Welcome to Part 2 of our series on money management from a biblical perspective.
In Part 1, we explored some foundational principles that the Bible offers on managing money wisely. Now, in this continuation, we will delve deeper into more specific teachings and practical advice from Scripture.
These insights will help us navigate our financial lives with wisdom, ensuring that we honour God with our resources and make prudent decisions that reflect our faith and values
In this part, we will focus on additional biblical principles that guide us toward sound financial practices. Join us as we uncover more of what the Bible has to say about wise money management in order to improve your financial health.
3. Think About What the Bible Says About Saving and Investing
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructed, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus was emphasizing the dangers of becoming too attached to material wealth and other earthly treasures that can distract us from focusing on the Kingdom of God.
Did He mean that we shouldn’t worry about our future needs? Essentially, yes. Just as the Israelites relied daily on God’s provision of quail and manna in the desert, we too are called to trust in God for our daily sustenance. Being responsible by saving is prudent, provided it doesn’t turn into fearful hoarding. The Holy Spirit can guide us in discerning the difference between prudent saving and hoarding out of fear.
While we can try to cut down on expenses, saving can sometimes seem nearly impossible. But what are we truly saving for? Are we driven by fear of not having enough in the future? We should learn to trust in God who has consistently shown Himself to be our Provider.
Verses for Further Study: 2 Cor. 9:8, Proverbs 6:6-8.
4. Think About What the Bible Says About Giving
In his book Experience God as Your Provider, Brian Kluth emphasizes the importance of seeing God as our provider, building our finances and lives on the solid foundation of God’s Word, and learning to be generous. Kluth shares inspiring stories of individuals who viewed everything they had as belonging to God and were willing to give to others in need. Their generosity was often met with unique blessings from God.
The Gospels frequently record Jesus’ teachings on giving, particularly to those in need, such as widows, orphans, and the sick. One poignant story involves a poor widow who gave all she had:
“And he [Jesus] sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)
Elsewhere, Jesus met a rich, young ruler who wanted to follow Him. When Jesus suggested he sell everything he had and give it to the poor, he went away sad. He didn’t really believe that God could be trusted to care for him if he were generous with the poor. (Matthew 19:21). ). God loves a cheerful giver, so we should seek opportunities each day to bless others, sometimes more generously than we think possible.
Verses for Further Study: Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 28:27, Hebrews 13:16, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Matthew 6:1-4, James 1:17, Deuteronomy 16:17.
5. Remember that We Cannot Serve Two Masters
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed our relationship with money, stating, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24).
Likely, some people in the crowd thought He was talking nonsense. Who serves money? Doesn’t money serve us? It depends on what you think about it. As I’ve said, if we see all money and possessions as belonging to God, we will steward what we have to live on a budget, not overspend, and give what we can. But if we believe our money is ours, it will turn on us, as Wax mentioned. We will think we deserve more and need to acquire more to live the kind of life we want, not necessarily following God’s will for our lives.
Christian money management can be summarized in Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Trusting in God’s provision helps us manage His gifts responsibly.
A notable example of someone who trusted entirely in God’s provision is George Muller. In the 1900s, Muller opened several orphanages in England without any personal funds. His deep faith in God led him to pray earnestly for the needs of the children, and people consistently provided the necessary funds. The children never went hungry, and Muller was never in debt. His life exemplifies the power of prayer and trust in God’s provision.
Verses for Further Study: 1 Timothy 6:10, Ecclesiastes 5:10, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Luke 12:15, Proverbs 11:4, Matthew 6:25.
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