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Unless we live a totally self-sufficient existence where we produce everything we need, we will likely need money at some point.
Money is a medium of exchange for trading goods and services. By trading our goods and services for money, we can then use that money to purchase necessities and wants from other people and businesses.
Money isn’t the root of all kinds of evils; rather it’s the love of money that springs forth into evil (1 Tim. 6:10).
Those who love money will never be fully satisfied by their pursuit of wealth.
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. (Eccles. 5:10)
The author of Hebrews connects the love of money with a spirit of discontentment:
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5).
Now it’s easy to see why people would have a love for money. With money we can buy beautiful and safe homes, good health care, quality food, attractive clothing, and many conveniences of life. Yet, most of us either know or have heard of wealthy people who are miserable. The rich deal with the same relationship conflicts and self-worth struggles that others face, and their wealth can actually make matters worse in a multitude of ways.
Money is difficult to obtain and easy to lose.
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. (Prov. 13:11)
Something that has been around for a long time and is not going away until the Lord’s return is get-rich-quick schemes. People who know a lot about money or are master-manipulators can easily take advantage of people who are ignorant or naive about money.
Many people work hard to earn money and then fall prey to online or in-real-life scammers who entice them with seemingly easy ways to build wealth quickly. These predators especially like to target vulnerable people, such as the elderly and lonely. They may even show romantic affection for their targets in order to take advantage of them. As the old adage goes, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
Even people who have a decent knowledge of how to manage money can be tempted against their better judgement where the heart is involved via greed or romance. We must guard ourselves and our families against our own foolish judgment and not let the crafty take advantage of and defraud us.
With money comes power and responsibility.
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. (1 Tim. 6:17-19)
We can use money for good or for evil. Many wealthy people have done much good for others and society in general by using their financial resources to help their fellow human beings and animals, for the building and running of hospitals, schools, shelters, food banks, and arts programs, protecting the environment, and supporting various noble social causes. Yet, the wealthy have also harmed people and society in general by using money to oppress others and promote people and organizations that are at enmity with the Word of God.
Since money is such an integral part of life, it’s good for God’s people to learn how to handle money wisely. Just because someone is a popular finance influencer on social media doesn’t mean he or she is giving sound financial advice. Weigh carefully the credentials and experience of the people you follow on the topic of finances. If you know people who have managed their money well over the years, consider asking them for some suggestions on how to become better educated on earning, investing, and spending money well.
We are to love God and our neighbor, not money.
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. (Prov. 19:17)
How are we to use our money to be a blessing to God and others? This requires wisdom. Sometimes giving money to people in need will only exacerbate the problem if they are struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, a general lifestyle of irresponsibility, or some ongoing sinful behavior. Some charitable programs with honorable goals are run inefficiently or even line the pockets of the people running the charity.
There will certainly be times when we give our money, time, or other resources to help an individual, group, or organization only to discover later we were misinformed or deceived about the true nature of the circumstances. At least we can know our hearts were in the right place, but it is far better to wisely steward our resources to help the truly needy who will benefit the most from our assistance.
No amount of money is more important than Jesus.
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. (Prov. 22:1)
The money we earn or inherit is God’s gift to us, and we are to steward it to his glory in all things. There is no amount of money that is worth compromising our standards, conscience, or our Christian faith in any way.
Money should never be more important to us than our Savior Jesus. This was the challenge Jesus put forth to the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22. It wasn’t that his money was evil but rather that the young ruler wasn’t willing to put Christ first over his riches. And if our riches keeps us from trusting in Jesus for our salvation, then it is better to walk away from our wealth than perish in hell.
When our heart’s desire is to love God and our neighbor, we are positioned to use our money to lay up treasures in heaven.
Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. (Prov. 11:4)
Death is the great equalizer. We can’t take our money with us, and no amount of money can save us from God’s judgment. Our only hope is the righteousness of Christ Jesus counted to us by faith in him alone.
When our hearts have a godly perspective on money, then we’re positioned to use our money to lay up treasures in heaven. It is good and honorable to work hard and invest to earn money to provide for ourselves, our families, and others in need. Yet, money itself is not the end goal; rather, it’s a tool God has given us to love him and our neighbor. May we be wise and humble stewards of all material possessions God entrusts to our care.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21)
This article is adapted from “Using Money Wisely” from Beautiful Christian Life’s August 2024 newsletter.
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“Give Me neither Poverty nor Plenty”: 7 Things the Book of Proverbs Teaches Us about Money
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