'Where Your Treasure Is...': The Podcast where Faith and Finance Meet

In this bonus episode, Simon and Bex talk faith and finance with Mark Whittington, Senior Lecturer in Accounting & Finance at Aberdeen University.

Some key points covered in this episode include the following:

*Mark introduces himself, explaining how he became a Christian and the steps that led him to follow a university career as an Accounting Academic. [01:30]

*In response to a query from Bex about his approach towards financial issues, Mark highlights the importance of asking good questions and being open to information and opinions from a wide range of sources and perspectives. [05:11]

Simon follows up by asking Mark whether we tend to be too ‘culturally narrow’ in our interpretation of faith and finance matters, which in turn leads to Bex recommending ‘Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible’ (by E Randolph Richards & Brandon J O'Brien) for anyone interested in delving further into that area. [09:40]

*Mark explains what he means by ‘financialization’ as a term to describe the way that money can be used as a universal form of measurement within society. [12:30]

*Simon comments that King David’s reliance on the size of his army, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 21.1-2, provides an interesting comparison with the way in which we can rely on money rather than on God and our relationship with Him. [15:44]

*Mark provides a couple of examples to illustrate how his own attitude to money as a measurement of success has changed over time. [16:55]

*Simon asks Mark to identify key questions [20:12] and principles [22:44] that he feels are significant regarding how we deal with money.

*With reference to the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12.16-21), Mark engineers a question of his own, asking Simon about how, in his professional role, he helps clients to strike a healthy balance in their relationship with money. [24:55]

*Mark mentions the temptations that were dangled before Jesus by the Devil (Luke 4.1-13) and then goes on to reflect on the importance of maintaining integrity on the journey that we each make in connection with our own finances. [31:16]

