God and Finances

God and Finances

Written by: Yvika Arre Love

 In our daily lives, money plays a significant role. It’s a medium for trade, a measure of value, and a tool for building a secure future. However, as Christians, it’s crucial to align our financial practices with the principles set out in the Bible. Through scripture, God provides wisdom and guidance on how to manage our resources and maintain a balance between our worldly needs and spiritual growth.

1. The love of 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)

This scripture does not imply that money itself is evil. Instead, it's the excessive desire or "love" for it that can lead people astray. Money can be a tool, but when it becomes an idol or a source of obsession, it can pull us away from God and His purpose for our lives. We must be careful to protect our hearts and minds against sins and wrong desires that will drive us from the faith. Practicing contentment, by not only being satisfied and thankful for what God has given us but knowing and being led by God's purpose for our lives.

Reference Scripture: Luke 12: 13 - 21

2. Trusting in God:

"Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25)

Jesus reminds us not to fret over our material needs, but to have faith in God’s providence. This doesn't suggest that we shouldn't plan or be responsible. It means our primary trust should be in God, who knows and meets our needs.

Reference Scripture: Luke 12: 22 - 31

3. Generosity and giving:

"There is the one who [generously] scatters [abroad], and yet increases all the more; and there is the one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want and poverty. The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, and he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown]." (Proverbs 11: 24 - 25 AMP).

One of the central tenets of Christian financial wisdom is generosity. God encourages giving not just because it benefits others, but because it shapes our character. By giving, we cultivate a heart of gratitude and a spirit of generosity.

4. Tithing:

"Bring all the tithes (the tenth) into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it" (Malachi 3:10 AMP).

Tithing, or giving a tenth of one's income, is a practice rooted in the Old Testament but carries a timeless message. By returning a portion of our earnings to God, we acknowledge that all we have comes from Him.

5. Sowing

 "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God can make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:

“He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God" (2 Corinthians 9: 6 - 11).

The Old Testament speaks of tithing; however, in the New Testament it speaks about giving from what is purposed in your heart. But the key is giving in the right posture "a conscious mental or outward behavioral attitude" (Merriam-Webster).

6. Debt:

"Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8)

The Bible cautions against excessive debt. Living within our means and avoiding the burden of heavy debt can free us to serve God and others without the constant weight of financial obligations.

Passages that deal with Debt:

2 Kings 4: 1-7 (The widow woman who owed creditors.)

Nehemiah 5: 3-5 (Becoming enslaved to debt.)

7. Contentment:

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV)

Contentment is about finding joy and peace in our current circumstances, trusting that God is with us no matter where our current financial situation is. It challenges the consumerist culture which constantly pushes us to desire more.

8. Wise stewardship:

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (Luke 16:10)

As Christians, we are called to be wise stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. This means not only managing our finances prudently, but also investing in things of eternal value.

Reference Scripture: Matthew 25: 14 - 30

9. Planning for the future:

"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance and advantage, but everyone who acts in haste comes surely to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5 AMP)

While trusting in God's providence, the Bible also speaks of the wisdom in planning and being diligent. It's not a contradiction to trust God, but to also be responsible in preparing for the future.

Money, while essential in our daily lives, is but a tool in the grand scheme of our spiritual journey. The Bible provides timeless wisdom on financial management, reminding us to balance our material pursuits with our spiritual growth. By viewing money through a biblical lens, we can navigate the challenges of the financial world with faith, wisdom, and contentment, always remembering to place God at the center of all we do.