Ep 232 Managing our Money, All for Heaven's Sake with Erik Olson

In case you're wondering, it's okay for Christians to talk about their money. Why? Because all we have belongs to God, anyway. 

Today I'm delighted to host Erik Olson, a fellow podcaster and a wealth and money consultant from Holland, Michigan. As a Kingdom-impact investment adviser and retirement planner, Erik talks about not only money, but a theological view of our earthly resources that may surprise and delight you and maybe put a fire under your seat to do something worthwhile—PLAN something worthwhile—so that God is glorified and His kingdom well-served. 

Some gems from our conversation:

• As in introvert, I prefer a spreadsheet over a conversation, but I like to think I can come alongside someone and gently and expertly help them serve themselves, others and God better with training and counsel.
• The Bible isn't anti-wealth; in fact, God is pro-wealth creation. It's just one more way we are made in God's image as creators.
• We make mistakes with money when we compartmentalize it as something separate from all our God-given gifts.
• If all that we have belongs to God, we need to make ourselves good stewards of our wealth because we answer to Him.
• God loves wealth creation insofar that we make more income in order to be generous servants as well as enjoy the life he's provided. 
• The biggest mistake we make with our money is not to plan with what to do with our money.
• We either pay too much attention to our money which shows we are insecure in our relationship with God; or, we ignore our money and end up with fewer opportunities to give to Kingdom work.
• Jesus was very clear: We cannot worship God and money at the same time.
• It's a question of worship: do we fantasize over our money and what it can provide for us or do we carry an undivided esteem of God over any of our assets?