3 - College and University Dialogue - Seventh-day Adventist Church

40 Pages·2004·0.6 MB·English

E n g l i s h (cid:127) F r e n c h (cid:127) P o r t u g u e s e (cid:127) S p a n i s h
Telling the truth
about Truth
Don’t worry about money!
The Trinity:
Why is it important?
Married but happy
Suicide and the Bible
Religion always loses?
3
Volume16
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
CONTENTS
EAST-CENTRAL AFRICA DIVISION
PO Box 14756, Nairobi, KENYA
Hudson E. Kibuuka
[email protected]
EURO-AFRICA DIVISION ESSAYS
PO Box 219, 3000 Bern 32, SWITZERLAND
Roberto Badenas 5 Telling the truth about Truth
[email protected]
Humanity’s perennial search for certainty finds an answer:
EURO-ASIA DIVISION
Krasnoyarskaya Street 3, Golianovo, Truth exists and can be found.
107589 Moscow, RUSSIAN FEDERATION Greg A. King
Heriberto Muller
[email protected]
8 Don’t worry about money!
INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION
PO Box 140760 Biblical principles can help you manage your finances
Miami, FL 33114-0760, U.S.A.
and develop a realistic budget.
Carlos Archbold
[email protected] G. Edward Reid
Bernardo Rodriguez
[email protected] 11 The Trinity: Why is it important?
NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION
12501 Old Columbia Pike, Divine love flowing from the Father, embodied in Christ, and
Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, U.S.A. communicated through the Holy Spirit provide the richest theological
Martin Feldbush
[email protected] vision imaginable.
Gerald Kovalski
Woodrow W. Whidden
[email protected]
NKoOyaRnTg HIIsaEnR, NPO A BSoIxA 4-P3A, CIFIC DIVISION 14 Married but happy
783 Janghang-Dong, Ilsan-Gu, Koyang City, As a couple prepares for their wedding, they should consider practical
Kyonggi-do 411-600, KOREA
Shin, Dong Hee principles that can lead to a lasting and fulfilling marriage relationship.
[email protected] Alfonso Valenzuela
SOUTH AMERICAN DIVISION
Caixa Postal 02-2600,
70279-970 Brasilia, DF, BRAZIL
Roberto de Azevedo
[email protected]
Erton Carlos Kohler
[email protected] DEPARTMENTS
SOUTH PACIFIC DIVISION
Locked Bag 2014, Wahroonga,
N.S.W. 2076, AUSTRALIA EDITORIAL BOOKS
Gilbert Cangy 3 Cheers and challenges 28 Teaching Literature:
[email protected]
Barry Hill Martin W. Feldbush A Seventh-day Adventist Approach
[email protected] (Davis)
4 LETTERS
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN Wilma McClarty
DIVISION OPEN FORUM
H.G. 100, Highlands, Harare, ZIMBABWE 28 Knowing God in the Real World
17 Suicide and the Bible
Tommy Nkungula (Paullen)
[email protected] Angel Manuel Rodriguez
Raúl Esperante
SOUTHERN ASIA DIVISION
PROFILES
PO Box 2, HCF Hosur, 29 Islam in the Post 9/11 World
Tamil Nadu 635110, INDIA 18 Yolanda Morales Romero
(Schantz)
Gordon Christo César Maya Montes
[email protected] Patrick J. Boyle
SOUTHERN ASIA-PACIFIC DIVISION 20 Evan Jeremy Paki
VIEWPOINT
PO Box 040, Silang, Jonathan Gallagher
Cavite, 4118 PHILIPPINES 30 Religion always loses?
Gladden Flores LOGOS Paul Giem
[email protected] 22 Transforming prayer
TRANS-EUROPEAN DIVISION Costin Jordache ACTION REPORT
119 St. Peter’s Street, St. Albans, 34 AMiCUS active in central
Herts., AL1 3EY ENGLAND FIRST PERSON Philippines
Orville Woolford
[email protected] 24 In a prison cell: A matter of con- Kevin Ransom
science
WESTERN AFRICA DIVISION 34 Brazil on the move
22 Boite Postale 1764, Stanley Maxwell
Abidjan 22, COTE D’IVOIRE Fabiana Amaral, Irineo Koch, and
Japheth L. Agboka FOR YOUR INFORMATION Erton Kohler
[email protected] 26 Seventh-day Adventists and
Scholarship 35 Students in Chile hold first
national congress
Erton Kohler
INSERT - INTERCHANGE
2 DIALOGUE 16(cid:127)3 2004
EDITORIAL
Cheers and challenges This international journal of faith, thought,
and action is published three times a
year in four parallel editions. (English,
In my Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries office at the General Conference sits a French, Portuguese, and Spanish) by the
Committee on Adventist Ministry to College
beautiful mug I received at Jomo Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya. On its
and University Students (AMiCUS) of
side is a colorful crest with the words “Elimu ni Nguvu,” which translated means
the General Conference of Seventh-day
“Education is strength.” As I drink from that mug almost daily, I am reminded of Adventists.
