Taryn Hansen
As a follower of Christ, we are called to handle money in a certain way. How do we navigate the complex world of finances without falling into the trap of worshiping wealth? This article is a blueprint for managing your money God’s way.
In the Gospels, Jesus talked about money frequently. In Matthew 6:24, he says “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Jesus’s statement here emphasizes that loyalty is not divisible. We cannot give our full attention to God, if we are giving our full attention to monetary pursuit. A popular passage regarding wealth is 1 Timothy 6:10, where Paul says “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Notice the problem isn’t money itself, being prosperous financially is in no way sin, the problem lies in the love of it, the worship of it. When our focus shifts from God to our bank accounts, we open ourselves to greed, anxiety, and a distorted sense of value. Money can be so powerful that it pulls people away from their faith. Therefore, we must handle it wisely and appropriately. Here are some helpful biblical insights:
First, acknowledge that everything we have belongs to God, and therefore we must glorify Him with it. Looking at your finances through the lens of stewardship, and not ownership, is a powerful mindset shift. With this view, you think of ways you can glorify God with the things you have. This looks like budgeting responsibly, giving generously, investing wisely, spending morally, and avoiding unnecessary debt.
Second, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Make the Kingdom your priority and God will make your sustenance his priority. God knows your needs, and wants to bless you, and we must understand that true security lies not in our wealth, but in our relationship with Him.
Third, practice generosity. 2 Corinthians 9:7 encourages, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Pray for ways to be generous in giving. The blessing of giving is two-fold: it enriches the recipient and fills the giver with joy. Give it a try.
Last, learn to be content with what you have. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Contentment is not about having everything we want, but about being grateful for what we have. Spend less time worrying about what you don’t have and be grateful for what you do. A grateful heart is a joyous heart. God will never leave you.
Money is a broad topic, and this article is short. Though not everything can be covered, remember that in a world that constantly bombards us with messages of materialism, let us choose to live by the principles of God’s Word. Let us handle our finances with wisdom, generosity, and a heart that seeks first the kingdom of God.
Taryn Hansen is creative arts director at High Sierra Fellowship.