*Prompted by Bex, Simon explains that Season 7 of the ‘Where Your Treasure is…’ podcast will take as its starting point the challenge of trying to provide helpful, faith-related responses to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about financial matters on the Internet. [32:38]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In the concluding episode of the ‘Money According to the Bible’ season, Simon and Bex discuss various points made in the final books of the Bible about wealth, possessions and our attitudes towards them.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Bex starts off by noting the prominence given to Moses in the Letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 11.24-28) as a result of his decision to place his faith in God rather than relying on the wealth and status to which he was entitled. [01:31]
• The focus then turns to the Book of James, starting off with his call to put belief into action and to ‘walk the walk’ as well as ‘talking the talk’, as illustrated by his words in chapter 2 verses 14-17. [05:48]
• James expands on the nature of ‘religion’ that is ‘pure and faultless (James 1.27) by stressing the importance of acting out of humility and without any selfish motivation (James 3.13-16). [09:34]
• James’s warning and strong words for ‘the rich’ (James 5.1-6) prompt Bex and Simon to reflect on the implications for us and for modern society as far as issues such as fair pay, fair trade and ethical shopping are concerned. [12:23]
• The final point that Simon highlights from the Book of James is the emphasis placed on adopting a God-focused attitude - ‘if it is the Lord’s will’ – as a crucial element of our decision-making processes (James 4.13-17). [16:28]
• Prompted by the words of 1 Peter 2.18-20, Bex asks Simon for his thoughts on how we should respond when we encounter unfairness in our lives. [18:17]
• In response to the warning about idols found in Revelation 9.20, Bex and Simon discuss the modern-day preoccupations that can replace God’s rightful place in our lives. [21:55]
• Simon draws attention to the fact that our attitude to money has been a key theme throughout this podcast season and that it is no surprise, therefore, that the final book of the Bible includes statements designed to turn around our perception of riches and wealth (Revelation 2.9 and 3.17). [24:30]
• The recurring theme of stewardship is also revisited and reinforced in a passage about the judgment of the dead (Revelation 20.11-12). [25:21]
• Season 7 of the ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’ podcast is likely to return to matters relating to practical financial planning. In the meantime, listeners should watch out for a couple of bonus episodes that will be coming up soon. [27:55]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In the penultimate episode of the ‘Money According to the Bible’ season, Simon and Bex discuss various points made in the Letters of Paul about wealth, possessions and our attitudes towards them.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon explains that the focus of this episode will be on the money-related themes covered by Paul in his letters to new and developing churches [02:02]. Bex notes that a major point picked up by Paul is God’s ownership over everything, to which he draws attention in verses such as Romans 11.36 (“For from him and through him and for him are all things”) and 1 Corinthians 10.26 (in which Psalm 24.1 is quoted: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”). [02:44]
• A second major, recurring theme, as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 9.6-15 for example, is that of giving generously and cheerfully. [04:20]
• Prompted by comments made in 1 Timothy 5.17-18 and then in Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2.9 & 2 Thessalonians 3.7-9), Bex asks Simon what he thinks Paul is saying about the kind of financial provision that should, or should not, be made for church leaders and teachers. [08:24]
• Bex and Simon discuss the implications of Paul’s inclusion of generosity in the list of spiritual gifts that he provides in Romans 12.6-8. [12:17]
• Simon refers to 1 Timothy 6.6-10 (which includes the well-known statement, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”) when talking about the need to train our hearts to be disposed towards ‘giving’ rather than ‘wanting’. [16:52]
• Simon identifies one final progression that is required to complete the journey of our hearts in their relationship with money: the importance of being motivated by love in all that we do, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13. [18:50]
• Simon draws attention to some of Paul’s other observations about money, wealth and possessions in his letters, including comments on issues relating to the workplace. [20:30]
• Quoting 2 Corinthians 12.14 (“Children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.”), Bex asks Simon what the financial relationship between parents - especially as they grow older - and their children should be. [24:11]
• When wrapping up the episode, Simon refers to 1 Timothy 6 again – verses 17-19 on this occasion – to emphasise the importance of the recurring message from the Bible that we should not rely on money but should regard it as a tool or a resource, instead placing our trust in God. [26:21]
• The final episode of this season will explore what the books of the New Testament that haven’t been covered yet, including the Book of Revelation, have to say about money. [28:33]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In the sixth episode of the ‘Money According to the Bible’ season, Simon and Bex discuss various points made in the Book of Acts about wealth, possessions and our attitudes towards them.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Bex and Simon introduce this episode, which explores what we can learn from the way that the early church dealt with money and possessions, as described in the Book of Acts. [00:54]
• Bex begins by asking Simon for his thoughts on two very well-known passages in Acts (Acts 2.42-47 and Acts 4.32-37), which describe the willingness of members of the community of believers to sell all they possessed for the benefit of others. [02:37]
• Simon brings in the story of Ananias and Sapphira from Acts 5 to illustrate how things can go badly wrong when underlying principles of honesty, trust and community are disregarded. [07:54]
• Simon and Bex reflect on the example provided by Paul, in Acts 28 and Acts 18 respectively, of an attitude of holding money, possessions and a home lightly, and also of working his passage as a tentmaker despite his priority being to preach the gospel. [11:00]