Adventist chaplains and faculty who work there and of the Adventist students who
Volume 16, Number 3
study there. Those students are symbolic of the almost 250,000 Adventist young Copyright © 2004 by the AMiCUS
adults attending public colleges and universities around the world. You are probably Committee. All rights reserved.
among that group. Dialogue affirms the fundamental beliefs
A few days ago I was forwarded a letter from an Adventist student that wanted to of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and
know if her church had a plan for ministry with Adventist students in public cam- supports its mission. The views published in
this journal, however, are the independent
puses. As I responded to the young woman, I was aware of some positive signs of
thoughts of the authors.
ministry in that area, but I have to admit that there is much yet to be done. Indeed,
there are some things to cheer and some things to challenge us, and some things to Editorial Board
Editor-in-Chief Humberto M. Rasi
dream about!
Editor John M. Fowler
I’m gratified that there is a Committee on Adventist Ministry to/with College and Associate Editors Martin Feldbush,
University Students (AMiCUS) at the General Conference and in several division Alfredo García-Marenko
and union offices. Through this committee the Education, Adventist Chaplaincy Managing Editor Julieta Rasi
Copy Editor Beverly Rumble
Ministries, and Youth departments partner to raise awareness of the needs for minis-
Editorial Secretary Esther Rodríguez
try on public campuses and to provide support to initiatives in that important area. International Editions Julieta Rasi
I’m thankful for the successful track record of public campus ministry in many International Copy Editors
places around the world. And yet the principal challenge remains: To shape a global Corinne Egasse (French)
Cesar Luis Pagani (Portuguese)
vision and plan for public campus ministries. AMiCUS is addressing that goal, but
Julieta Rasi (Spanish)
we have a long way to go. My dream for this ministry includes the following:
Editorial Correspondence
1. A comprehensive strategy for public campus ministries that the entire church
Dialogue
embraces and supports, with resources allocated to do the job. 12501 Old Columbia Pike
2. Several models of public campus ministry that have been tested, so we can see Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600 USA
what works with students in a postmodern world. Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
3. A larger number of Adventist students who are not only ministered to, but who
Email [email protected]
are also empowered for ministry themselves—and who serve in the name of [email protected]
Christ.
AMiCUS Committee
4. Trained Adventist specialists for public campus ministry, including chaplains and Chairman Gerry Karst
student campus ministry leaders who network with and learn from one another. Vice Chairmen C. Garland Dulan, Martin
5. More Adventist students in public campuses who are fortified with Scripture Feldbush, Baraka G. Muganda
Secretary Humberto M. Rasi
and are enabled to respond to the great current issues of Christian apologetics.
Members John M. Fowler, Jonathan Gallagher,
6. Adventist public campus students who have regular opportunities for fellowship Alfredo García-Marenko, Clifford Goldstein,
and worship with their peers and members of the local church. Bettina Krause, Kathleen Kuntaraf, Vernon B.
7. A larger number of Adventist students in public campuses who know their Parmenter, Gerhard Pfandl, Gary B. Swanson
church values them, and who in turn choose to invest their time and talents to Circulation Inquires should be addressed
become leaders of the church today and tomorrow. to the Regional Representative located in
the area where the reader resides. See
If you’ve ever had any of these thoughts, I’d like to hear from you. Send me an
names and addresses on page 2.
email with your ideas to: [email protected]. I’ll share them with the General
Subscriptions US $13 per year (three
Conference AMiCUS Committee, and this can help us shape a dynamic strategy for
issues, airmail). See coupon on page 6 for
the church. Meanwhile, may you enjoy God’s rich blessings as your prepare for a
details.
fulfilling life of service.
Website http://dialogue.adventist.org
DIALOGUE has received
correspondence from readers
Martin W. Feldbush
in 117 countries around the world.
Vice-chairman of the AMiCUS Committee
DIALOGUE 16(cid:127)3 2004 3
LETTERS
and for providing this journal free of church and also to share with my fel-
Dialogue online charge to Adventist students in public low students. Thank you!
