MONEY & CHANGING LIVES

My son had graduated from university and moved to Chicago to being work with a bank.  During our first visit to the Windy City we went out for dinner.  He suggested an expensive outdoor restaurant in Grant’s Park, just a stone’s throw from his apartment.  It was a lovely evening. When the check came, I reached for it as normal, but he cut me off, saying, “I’ll get it Dad.”  I thought, “That’s a new experience.”  Nothing more was said, but he knew and I knew, he was now on his own, financially independent, giving back to the one who had for 24 years, provided and given to him.  He’s an adult, and by God’s grace able to provide for himself.

In India we encounter a constant stream of beggars, more than I have coins or bills in my wallet for, as I recall Jesus’ words, Give to those who ask of you.
In North Africa I see poverty, not on the 10 o’clock news, or the pages of National Geographic but sitting across from us in the mud hut of the worker’s we oversee, people starving of hunger.
In Thailand I meet an AIDS victim; her parents sold her into prostitution when she was 12.
In Indonesia, I experience corruption. I hear lies told, all in an effort to make a dollar.
In Pakistan I meet children maimed by mines who need money for a prosthetic leg.
In the Philippines I meet scores of believers wanting to go to the Muslim world, but don’t have enough money.  My Latino friends face the same problem.
What is the answer to their problems?  Jesus?
Does Jesus give to the poor? Feed the starving? Replace limbs?  Heal the sick?  Attack corruption?  Provide for His workers?
In truth, the answers are Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, and Yes.

For many, the solution to these problems is not being found in Jesus the solution is being found in money. For some money leads to food, for others education, and for still others to sin – separation from God.  However, money if used wisely it can also bring men and women to salvation.

After teaching about shrewdness, Jesus says; I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. (Luke 16:9)

Money is welcome among all cultures, all religions, all governments – by everyone. Putting it another way, Jesus says money can change lives.

Another reason why we promote the merits of B4T.

PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for over 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.