• Bex highlights the approach taken in Acts 6 towards providing for the widows, who were a particularly vulnerable group in society at that time. By appointing additional leaders and delegating responsibilities and tasks, the disciples found a way of meeting that need while also ensuring that they were able to continue spreading the message of hope and good news available through Jesus. [16:03]
• The account of Cornelius and his appeal to Peter in Acts 10 shows how one individual’s generosity and softness of heart can be used by God to produce positive and far-reaching consequences. [20:03]
• Simon wraps up the episode by quoting the words of Paul from Acts 20.32-35: “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” There will be more from Paul in the next episode of this season as it will focus on ‘Money According to the Letters of Paul. [23:37]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In the fifth episode of the ‘Money According to the Bible’ season, Simon and Bex discuss various points made by Jesus about wealth, possessions and our attitudes towards them.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• When introducing the episode, Simon and Bex note that Jesus spoke extensively about attitudes towards wealth, money and possessions during his ministry and did so in a manner that was new and radical at the time. [00:36]
• To start off, various points are drawn out of the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25.14-30 & Luke 19.12-27), especially the emphasis that is placed on being a good, wise and effective steward of resources by using money received wisely and effectively in support of the purpose for which it was given. [04:11]
• When it comes to the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10.25-37), it is suggested that the key message being put across is that what is important is not our role, status or wealth but how we use what we have. In this example, it is the understated and less ‘noteworthy’ individual who shows up his more ‘illustrious’ co-travellers by his instinctively generous action in putting aside personal inconvenience and risk to come to the aid of a victim of circumstances who has been abandoned to his fate. [09:40]
• The crucial importance of attitude is further illustrated in the parable of The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18.10-14) and also by the example of sacrificial giving provided in the account of The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12.41-43 & Luke 21.1-4). [11:11]
• Simon then draws attention to the message conveyed via the Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Parable of the Pearl (Matthew 13.44-45): that our perception of what is truly ‘valuable’ is subject to change when it is placed alongside something of infinite value. And when that happens, it is not just money but also reputation, power and authority that are worth sacrificing in pursuit of that new goal. [15:35]
• Bex asks Simon to comment on two seemingly contradictory parables associated with wealth and forward planning: the Parable of the Tower (Luke 14.28-30) and the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12.13-21). Simon’s suggestion is that the distinguishing factor between the two situations is likely to be the motivation behind each of these enterprises as it seems that the second endeavour was much more of a self-serving activity than the former. [18:47]
• The final Bible extract explored in this episode is Matthew 6.19-21, from which the name of this podcast is derived. Simon sums up the message of this passage as being an encouragement to put our money where God wants it to go, which will have the outcome of drawing us closer to God and His purposes. [23:07]
• Bex warmly invites comments and feedback before eliciting from Simon that next week’s episode will consider what the Book of Acts says about money. [25:14]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In the fourth episode of the ‘Money According to the Bible’ season, Simon and Bex discuss various points about attitudes to wealth and possessions that are highlighted by the Old Testament Prophets.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Bex starts off the episode by remarking that, through verses such as Haggai 2.8 and Jeremiah 27.5, the Prophets continue a key theme that has run throughout the rest of the Old Testament: that everything belongs to God and our role is to be responsible and diligent in the way that we steward, on His behalf, the resources which have been entrusted to us. [02:15]
• Simon then uses the example of Isaiah being given a message by God for King Cyrus to highlight the importance of understanding the context in which the Prophets operated. [03:10]
• Simon refers to Amos 8 to illustrate another recurring theme of the Old Testament: the importance of putting God first rather than allowing greed and a preoccupation with acquiring wealth to become the factors that determine and drive our behaviour. [06:00]
• Encouragement to adopt a different, and life-giving, approach - of handling our possessions with integrity and as faithful stewards – is conveyed in Malachi 3.7-11. [08:13]
• Daniel is then introduced as a case study of an individual who consistently displayed integrity and obedience to God, even when subjected to highly challenging situations and pressures from the foreign, and very intimidating, rulers whom he was serving: Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar and Darius. [11:35]
• Simon wraps up the episode by suggesting that we can learn all kinds of things from the Prophets, including – thanks to Hezekiah’s experience, as recounted in Isaiah 38 – prompts that may cause us to reflect on ways in which we might come to terms with our own mortality. [19:02]
• In the next episode, the focus will switch to the New Testament and, in particular, to what Jesus had to say about money. [21:42]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In the third episode of the ‘Money According to the Bible’ season, Simon and Bex discuss various points about wealth and possessions that are highlighted by the Old Testament Poets.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon and Bex introduce the episode, with Bex commenting that The Bible Project has helpful resources that can assist us to understand and appreciate the various literary styles used in the Bible. [00:54]
• Simon starts off by sharing some reflections on the key biblical theme of stewardship, prompted by Psalm 24.1, one of his favourite money-related verses from the Bible: ‘The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the World, and all who live in it’. [02:57]
• For Bex, the poetic extract that immediately captured a significant theme for her – in this instance, the importance of dealing with debt promptly and effectively - was Proverbs 3.27-28: ‘Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbour, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.’ [05:35]