I like Dialogue and heard that some universities. I usually take a copy to Cintia Verónica Vaudagna
of the best articles published in earlier my university, share it with my class- Universidad de Córdoba
issues of the journal are online. How mates, and notice that they enjoy the ARGENTINA
can I get access to them? content. Although I will graduate soon [email protected]
Eddie Agrellos with an accounting degree, I encourage
PORTUGAL you to keep up the good work! Correction
[email protected] Ericka Yareth Ruiz In the biographical section of the inter-
COLOMBIA view with Dr. Elaine Kennedy published
The editors respond: [email protected] in Dialogue 16:2, we incorrectly stated
It’s easy, Eddie. On your computer, get that she had completed her doctoral stud-
on a search engine, and type in http:// Simply the best ies at the University of California. Dr.
dialogue.adventist.org. At our website, I don’t know how to tell you how Kennedy earned her Ph.D. in geology at
you’ll be able to read the articles in much I appreciate reading each issue the University of Southern California.
English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish. of Dialogue that reaches me in this The editors regret this error.
Enjoy! little corner of Africa. As an Adventist
philosophy student at the university,
Articles on science subjects I consider it the best journal in the
I want to congratulate the Dialogue world. It gives me ideas, helps me
editors for including at least one article research interesting topics, and is my Write to us!
in each issue on the interface between faithful companion. I don’t want to
We welcome your comments, reactions
science and faith. These articles are miss a single issue!
and questions, but limit your letters to
well chosen, logically written, and pro- Joseph Abbanan Telemke
200 words, please. Write to
vide a perspective that’s rarely found in University of Yaounde

other publications. CAMEROUN DIALOGUE Letters
João Gomes Moreira [email protected] 12501 Old Columbia Pike
BRAZIL Silver Spring, MD 20904
[email protected] Useful for youth meetings U.S.A.
I’m completing a nutrition degree at
Good for sharing the university and was recently given FAX [phone]
Having been a Dialogue reader for a copy of Dialogue. What an interest- EMAIL [email protected]
Letters selected for publication may be edited
several years now, I want to thank ing journal! I found articles that gave
for clarity and/or space.
those responsible for producing it me ideas for the youth meeting in my
n
n
a
m
uff
a
K
el
o
© J
4 DIALOGUE 16(cid:127)3 2004
Telling the truth about Truth
by Greg A. King
Humanity’s perennial didn’t change where North really was. Truth No. 2: Truth matters
A flight center director once told Truth not only exists, it matters. In
search for certainty finds
me that it is possible for pilots, while other words, it is important. It is vital.
an answer: Truth exists and
flying, to lose track of which way the It is significant.
can be found. ground is. In other words, they don’t In 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul
know which way is up and which declares, “God chose you to be saved
way is down! This condition is called through the sanctifying work of the
“‘What is truth?’” (John 18:38)* spatial disorientation or vertigo. Spirit and through belief in the truth.”
Pilate’s question to Jesus deals with Obviously, this would be a dangerous Also, 3 John 4 states, “I have no great-
a crucial topic of universal interest. I situation for a pilot. If pilots think er joy than to hear that my children
would like to highlight six truths about they are ascending when in actuality are walking in the truth.” Since it is
Truth that Scripture teaches. they are about to plow a furrow in the through belief in the truth that we are
ground, the plane is in grave danger. saved, because it brings God joy when
Truth No 1: Truth exists This deadly condition that pilots we walk in the truth, it is evident that
The Bible calls God “the God of sometimes experience is a metaphor truth matters.
truth” (Psalm 31:5), and says that Jesus for the contemporary world. The Sometimes we become confused
came to this Earth “full of grace and world in which we live is experienc- about what really matters in life. We
truth” (John 1:14). ing moral vertigo. Many people think get distracted by sports events, mov-
Since truth is an essential part of down is up, and up is down. And we ies, business, or politics. But how we
God’s nature, since Jesus is said to be see the results around us in the disin- respond to the truth of God matters
full of truth, and since Jesus came to tegration of our families and our soci- more than anything else. It matters
reveal truth to us, we can be certain ety. We hear about horrifying stories more than our grades or whether we
that truth exists. Several decades ago, and unspeakable atrocities all around get accepted to graduate school or
this point would not have needed to be us. We seem to be living again in the medical school or dental school. Truth
made. The existence of absolute truth days of ancient Israel: “In those days matters!
