How big of a deal should the topic of money be to Christians? In the time of His ministry, Jesus talked about money more times than He talked about heaven and hell combined. There is a strong Biblical emphasis on managing and using finances, and we as Christians best learn about money and value when we read our Bible.
While the Bible is filled with a long list of scriptures that teach us on how to properly handle and view money, I'd like to share five in this post that can serve as a strong foundational basis on money and Biblical stewardship.
1. Proverbs 7:16 | "Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?"
Money must always serve a purpose. A fool will always put money in to things which neither benefits that person nor others in a truly meaningful way, even when it seems like a "wise choice" to that person.
2. Ecclesiastes 5:10 | "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity"
Money can buy a lot of things, but it can never buy satisfaction. True satisfaction comes from giving and expressing love and service, and not simply receiving. Money cannot buy happiness and peace either. The Bible is clear that these are an outcome of fruit of the Spirit, which comes only through experiencing God.
3. Matthew 6:24 | ""No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
This scripture doesn't tell Christians that making money is against Goldy principles. Everyone needs to make money. However, the pursuit of a relationship with God and the pursuit of worldly wealth cannot hold two equal weights in our hearts. There is only room for one top priority.
4. 1 Chronicles 29:14 | "But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you."
This passage is part of a prayer by King David after the whole of Israel take up an offering. Here the righteous king expresses truth by saying that everything we have- money, wealth, life- comes from God's hands. Realising this radically changes our perspective of who truly owns the right to our finances. Our money is a gift given by God, and an extension of His grace and mercy.
5. Matthew 6:33 | "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
The reality is that God wants us to be rich in every way, but the way that happens is by seeking His Lordship and dominion over our lives first. As a result of devotion and faith in God, He adds every single thing we need, including money.
