Money and Stewardship

Money is a necessary part of life, yet it carries profound spiritual implications. How we acquire, manage, and distribute our financial resources reveals the true condition of our hearts and our relationship with God.

The Spiritual Danger of Money

Money is a necessary factor of life; however, ensure it doesn't get a controlling grip, for God and money can't both be the masters in our lives. The love of money exposes the corruption in human hearts, turning people away from God and what is honest to doing questionable things (Mt 6:24, 19:21-22; 1 Tim 6:10; Heb 13:5). While we should acknowledge it is God who gives the ability to earn money, the counsel of Scripture is, "Don't wear yourself out to get rich, it will soon be gone" (Deut 8:18; 1 Chr 29:12; Prov 23:4-5).

Money can cause us to be self-sufficient, thinking we can purchase whatever we need, rather than relying on Jesus to adequately fill the real longing of our heart. However, neither salvation or any of God's resources can be bought (Act 8:17-20; Eph 2:8-9). Neither wealth nor poverty are indicators of God's approval or disapproval. The parable of the rich fool warns against storing up treasure for oneself while being poor towards God (Lk 12:16-21).

The love of money is a primary competitor for the Lordship of Christ

The earning and spending of money can become a vice that ruthlessly controls. Paul declared, "I will not be mastered by anything" (1 Cor 6:12). This raises a searching question: What is my attitude toward money? Do I liberally invest in the Kingdom of God, or do I hold tightly to what I have? The way we answer this question reveals where our true allegiance lies.

Generosity and Eternal Perspective

How we use our money reveals much about our values, motives and relationship with Christ. Do I spend my money with eternity in view? Money is a commodity or resource that should be willingly shared to bless others and to extend His Kingdom, not catering to our own selfish ends, for "It is more blessed to give than receive" (Prov 11:24-25; Lk 6:38; Act 20:35; 1 Cor 9:9-14). Jesus said, "Love your enemies, do good to them and lend even if they won't repay" (Lk 6:34-36).

It is honouring to God to bring Him the first fruits (offering) of one's resources as this opens up heaven's blessings for His promise is "Those that honour me, I will honour" (1 Sam 2:30; Prov 3:9-10; Mal 3:10). Stewardship involves the wise use of money for God's Kingdom, where it has lasting value and can't be stolen or deteriorate. Where our thoughts and hearts are, is where our treasure is (Mt 6:19-21).

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also – Matthew 6:21

When we die, we leave everything behind. Only what we have used for His Kingdom will be credited to our heavenly account (1 Tim 6:7). The monetary wealth of this life stops at death, but spiritual wealth lasts for eternity. As we experience abundance, we are able to give more away so we can experience even greater blessing to share with others. The abundance is not for us, rather for others. Withholding brings poverty, yet giving to the poor results in not lacking (Prov 11:24, 28:27).

Responsible Financial Management

Our security should be in Jesus not things, for our real life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions but our relationship with Him (Prov 11:4; Lk 12:15). Many people have financial troubles because they mismanage their money – not being rich towards God or their fellow man, and wastefully spending on things they neither need nor can afford. They can never recognize when 'enough is enough'.

With the finance we receive, we should responsibly care for ourselves and our family – this shows the proof of our character (Prov 14:31; Lk 16:10-13; Eph 4:28; 2 Thes 3:10; 1 Tim 5:8). Be content to live within your means and don't fall in love with money, rather be happy with what you have; be other-focused – generously blessing others and God's work (Act 20:34-35; 2 Cor 8:1-4).

Character is of greater value than money which is merely a resource for living – Proverbs 19:1

Having wealth is not sin, but acquiring it by wrong means and for wrong purposes is sin. Live within your income and regularly save for the items you need as well as the inevitable unexpected expense. Sound budgeting systems help free people from the vicious cycle of debt. A well-planned budget brings peace of mind, ensures resources are directed toward priorities that align with godly values, and creates margin for generous giving.

Reflection and Application:

Examine your heart: Does money hold a place that belongs only to God?
Practice generosity: Look for opportunities to bless others with your resources.
Adopt eternal perspective: Invest in what lasts beyond this life.
Manage wisely: Create a budget that honours God and serves others.