was simply assumed. However, now there was no king in Israel; everyone Have you noticed that when you
we live at a time when many people did what was right in his own eyes” realize something affects you, person-
believe that everything is relative and (Judges 21:25, NKJV). ally and individually, how important it
that there are no moral absolutes. I am told that a pilot needs the hori- suddenly seems? Suppose you are trav-
Their moral principles are very mal- zon as a reference point, or if the hori- eling out of town and you hear on the
leable, and they maintain that what zon is not visible, the pilot should con- radio that a natural disaster, such as
is truth for one person might not be sult the aircraft instruments, such as an earthquake or a tornado, has struck
truth for another. But this is not the the attitude indicator or the altimeter your hometown. You are suddenly all
biblical perspective! The Bible teaches to head off this vertigo. And likewise, ears. You want to find out everything
that there are absolute truths that con- Christians need the reference points you can about the extent of the disas-
tinue to be true whether one agrees of the Word of God, a life of prayer, ter. Why? Because it affects you. And
with them or not. and the counsel and companionship of that is why truth matters so much. It
Once I asked a group of college Christian friends in order to live out involves everyone.
students to close their eyes and point the truth in their lives. How we respond to God’s truth
toward what they thought was North. Whatever the contemporary world affects the quality of our lives on this
Then I asked them to keep point- might say, truth does exist. There is earth. Jesus said, “‘I have come that
ing while they opened their eyes. an objective reality. There are moral they may have life, and have it to the
This exercise demonstrated that not absolutes, there are eternal truths. The full’” (John 10:10). The happiest, most
everyone had a good grasp on which truth that Jesus died for your sins and fulfilled, most satisfying life that one
direction is where. Some were pointing mine. The truth that He is coming can live is a life that is committed to
East. Some pointed South, and some again. The truth that He has a plan for truth. And of course, how we respond
West. Maybe some were even point- each life. The truth that God wants to truth affects us not only now, but
ing up (after all, North is always up each of us to be part of His family, also for eternity. Our response to the
on maps!). And some had it right and the church, and to help those in need. One who is the embodiment of truth
had a finger pointing northward. But Truth does exist. determines whether we will be able to
whichever way they were pointing, it live forever.
DIALOGUE 16(cid:127)3 2004 5
Sometimes when a big football for it and inquire after it. Since truth and were engaged in conversation with
game is about to begin, as the camera is so important, it might be nice if we some other adults. My young son was
focuses on the festive environment and possessed it innately, if it were intrinsic restless, so I told him he could go back
all the spectators preparing to cheer for to humans. If the knowledge of truth to our room at the lodge. It was just
their favorite team, the commentator could be as natural and automatic for a block away, but it required him to
says, “It doesn’t get any better than humans as the ability to swim is for go over a main road in an area crawl-
this!” As if to suggest that this game ducks. ing with tourists. After my wife and I
that is about to be played is the most But truth is not inherently ours, nor finished our visit and arrived back at
important thing on the face of the is it dropped in our laps. God wants the lodge, we couldn’t see our son any-
planet. us to diligently and earnestly search where. We searched and called, but he
With due appreciation for football for truth. The Lord declares, “‘You was nowhere to be found. So we began
commentators and fans, I would say it will seek me and find me when you looking for him frantically, searching
does get better, a lot better than this. seek me with all your heart’” (Jeremiah at the lodge, then running back to
When you live in a relationship with 29:13). And what this verse states the campground, doing everything we
Jesus Christ, when you have the full about finding God is also the case for could to find our son. Every ounce
assurance of His love, when you are discovering truth, one of His foremost of energy we had was focused on that
looking forward to His return, when qualities. In other words, we find truth search. That’s what it means to seek
you are married to the spouse God when we search for it with all our for something with all one’s heart! And
has led you to, when you hold your hearts. what an incredible joy it was to find
child in your arms, that is when you Someone might ask, “What does our son!
can truly say, “It doesn’t get any better it mean to really seek after truth, to Each of us needs to examine our
than this.” Truth matters! truly seek it with all my heart and own heart. What are we seeking in
soul?” Let me illustrate with a story. I life? What are we really focused on in
Truth No. 3: was speaking at a camp meeting sev- our education or profession? God calls
Truth must be sought eral years ago, and I did something I us to do more than just prepare for or
The Bible underscores that truth shouldn’t have done. My wife and I succeed in a career. He wants us to be
must be sought. That is, we must seek had finished eating at the dining area committed to seeking truth.
