What is the role of wealth creation in transforming our world? We know that Jesus said this is one of the things at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. We have to have our financial priorities in place. But how do we actually go about creating wealth?
Alex Cook from Wealth With Purpose believes that wealth creation comes from God. He created this amazing world that flourishes with abundance and diversity, and He made us in his image. He wants us to co-create with him. God has given human beings this amazing ability to create things for the common good.
Wealth Comes From God
‘We find it straight out of Deuteronomy 8:18,’ says Alex. ‘It tells us exactly how wealth is created. It says “to remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” As human beings, we have this amazing capacity to create things, but that ability and talent comes from God himself.’
Although the business sector is sometimes vilified in today’s society, corporate innovation plays a significant role in wealth development. It’s a gift from God that we need to honour in the churches and encourage. Wealth creation is one of the means through which God can change the world.
‘The question I often ask,’ says Alex, ‘is who funded Jesus’s ministry? We often think of Jesus as being supernatural, and glance over in Scripture how He actually met His needs during His three years of earthly ministry. But we find the answer in Luke Chapter 8:1-3.’
It’s actually three women who supported Jesus, using the financial resources that God had provided to them. Sometimes we think God is going to provide miraculously. But Jesus being God Himself, actually chose human beings to fund the ministry. So when we think about the wealth that God puts in our hands as believers, we are to use that wealth to fund kingdom activity.
Transforming our Society
‘It’s also to do things like eliminate poverty,’ says Alex. ‘Business and wealth creation have an enormous capacity to lift people out of poverty. Wealth is created in business, but it also creates employment. Business has intrinsic value, not only just as a means of material provision, but also as a potential agent to positively transform our society.’
Large corporates in Australia are actively trying to transform our society, but often in ways that are counter to what Christians believe. Big business is almost becoming anti-Christian in some respects. Christians in business are not just business owners, but are engaged in the wealth creation process. This enables them to bless those around them, and have a positive impact on society.
‘Many people see gaining wealth as a greedy activity,’ says Alex. ‘Rather than seeing it that way, we should see it as a tool. Jesus never demonises wealth. He just warns us about the dangers of it and the dangers of our heart attitude towards it. But wealth in and of itself can be used for amazing good.’
Advance the Kingdom
We need to then have a positive approach to wealth, notwithstanding the need to guard our hearts. We need to make sure that wealth doesn’t derail us, because Jesus said we can’t serve two masters. In reality, what Jesus is saying is don’t serve money, but use it. Use it as a tool for being generous. Wealth creation is a gift that He has given us to fulfil our calling and to advance the kingdom.
‘I take the view that once you become a Christian, you’re in ministry,’ says Alex. ‘It’s not just Pastors. Our job is not merely to fund the local church. We’re called to make disciples wherever we are. That’s the role of all of us, not just people who in paid ministry. We need to stop treating business as purely a cash cow and treat it as a mission field and an opportunity to drive massive, positive change in our nation.’
‘We have to be very cautious by guarding our hearts and making sure that our intentions are always right. We need to ask God’s Holy Spirit to guide us and to and to keep us in check.’
Listen to Alex’s full interview on 20Twenty below:
