Gain: Biblical Principles of Spiritual Increase

The principle of gain operates throughout creation—a seed sown produces an increased harvest. This divine law extends beyond the physical realm into every aspect of spiritual life, teaching us that true gain comes through faithfulness, integrity, and alignment with eternal purposes rather than temporary accumulation.

The Principle of Spiritual Increase

It is a natural law that whatever seed is sown will produce an increased crop (Jn 12:24). This principle applies not just to the physical but also the spiritual world and covers all aspects of life. The divine design ensures that faithful investment yields multiplication, whether in character, relationships, or resources.

For a Christian, even to die is gain—leaving this sinful world of trouble and entering a sinless life of happiness (Phil 1:21,23). This profound perspective redefines gain entirely, showing that the greatest increase comes through surrender and loss rather than accumulation.

Jesus taught that losing one's life for His sake actually results in finding true life (Mk 8:35). This paradox reveals that spiritual gain often comes through what appears to be loss in the natural realm. The Kingdom operates on principles that seem backward to worldly thinking but lead to lasting abundance.

We are to grow and gain an increasing knowledge of Christ (2 Pet 3:18). This spiritual growth is the highest form of gain, producing eternal value that transcends all earthly accumulation.

Honest Gain Through Righteous Labour

Gain in this life should be made through honest, hard work with a reasonable profit on truthful business dealings as outlined in the parable of the talents (Gen 3:19; Lk 19:15). Work itself is a divine ordinance, and honest labor performed with integrity honors God and serves others.

Integrity should govern our lives

Dishonest gain—including exorbitant charges, exploiting the poor and helpless, or dishonest dealings—brings no lasting value (1 Sam 8:3; Prov 1:19, 15:27, 16:8). Such practices violate the principles of justice and love that should characterize all human interactions.

Gambling is not a viable option for a Christian because it represents seeking gain apart from honest labor and trusting in chance rather than God's provision (Prov 10:2, 13:11). True increase comes through faithful stewardship of what God has entrusted to us.

Christianity should not be used as a means to make money (1 Tim 6:5; Tit 1:11; 1 Pet 5:2). The gospel is freely given and must be freely shared, not commercialized or exploited for financial benefit.

True Wealth and Eternal Perspective

It is a normal desire to become better off materially, but remember it is God who gives the power to get wealth and ensure He is involved in your decision-making (Deut 8:18; Jas 4:13-15). All material blessing comes from God's hand and should be acknowledged as such. Jesus warned, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Lk 12:15).

Being generous reaps a plentiful harvest which in turn we should use to bless others; with the compulsion of love, for Paul said, "If I give all I possess to the poor...but have not love, I gain nothing" (Prov 11:24; 1 Cor 13:3). Generosity without love misses the point entirely.

Wealth is deceitful and an unchecked, compelling desire can bring problems as well as being a cause of forgetting God (Prov 30:7-9; 1 Tim 6:10). The love of money, not money itself, becomes a snare that leads many away from faith.

Jesus said, accumulating all the riches of this world is not enough to purchase the price of your soul (Mk 8:36). He also said, our priority is to be on the Kingdom of God (Mt 6:33). Paul declared, Christ is incomparably better than anything else and "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (Phil 3:7-8; 1 Tim 6:6).

Our perspective should be on eternity

Reflection and Application:

How do you define "gain" in your life? Does it align with biblical values?
Are you seeking increase through honest labor and faithful stewardship?
Where might material gain be competing with spiritual growth?
How can you practice generosity with the love that Paul describes?