What does it mean to manage Precept Wealth Management as a Ministry? Let me begin by providing an example:
I had a gentleman come into my office and we had a fantastic business conversation. As we were wrapping up the conversation, I made a statement; "If there is anything you ever would like to personally discuss, I'm here to listen." No Bible thumping, no dogmatic preaching of hell, fire, and damnation; just this simple statement. At this point a Thank You was preceded by his hesitation. I inquired as to his hesitation. He said in a sober voice, "I wish there was someone like you that a friend of mine could have talked with before he decided to commit suicide."
Managing a company that lines itself with Biblical principles is not always about sharing the Gospel. Grant it, sharing the Gospel is an essential function of every Christian; moreover, it's the simplicity of acting out what the Bible tells us to do. Therefore, Precept Wealth Management is dedicated in our ministry to not only to share the Gospel, but the applying the Biblical principles that are laid before us in a business atmosphere.
In our pursuit to utilize Precept Wealth Management as a ministry; we strive to be an example to other business owners, and to be that leader in the community, in the work place, and in clients/customers lives. With this knowledge we understand that being a Christian is that even when you think no one else is watching, you're doing what honors God.
Kyle A. Sadler, President
Precept Wealth Management
For each day we are given, we are given the opportunity to give back to Him.
Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Stewardship is not a definition but is the way a Christian’s life is defined. It is the recognition that we are caretakers of the gifts God provides and that we are entrusted to share them with one another. "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10
To further define a life, as a steward, one must recognize that everything belongs to God. "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." Psalm 24:1
And therefore everything we have is a gift from God. These gifts, or also known as resources, may include (but not limited to) time, talent(s), treasures, finances, friends, family, etc.
As caretakers of these resources, we are to be held responsible and accountable for the resources God has provided. The responsibility is how we are to care for the resources. Questions to ask as to our commitment to responsibility of being a steward:
Serving Others
Are we utilizing these resources with a God-centered focus or a self-centered focus?
Are we giving back out of love or a feeling of obligation?
Are we honoring God in everything we do with all of His gifts or hoarding what we receive?
Are we gracious and thankful or do we live via entitlement?
This responsibility is designed to shape us to be more Christ-like. "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2
That is not to be served because of wealth and talents, but to serve by virtue of the wealth and talents He has blessed us with. Therefore, stewardship can be expressed through a God-like manner by:
Volunteering our time and talent(s) with the church or in our community
Annual giving/tithing to the church or other Biblically based organizations that are designed to further His kingdom
Planned Giving of our legacy assets to assist Christian organizations continue the internal and external ministry growth.
In addition to the responsibility, stewardship ultimately leads up to an understanding of our accountability to which someday God will ask us what we did with all of His gifts. "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14:10,12
However, He holds all of us accountable daily with the resources He places in our care. Many times God will place blessings upon those whom responsibly give in a God-honoring way.
Therefore, to be a steward is a joyful fulfillment of God’s designed purpose of our life. As the gifts and/or resources are bestowed on us, responsibility and accountability are also bestowed on us. All He asks is that we care for the gifts He provides us, including the gift of our life which asks that we give it back to Him. "Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him." Mark 12:17
