him. (Mark 1:12-13)
What if the Holy Spirit whispered very specific instructions to me as I made financial decisions? Can I hear it? If a spouse or mentor were praying about the situation and whispering the Holy Spirit’s instructions to me, would I listen?
5. The next morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and went to a deserted place and prayed there. (Mark 1:35)
How will my business or corporate activities differ between following Jesus and following my own desires? Am I diligently seeking God and following His leading? Or do I just casually say, “I’m going to pray about this” when I think about it…and then turn around and do my own thing and forget to pray?
Finally, let me encourage you again—as you consider your business and financial goals, commit to remembering this simple formula for happiness:
Me + Jesus + my money $ = happiness
Author profile
Eric Vogen, founder and CEO of Vision Capital & Management, holds a master's degree in business and holds a CFP certificate. He has more than 20 years of practical experience in securities investment.
Translator profile
Qiu Lihua, from mainland China, once taught in the foreign language department of the university. Now living in Southern California, USA, he has served at Clear Spring Valley Christian Church for many years and likes all good things.