• Bex and Simon discuss the Book of Ecclesiastes and the striking approach taken by the writer in using poetic form to highlight aspects of the human condition, including the frustration and sense of futility that can be experienced if God and His principles are ignored. [09:55]
• A number of intriguing and thought-provoking comments are made in Proverbs about attitudes and behaviour relating to work and how we go about our daily business, prompting Bex and Simon to delve into what this book of the Bible has to say about those topics. [16:42]
• Bex asks Simon for his thoughts on the ‘wife of noble character’ from Proverbs 31, who is held up as an example for others to follow not only in a domestic context but also in business and trade endeavours. [20:41]
• Simon concludes by commenting on one passage from Job and another from the Song of Songs. [25:42]
• The next episode in this season will explore what the Old Testament Prophets have to say about money and possessions. [29:29]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In the second episode of the ‘Money According to the Bible’ season, Simon and Bex discuss various points about wealth and possessions that are highlighted in the Old Testament Books of History.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon identifies the Old Testament Books of History and then previews some of the topics that will be covered in the episode. [00:42]
• David’s passion for giving generously to support the building of the temple, as described in 1 Chronicles 29, is used to draw attention to the importance that is attached throughout the Bible to being a cheerful, enthusiastic and committed giver. [03:39]
• Obedience and selfless integrity when dealing with financial matters is also noted as a key theme throughout the History books [06:42] and is exemplified by Samuel’s challenge to Saul in 1 Samuel 15.22 that ‘To obey is better than sacrifice’. [09:33]
• The story of Ruth is then used to illustrate the far-reaching and positive consequences of (i) the gleaning arrangements that, under Old Testament Law, are designed to support the poor, and (ii) the godly actions of a wealthy individual in the form of Boaz, who behaves with such compassion and integrity. [16:16]
• By contrast, Haman, in the Book of Esther, is the epitome of a talented, wealthy and influential figure who falls foul of events, having allowed his power and position to undermine his judgement. Meanwhile, Esther demonstrates what can be achieved by those are willing to sacrifice everything and place their trust in God. [20:33]
• In Simon’s concluding comments, he observes that the History Books of the Old Testament provide us with many examples of God’s people failing to hold land, possessions or wealth lightly, creating much frustration, disappointment and pain for themselves as a consequence. [24:19]
• The focus of the next episode will be on money-related themes that were emphasised by the Poets of the Old Testament. [25:37]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In the first episode of this season on ‘Money According to the Bible’, Simon and Bex identify key themes that are introduced in the Old Testament Books of the Law.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon explains that this new season of the podcast will explore what the Bible says about money by tracing key themes as they emerge and develop through the Old and New Testaments. He has been helped in this endeavour by being able to draw on a resource produced by Howard Dayton called ‘2350 Verses on Money and Possessions’. [02:54]
• This episode identifies some key themes that are introduced in the Old Testament Books of the Law (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). [03:54]
• Simon notes that the topic of how much we should give is mentioned early on in the Bible, with the concept of donating a tithe (a tenth) of our wealth to God receiving a mention as early as Genesis 14. [06:07]
• Bex then goes on to remark that while the expectation that God’s people will give is in the process of being formalised into a legal requirement, there is also very strong emphasis on generosity and a willingness to give being crucial ingredients. This point is illustrated with reference to Exodus 35, a chapter which also provides examples of other themes which will go on to be significant throughout the Bible, including (i) giving not being restricted to money, and (ii) the contribution that creativity can make to giving. [10:16]
• Two other key principles are identified: the importance of prioritising giving to God by setting aside ‘first fruits’ for Him; and the importance of providing for those in need, for example by means of a ‘Sabbath Year’ from which they can benefit. [13:49]
• Simon draws attention to the thought-provoking and challenging concept of the Year of Jubilee (the ’Sabbath of Sabbaths’) as outlined in Leviticus 25, which embodies principles of social justice, debt relief and stewardship. [18:38]
• When wrapping up this episode, Bex and Simon talk about the opportunities and challenges that arise from the theme that is developed in the Bible of there being a ‘Promised Land’ for God’s people. [22:46]
• Finally, Simon lists a number of other themes relating to money, wealth and possessions (including investing, borrowing and debt) that are brought to our attention within the first five books of the Bible. [25:04]
• The next episode in this season will explore what the Books of History in the Old Testament have to say about money. [26:08]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In this second vox pop bonus episode on the theme of ‘Giving’, guest contributors talk about the practicalities of giving and the impact that generosity has had on their own lives and on the lives of others.

Some key points covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon introduces the episode, with Bex then explaining that the first question posed to participants was ‘What has influenced your attitude to giving / being generous?’ [00:56]
• In the next section, answers are proffered in response to being asked ‘What can you / we give?’ [04:10]
• The third question answered by our guests for this episode focused on practicalities, such as how much, when and to whom we should give. [10:05]
• The fourth question to feature in this episode was ’How have you seen the impact of giving in your own life and/or in the lives of those around you?’ [13:41]
• Finally, our contributors were asked ‘What is your top tip regarding giving?’ [20:51]
• Simon concludes by thanking those who have taken part in these two vox pop episodes before Bex explains that the next season of the podcast, airing in the new year, will be looking into the topic of ‘Money, According to the Bible’. [24:23]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.