My wife said this week, “It’s about time you went to the opticians for an eye test!” She rightly pointed out that I was not seeing things as sharply as I should. New eyeglasses should help me see much more clearly.
When it comes to handling money, we all need an eye test. Jesus mentioned the importance of good eye-sight regarding money during his Sermon on the Mount, saying, “When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness.” Matthew 6:22-23 (NLT)
When looking at ways to manage money, we need a paradigm test!
A paradigm is like a way of seeing and understanding things. It's a set of ideas or beliefs that shape how we think about the world and how we act.
For example, if you wear blue-tinted glasses, everything you see will be blue. In the same way, a paradigm is like a "lens" through which we view life, influencing our decisions and behaviours.
So, when we talk about a “paradigm shift,” we mean changing that lens—starting to see and understand things entirely differently.
One of the most potent examples of a paradigm shift is Romans 12:2.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
The ‘pattern of the world’ is a paradigm, an accepted way of thinking and acting. This verse speaks about a shift from the world’s way of thinking to God’s way. It challenges us to renew our minds—to change how we think—so we can understand and live according to God’s will. It’s a clear call to a paradigm shift, moving from a worldly perspective to a Christ-centred one.
In essence, it tells us not to follow the world’s views and values but to let God transform our thinking, leading to new behaviours and decisions in line with His purposes.
Here are my Top Ten ways in which Jesus’ teaching can change how we view money.
Conventional Wisdom versus Jesus’ Teachings
Accumulation vs. Generosity
Worldly View: Save and accumulate wealth to ensure financial security and prosperity.
Jesus’ Teaching: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). Jesus emphasised generosity and giving, encouraging His followers to invest in eternal riches through acts of charity and kindness.
Self-Reliance vs. Trust in God
Worldly View: Depend on your wealth and investments for security and future stability.
Jesus’ Teaching: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear... But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:25-33). Jesus taught reliance on God’s provision rather than material wealth.
Ownership vs. Stewardship
Worldly View: Wealth is a personal asset to be owned and controlled.
Jesus’ Teaching: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). Jesus advocated the concept of stewardship, where wealth is seen as God’s resource entrusted to us to manage wisely and generously.
Power and Status vs. Humility and Service
Worldly View: Wealth brings power, status, and influence.
Jesus’ Teaching: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Jesus turned the idea of wealth as power on its head, teaching that true greatness comes from humility and serving others.
Temporal Focus vs. Eternal Perspective
Worldly View: Focus on short-term gains and material success.
Jesus’ Teaching: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36). Jesus urged His followers to look beyond the temporary and to prioritise eternal outcomes in their financial decisions.
Security in Wealth vs. Security in God
Worldly View: Financial stability and wealth are the ultimate sources of security.
Jesus’ Teaching: “No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Jesus taught that proper security comes from a relationship with God, not material wealth.
Pursuit of Wealth vs. Pursuit of Righteousness
Worldly View: Chasing after wealth and material success is a primary life goal.
Jesus’ Teaching: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Jesus emphasised prioritising spiritual growth and righteousness over the pursuit of wealth.
Independence vs. Community Support
Worldly View: Financial independence is a sign of success and maturity.
Jesus’ Teaching: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need” (Acts 2:44-45). Jesus and His early followers valued communal support and sharing resources to meet each other's needs.
Short-term Gain vs. Long-term Faithfulness
Worldly View: Focus on immediate returns and short-term financial gains.
Jesus’ Teaching: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (Luke 16:10). Jesus highlighted the importance of faithfulness and integrity over time, rather than quick gains.
Scarcity Mindset vs. Abundance Mindset
Worldly View: Wealth is finite, leading to competition and hoarding.
Jesus’ Teaching: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap” (Luke 6:38). Jesus taught that generosity leads to abundance, encouraging an open-handed approach to giving and receiving.
A paradigm shift involves moving from a self-centred, materialistic mindset to a God-centred, kingdom-focused perspective. It challenges us to view money and possessions as resources entrusted to us by God, to be used wisely and generously for His purposes and the welfare of others. This shift impacts how we earn, spend, save, invest, and give, aligning our financial decisions with biblical principles and values.
By spending regular time in His Word, allowing Scripture to shape our perspectives and guide our choices, we can let God transform our thinking and adopt a Biblical paradigm. Through prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and align our thoughts with God's truth. Surrounding ourselves with a Christ-centred community also helps reinforce godly values and challenge worldly thinking.
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