In another teaching, Jesus cautioned that
life is not about the abundance of what we
possess. His message challenges the
consumer-driven mindset of our culture,
not by condemning wealth but by
reframing its purpose. True life, He teaches,
is not measured by accumulation but by
meaningful relationships, aligned purpose,
and surrendered hearts (Luke 12:15, NIV,
2011). From this view, wealth becomes a
tool, not a trophy. It becomes something
we use to pursue justice, demonstrate
generosity, and create a lasting impact.
When we reframe our mindset around
wealth, we begin to see ourselves not only
as recipients of God’s blessings but as
trusted stewards and conduits of His
provision.
105
WEALTH AS WITNESS: HOW TO BUILD MORE THAN MONEY
TURNING MONEY INTO MEANING, MISSION, AND MULTIPLICATION
WEALTH AS A TOOL: INCLUDING THE
KINGDOM
So, how do we begin to reclaim a faithful
view of wealth? It starts with a shift in
perspective from ownership to stewardship,
from scarcity to sufficiency, and from
independence to impact. Jesus made it
clear that where we invest our resources,
our hearts will follow. Our spending, saving,
and giving habits don’t merely reflect our
priorities; they shape them. Wealth is not
separate from our spiritual life; it is deeply
woven into it (Matthew 6:21, NIV, 2011).
A good person does not just think about
today; they build something that can
bless generations to come (Proverbs
13:22, NIV, 2011). Leaving an inheritance is
not just about money. It is about passing
along values, lessons, and structures that
multiply influence and faith long after we
are gone. This is the shift that changes
everything: wealth is not merely to be
held. It is to be used for good, to uplift
others, and to reflect the Kingdom of
God in a world often obsessed with what
is temporary.
REFERENCES
American Psychological Association.
(2025). Speaking of Psychology: The
stress of money, with Linda Gallo, PhD
[Audio podcast]. American Psychological
Association.
https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/spea
king-of-psychology/financial-stress.
Biblica. (2011). Holy Bible, New
International Version. Zondervan.
https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/
New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/
Killingsworth, M. A., Kahneman, D., &
Mellers, B. (2023). Experienced wellbeing
rises with
income, even above $75,000 per year.
PNAS.
https://behavioralpolicy.princeton.edu/ne
ws/DK_wellbeing0323
BY DR. LEIGH BYERS, BEST-SELLING
AUTHOR, SISTAZAS CONTRIBUTOR
FOUNDER, HAVE A NEED A MINISTRY |
AUTHOR OF GIVING + RECEIVING =
SHARING | CREATOR OF
SEVENTH LEVEL LEADERSHIP
FRAMEWORK
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