Truth No. 4: Truth is in a person
SUBSCRIBE The fourth truth that the Bible
states about truth is this: Truth is
TO DIALOGUE
wrapped up in and flows out of a per-
son. To elaborate, truth is not just a set
So you want to be a thinker, not merely a reflector of other people’s thought? of principles, nor is it merely certain
DIALOGUE will continue to challenge you to think critically, as a Christian. Stay in touch doctrines of Scripture. Rather, truth is
with the best of Adventist thought and action around the world. Get into DIALOGUE. found in a Person. Notice John 14:6:
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the
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truth and the life. No one comes to
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Mail it to DIALOGUE Subscriptions, Linda Torske ing that marriage is primarily about
12501 Old Columbia Pike; Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; U.S.A. being in a permanent relationship with
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6 DIALOGUE 16(cid:127)3 2004
ing time to listen to and care for one’s executed?” They could have said to presence in a way that I had not sensed
spouse. themselves, “Yes, we will kneel down, it before.
Simply put, a Christian is a follower but we will pray to the true God in If someone should ask, Can you
of Christ. An Adventist Christian is our hearts. What is wrong with that?” describe this moment of conversion in
a follower of Christ who is looking But they didn’t engage in any sophis- an analytical and dispassionate way?,
forward to His soon return. And a ticated compromises. They stood for the answer would be No. It would be
Seventh-day Adventist Christian is a truth. They stood straight and tall. like asking someone to describe in an
follower of Jesus who is so deeply in And because of this, when they stood equation what it is like to be in love.
love with Jesus that he or she has a in the furnace, they didn’t stand alone. While I have had many sensations
foretaste of heaven every Sabbath while We think of Stephen, who prayed in the days and years that have fol-
awaiting His soon return. for the forgiveness of his killers even lowed that encounter with my Lord,
The fact that truth is wrapped up in as rocks rained down on him (see Acts one of the most profound is freedom.
a Person doesn’t diminish the impor- 7:59, 60), and we think of Peter who Freedom from the burden of sin.
tance of the teachings of Scripture. It said, “‘We must obey God rather than Freedom from habits and passions that
doesn’t minimize doctrine. To the con- men’” (see Acts 5:29). These stories are would enslave me. Freedom to become
trary, it shows that all biblical truths wonderful and inspiring, but it is also the person God meant for me to be.
radiate out of the One who declared the case that people are still standing Freedom to live a life in relationship
Himself the way, the truth, and the for truth today. with my Creator and Redeemer.
life. I think of an Adventist young man And the same experience is avail-
who graduated from law school and able for all. As Jesus declared, you will
Truth No. 5: was applying for a job with a presti- know the truth and the truth will set
Truth requires us to take a stand gious law firm. It so happened this you free.
The Bible emphasizes that truth particular firm was representing the
requires us to take a stand. In other tobacco industry. He was asked how *Unless otherwise indicated, all biblical verses
quoted in this article are from the New
words, many times it’s not easy to live he felt about working for this industry.
International Version.
for truth. Sometimes it requires cour- He could have shaded his views about
age and bravery. cigarettes in order to get the job, but
In a stirring passage, Paul exhorted he didn’t. No, he didn’t get the job, Greg A. King (Ph.D., Union
the believers at Ephesus, “Finally, be but he had the satisfaction of standing Theological Seminary) was chair of
strong in the Lord and in his mighty for truth. the Religion Department at Pacific
power. Put on the full armor of God How is it with each of us? When Union College when he wrote this
so that you can take your stand against accosted by sexual temptation, when article. He now serves as Professor
the devil’s schemes…. So that when enticed by alcohol, when invited to of Biblical Studies at Southern
the day of evil comes, you may be do anything that would compromise Adventist University. His address:
able to stand your ground, and after our commitment to Jesus Christ, how P.O. Box 370; Collegedale, Tennessee
you have done everything, to stand. do we respond? The only truth worth 37315; U.S.A.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth having is a truth that requires us to
buckled around your waist” (Ephesians stand.
6:10-14).
Four times in this brief passage Paul Truth No. 6: Truth sets us free
uses the word stand. He challenges As John 8:32 proclaims, “‘You will
us to stand firm. And having done all know the truth, and the truth will set
else, to stand. you free.’”
