Money is an intermediary that plays an important role, and it’s often necessary to have in our lives. Therefore, the Bible has specific teachings on the correct attitude to have towards money.
1. Recognize that possessions and money are gifts from God
This understanding keeps our hearts focused on God, who provides for all our needs. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Gratitude flows from recognizing that “Everything comes from you” (1 Chronicles 29:14b). Even in times of loss, we are reminded, “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised” (Job 1:21b). This understanding frees us from worry, trusting that “and my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
2. Don’t rely on possessions or money for security
Possessions are things that pass by quickly and are not certain in life: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God” (1 Timothy 6:17a). When you take shelter in objects, it’s very easy for our souls to fall into anguish. God warned the church in Laodicea: “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17). Therefore, we are reminded “do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19).
3. Avoid greed and the pursuit of money, for whoever loves money does not have the love of God in them
Jesus said: “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). And then there’s, “Whoever loves money never has enough… As goods increase, so do those who consume them” (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11). God warns us very clearly about the great peril of a greedy heart towards money: “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” (1 Timothy 6:10).
4. Use money to reflect God’s glory
Since money is temporary and fades quickly, the only way for it to have eternal value is by using it to display God’s glory through generosity and love for others. “For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability… sharing in this service to the Lord’s people” (2 Corinthians 8:3-4). God treasures generosity, as reflected in Proverbs: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17). We also need to be willing to offer up for God’s house, like the way the Israelites contributed for construction (1 Chronicles 29), restoring the temple of God (2 Kings 12), and providing for the ministry of those who do the Lord’s work (1 Corinthians 9:14).
