Book Review: Redeeming Money
What if how we spend our time and money is the most precise expression of our values? Our bank statements and calendars reveal more about us than our Instagram feeds ever could. This notion is particularly relevant for The Paradox Church, which, at 13 years old, is still learning the importance of stewardship. Understanding a sound theology of money is the first step toward being a good steward.
Dr. Paul Tripp, a counselor, former pastor, and theologian, has influenced me significantly since I first heard him speak at a counseling conference 13 years ago. His wisdom, wit, and gentle counsel left a lasting impression. In Redeeming Money, Dr. Tripp combines his engaging personality with deep theological insights to explore the heart of our relationship with money.
It’s important to note that Redeeming Money doesn’t provide budgeting tips or investment strategies. While those tools are essential for financial health, they are insufficient if we neglect the underlying sins and misconceptions shaping our attitudes toward money. Dr. Tripp encourages us to rethink our hearts and minds regarding financial stewardship.
Throughout the book, he emphasizes that money can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how we use it. He argues that our financial problems often stem from deeper spiritual issues like pride and self-interest. If these are the roots of our financial struggles, they must be addressed through a biblical understanding of stewardship. The book serves as both a practical guide and a spiritual resource, offering insights into how we as Christians can manage our finances in a way that honors God. Tripp goes through the topic of money and financial stewardship, beginning with a theological exploration of the vision and motivation behind pursuing stewardship and honoring God with finances. From there, he analyzes the concepts of surrender and submission through finances, the concept of the heart’s treasure and how our spending of money reflects that, and giving/generosity. The author seeks to give an overview of the different dimensions and implications of glorifying God with our management of money.
What kind of relationship should faithful Christians have with money? How should we interact with it? These thought-provoking questions resonate throughout the text, challenging us to reflect deeply on our financial practices.
I highly recommend Redeeming Money to anyone seeking to align their identity as children of God with their financial responsibilities. Dr. Tripp’s work is a timely reminder for The Paradox Church that stewardship goes beyond dollars and cents; it encompasses the entirety of our hearts and lives.