Sometimes when we think about I remember an important moment
standing for truth, we think about in my own emancipation. It hap- Dialogue on-line
those heroes of the Bible. People like pened in a dormitory prayer group
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego at Georgia-Cumberland Academy in
Now you can read online some of the
who defied the king’s order to fall October 1975. As I knelt there with
best articles and interviews that you may
down and worship the image when some of my friends, as we shared and have missed in earlier issues of Dialogue.
the music played (see Daniel 3). They prayed together, I opened my heart Check our new, user-friendly website:
could have tried to rationalize kneel- to the Lord in a new and meaningful
ing down. They could have reasoned, way, and the peace and love of Jesus http://dialogue.adventist.org
“How can we serve the Lord if we are came flooding over me. I sensed God’s
DIALOGUE 16(cid:127)3 2004 7
Don’t worry about money!
by G. Edward Reid asked if they had been tithing. For we brought nothing into this
She said, “No. We can’t afford to.” world, and it is certain we can carry
Biblical principles can help I responded, “You have called me as nothing out. And having food and
a Christian attorney, so I will ask you clothing, with these we shall be con-
you manage your finances
a Christian question. The question is: tent. But those who desire to be rich
and develop a realistic bud-
How can you expect God to bless your fall into temptation and a snare, and
get. family when you are robbing Him?” into many foolish and harmful lusts
You can write the end of the story – which drown men in destruction and
follow God's principles and be blessed perdition” (1 Timothy 6:6-9, NKJV).
Got money worries? Who doesn’t? or keep following your own way and The third reason people find them-
Actually, many Christians don’t. have more stress. selves in financial difficulty is because
They have learned and practiced bibli- This is the Old Testament syndrome of some unfortunate tragedy. For
cal principles of money management of grief and sorrow due to living in example, they may have experienced a
and have virtually eliminated financial a state of disharmony with God and serious illness without adequate health
stress. They trust in the providence of His counsel. God told Judah, “‘You insurance or left without a job for
God, and He provides the manage- have sown much, and bring in little; a variety of reasons. They may have
ment principles they need to follow. you eat, but do not have enough; been abandoned by a spendthrift mar-
Some time ago, a young woman you drink, but you are not filled with riage partner. A natural disaster may
called my office while I was away drink; you clothe yourselves, but no have wiped out their possessions. Or
speaking at a church meeting. My one is warm; and he who earns wages, they may have been born and raised
assistant told her that I was out and earns wages to put into a bag with in abject poverty. There is hope for
would be back in the office and avail- holes’” (Haggai 1:6, NKJV). these people, too. Though their path
able for counseling the following is more difficult, their poverty can be
Monday. The woman was so stressed Reasons for financial problems overcome. Change may come from the
by her financial situation that she con- In 15 years of financial counseling, support of Christian friends; the coun-
tinued to call my office every day until I have found three primary reasons sel and/or assistance of godly people;
I returned. In addition to her desperate that get people into financial difficulty. hard work coupled with a good educa-
calls, she also cried in my assistant’s ear I will list them in the order of great- tion; and the blessing and providence
each time she called. When I reached est frequency. The first is ignorance. of God. But enough about the prob-
this young wife on the phone, she Many people, even college graduates, lems. Let’s focus now on what you can
explained that she had just returned are financially illiterate. They simply do to experience financial freedom.
from the office of an attorney who told have never been exposed to the bibli-
her she had only one solution, and cal or even secular principles of money Seven biblical principles
that was to file for bankruptcy protec- management. There is hope for these This article will be of more benefit
tion. But she said, “I don’t think that people. The bulk of this article will to readers if I provide some practi-
filing for bankruptcy is the right thing provide a simple outline of these prin- cal guidance on what to do to obtain
for a Christian to do, do you?” ciples and how to apply them. peace and freedom in one’s finances.
“Not if you can avoid it,” I The second reason for financial With this in mind, I will share seven
responded. Then I asked her, “What is difficulty is greed and selfishness. In biblical principles for money manage-
the amount of your debt?” response to advertising and personal ment followed by seven steps to assure
She said, “We owe more than wants, some people simply live beyond financial success. First the biblical
$300,000 dollars!” their means. They are not willing to principles:
This young family was just out of live in, drive, or wear what they can 1. God is the owner of everything
graduate school. What could I say to really afford. Many of these same (Psalm 24:1; 50:12; 1 Chronicles
them? It popped into my mind that people also feel that they are too poor 29:13, 14). As Christians, we under-
perhaps they had overindulged in their to tithe. Consequently, they live their stand that we brought nothing into
home purchase. So I asked, “How lives without God’s promised wisdom this world, and we are not taking any-
much of this debt is your home mort- and blessing. (See Proverbs 3:5-10.) thing out. While we live on this Earth,
gage?” She told me that they didn’t There is hope for these people also, we are simply managers of what God
own a home; they were renting. Their but it requires a change of heart—the has entrusted to us. Faithfulness is all
debt was in three categories: back reception of a gift from God called that matters.
