Finances: Q&A with General Treasurer Doug Clay
General Treasurer Doug Clay
When the economy tightens, finances naturally become a common topic of discussion. Over the past year, we’ve seen unemployment soar, huge financial institutions exposed for incredibly poor business practices that have led to bailouts, the bankrupting of major U.S. corporations and a stock market that has become anything but predictable.
In times like this, says Doug Clay, general treasurer of the Assemblies of God, it becomes increasingly clear that placing one’s faith, trust or hope in money is a road to disaster. But when money is tight, what does God say we should do? The Council Today editor, Dan Van Veen, recently spoke with Clay about finances and God’s perspective.
CT: Doug, there are people who question the validity of tithing. What are your thoughts?
Clay: The Bible says that the way you handle your money determines how much God can bless your life . . . probably because the way you manage your money is evidence of your heart and priorities, and spiritual maturity flows from the heart. So, giving back to God a tithe [10 percent] of whatever your income, is a sign of spiritual maturity.
CT: There are a lot of people in the AG facing financial hardship due to the economy. However, there are those who contend that in financially difficult times, people should increase their giving in order to receive financial blessing. What should people be doing?
Clay: In Luke 16:11, true riches are defined as God’s blessing. Giving money with the motivation of getting more money in return is not what Scripture is referring to. Yes, when you give with a pure heart, God’s blessing could include financial blessing, but it may just as well mean His blessing of health upon your family, in your relationships, in spiritual blessing, in wisdom or countless other ways God is capable of blessing people. But if the Holy Spirit is leading you to give more than your tithe, no matter what your financial circumstances, then by all means, follow His leading — He has a reason for it — but that’s something a person should respond to God about. Giving “more” is not a decision to be guilted or even “gilded” into by someone asking for money.
CT: Can you describe some biblical concepts that would help people better understand what God is asking of them concerning managing their finances?
Clay: Sure. The Bible says people were created to work — Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden to “work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15, NIV). Waiting on God to provide, when you have the ability and means to work, is the playground of the lazy. In Thessalonians 3:10 it says, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” It doesn’t say if a man can’t…it says won’t work. That’s a matter of character. A matter of laziness. So, the first and most important concept of stewardship is to work – make an honest living.
CT: You’ve said “budgeting is biblical.” How’s that?
Clay: In Proverbs 27:23-24 (LB), Solomon advises to watch your business interests closely — know the state of your flocks and herds. In today’s terminology, that’s saying, “Know where your money is — keep track of it.” God didn’t inspire these words because He wanted to make our lives difficult, He’s trying to help us be good stewards and avoid financial pitfalls. In short, know what you own, what you owe, what you make and where it’s going. Why? Because it’s God’s money and what you do with it determines your destiny.
CT: Is it really necessary to save money for the future — why not just trust in God’s provision?
Clay: It’s true, God’s resources are limitless. But especially in the United States, we’ve become a culture where comfort and materialism rule. “Live for today,” is many people’s unspoken motto. In Proverbs 21:20 (LB) it says the wise man saves for the future. Being good and wise stewards includes saving for a time when we know our incomes will be reduced — much as Joseph put aside food in the face of a coming famine (Genesis 41). However, there’s a difference between saving and hoarding, as in the parable of the rich man in Luke 12. Hoarding earthly “riches” is not what God wants of us.
CT: Doug, why tithe?
Clay: In Leviticus 27:30 and again in Malachi 3:8-10 God is quite clear that tithes and offerings are not optional, but a command. In addition to obedience, I also look at tithing as an expression of gratitude for the past and faith for the present. God knows our lives revolve around money, but He instituted tithing in order to reveal who is the ruler of each person’s heart and life — Him or money. So, in gratitude for all He’s done, I give my tithe freely. Also, I tithe to show my trust in God’s ability to take care of my needs. Even if you’re in debt, putting God first as a consistent act of worship is the way to experience His blessing.
CT: Is there a single word that could change people’s financial circumstances?
Clay: Contentment. Be content with what you have or even less! Ecclesiastes 6:9 (NLT) says, enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. So many people get into financial difficulty and stay there because they’re not content with what they have — they want bigger, better, more — they’re never satisfied. Faith and families are frequently sacrificed on the altar of materialism, when in fact, if people stopped and simply enjoyed what they have already been blessed with, many problems — and not just financial problems — would disappear.
CT: Are there any books you would recommend reading for people who are struggling financially?
Clay: I would recommend Rich Toward God and Escape the Debt Trap, both by Dr. Kregg Hood.