Ecclesiastes 5:10 Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.

So we need to ask what is it that you really love?   What gives you a sense of fulfillment?

Of course we would say God - but remember in Revelation 2 Jesus commends the church at Ephesus for many things but ends saying they have left their first love.

 

So why is this so important to work on.

We are an example to our church in all parts of our lives.

Any questions about handling money ethically can stop giving and crush a ministry.

We can't trust both God and money - every day its a choice

Money is a high anxiety topic

We feel inadequate because we weren’t trained to deal with it.

People’s giving pays our salary, so we feel defensive.

Other people think they know more than we do (and sometimes they do).

 

Tips to keep away from financial temptations

Pastor or wife should not be the ones who count and deposit money given

Ministry leaders and their spouses should be in constant communication about their finances - no hiding - transparency

Do your best to be debt free - this will help you keep the temptation to get more in control.  When you have less pressure to pay bills, you have less temptation to get money.

Do your best to NOT know who gives what

Don't have people hand you money - if they try to- refer them to someone else.

Get an accountant who knows ministry taxes

Always check and double check on investment counselors