taxes, student loans, and credit cards. contentment. Paul exhorts, “But godli- 2. God and His wisdom and coun-
Because of my biblical convictions, I ness with contentment is great gain. sel must take first place in our lives
8 DIALOGUE 16(cid:127)3 2004
(Proverbs 3:5-9; Matthew 6:33). God you were faithful over a few things, I tithe plus whatever you want to sys-
can see our lives from the beginning to will make you ruler over many things. tematically set aside for your offerings.
the end. He knows what is best for us Enter into the joy of your lord’” For the sake of illustration, let’s make
and desires that we prosper. This is not (Matthew 25:21, NKJV). this amount a total of 15 percent.
the simplistic question, “What would I hate to mention it, but the next
Jesus do?” but rather we ask, “What is Seven steps to success item is taxes. Try to determine the tax
His counsel in this area of my life?” Once we understand the biblical bracket that you are in and subtract
3. Our purpose in life is to glorify God principles of management, we can sim- that amount from your gross income
(Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31). ply apply them to our everyday lives. after your tithe and offerings. Let’s just
Secular persons seek to prosper so they This can be done by making the fol- make that amount 25 percent. I call
can spend and accumulate. Christians lowing points part of our lifestyles: these two items “nondiscretionary”
seek to prosper so they can provide for (cid:127) Get organized. Develop a budget. because if we are Christians, we will
their own needs, the needs of others, Have a plan. faithfully put God first and also be
and help advance the cause of God. (cid:127) Spend less than you earn. good citizens, contributing our taxes.
They are God’s ambassadors. Determine to live within your So even before we begin the budget
4. Prosperity is having what we need means. process, we have used 40 percent of
when we need it (Philippians 4:19; (cid:127) Save a little every pay period. Start our income.
Isaiah 26:3). God has not promised us with only $50 toward an emer- The 60 percent remaining becomes
that if we become Christians we will gency fund. our “net spendable income.” For bud-
become wealthy by society’s standards. (cid:127) Avoid debt like a disease. Interest geting purposes, this 60 percent of
But He has promised that if we serve is one expense we can live with- gross income becomes 100 percent of
Him, He will provide for our needs, out. our budget money. In other words,
be with us wherever we go, and give us (cid:127) Be a diligent worker (Proverbs after tithe, offerings, and taxes are
peace in our hearts. 22:29). removed, the balance of your income
5. Debt is bad (Proverbs 22:7; (cid:127) Be faithful to God. He has becomes the full amount of your avail-
Romans 13:8, Psalm 37:21). given us so many promises able money for your budget. This
Recognizing and following this (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). We can- guideline budget, as you adapt it to
single principle would do more than not afford to live without God’s your own personal situation, is appro-
anything else to bring peace to our blessing. priate for both single and married
families and prosperity to the cause of (cid:127) Remember that the Earth in its individuals.
God. Debt causes strife in families and current condition is not our real Most people find that there are ten
stress in individual lives. home. Our management here major categories of spending in daily
6. The tithe is the minimum tes- determines our eternal destiny. life. For those with children in school
timony of our Christian commitment or who are students themselves, an
(Genesis 14:20; 28:20-22; Leviticus A simple guideline budget 11th category must be added for edu-
27:30; Malachi 3:6-11). From the For most people, the idea of living cational expenses. With a guideline
perspective of one who reads through with a budget is about as exciting as budget, we assign a percentage of the
the Bible each year to review the big going on a diet. However, the follow- available budget money to each of the
picture, I can tell you that nowhere in ing guideline budget is not hard to set 10 categories as follows:
the Bible does God suggest that less up or follow and will soon have you (cid:127) Housing : 30%. This includes
than a tenth is His. Failure to recog- living a lifestyle that brings real satis- house mortgage or rent, insurance,
nize and practice this principle cuts us faction. This budget will also help you taxes, and utilities.
off from God’s wisdom and blessing. to incorporate the success points listed (cid:127) Food: 15%. This may include
(See Deuteronomy chapter 28.) above. other items purchased at the gro-
7. Everyone must give an account to Start by totaling all your monthly cery store.
God of his or her money management income from every source. Or you can (cid:127) Auto: 17%. This includes car pay-
(Matthew 25:19-29; 2 Corinthians determine your annual income and ments, gas and oil, insurance, and
5:10; Revelation 22:12). There is divide by 12. This is the gross amount maintenance.
nothing more certain in Scripture than that you have to work with, but not (cid:127) Insurance: 5%. Basically, life and
the fact that we must all face the judg- the amount upon which your budget medical/health insurance.
ment of God. When settling accounts is made. (cid:127) Debt reduction: 5%. Many fami-
with those who are faithful, God says, Next set aside your tithe and offer- lies will need more in this item.
“‘Well done, good and faithful servant; ings. This would be 10 percent for the (cid:127) Recreation: 5%. For example,
DIALOGUE 16(cid:127)3 2004 9
vacations, eating out, sport activi- percentage points from one or more and the distribution years. From a
ties, etc. other categories. You only have 100 Christian perspective, we could refer
(cid:127) Clothing: 5%. Purchase and percent to spend, or you go in debt. In to this triad as the learning years, the
cleaning of clothes. addition, if you add the 11th category earning years, and the returning years.
(cid:127) Savings: 10%. Save something, for education expenses, you must also When we are young, we don’t want to
even if in debt, as it requires self- get the percentage needed from other concern ourselves with growing old;
denial. categories. This is why students and however, barring early terminal illness,
(cid:127) Medical: 3% For items not cov- parents with children in school must fatal accident, or the second coming
ered by insurance. live very frugally to avoid running up of Christ, we will all grow old and die.
(cid:127) Miscellaneous: 5%. Gifts, barber, huge debts. For most people, there comes a time in
beauty, subscriptions, toiletry, It has been said that “He who rides a life when, because of physical or other
cash. tiger cannot dismount.” From a finan- limitations, they must cut back or ter-
Total: 100% cial perspective, that tiger is debt. Debt minate gainful employment. Financial
The beauty of this guideline budget is the most highly advertised com- provision and planning must be made
is that it can be adapted to individual modity that comes through the mail for this period of time. If we can retire
situations. For example, if you need in many countries. I am speaking of debt-free, with a home paid off and no
35 percent for housing needs, you the dozens of credit card offers sent to other significant debts, this time of life
can do it. But you must take the extra families in the mail each month. will be much easier.
Many young people ask about Finally, we all know that someday,
student loans. Here is my answer: either at death or the Second Coming,
Dialogue
All loans have to be paid back with we will have to walk off and leave
for you, free! interest. But student loans are not like all our earthly possessions. We can’t
running up a credit card by eating out take them with us (1 Timothy 6:7).
and buying music CDs. If the educa- But Jesus encouraged His followers to
If you are a Seventh-day Adventist stu-
tion being sought will enhance earn- store up treasures in heaven (Matthew
dent attending a non-Adventist college
ing power, then a student loan may 6:20). We can do this by helping oth-
or university, the Church has a plan that
be advisable as a last resort. But first, ers and advancing the cause of God. It
will allow you to receive Dialogue free
while you remain a student. (Those who the student must work as much as is true that we can’t take it with us, but
are no longer students can subscribe to possible, save as much as possible, get we can send it on ahead! May we find
Dialogue, using the coupon on page 6.) grants and scholarships; and then, if the peace that passes understanding as
Contact the director of the Education necessary, borrow only the minimum we seek to follow the Great Shepherd
Department or the Youth Department amount needed to pay tuition. The and His invaluable principles.
in your Union and request that you bottom line is that college graduates
be placed in their distribution network
will earn almost twice as much in their
for the journal. Include your full name,
lifetime as high school graduates. A
address, college or university you are
person with a professional degree will
attending, the degree you are pursuing,
earn twice as much as a college gradu- G. Edward Reid—an ordained
and the name of the local church of
which you are a member. You may also ate (if they work in the public market). minister and licensed attorney—is
write to our regional representatives at So education for a marketable profes- the director of the Stewardship
the address provided on page 2, with a sion is valuable. In addition, a well Department of the North American
copy of your letter sent to the Union educated Christian is better able to Division. He is the author of It’s
directors listed above. If these communi- serve God and humanity. Your Money, Isn’t It? (Review and
cations fail to produce results, contact us Financial planners generally encour- Herald Publ. Assn., 1993) and six
via e-mail: [email protected]
age people to look at their lives in other books. His email address:
three segments. They are the accumu- [email protected].
lation years, the preservation years,
10 DIALOGUE 16(cid:127)3 2004