Wisely Managing God's Money
“Money is a subject about which we get defensive, protective, and cautious. Yet, surprisingly the subject of money—its purpose, its use, and its dangers—is repeatedly addressed in Scripture. ”
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
1 Corinthians 4:2“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”
Matthew 6:21
The subject of money is one that causes panic. Every pastor who has engaged in marriage counseling will tell you it is often the underlying cause of marital distress. I’ve yet to counsel a couple who was arguing about what to do with the extra $250,000 in the bottom drawer, but I’ve listened to countless couples struggle with money and the consequences of its misuse and abuse.
Money is a subject about which we get defensive, protective, and cautious. Yet, surprisingly the subject of money—its purpose, its use, and its dangers—is repeatedly addressed in Scripture.
Jesus spoke more about money than he did about prayer or religion, for that matter. Eleven of his forty parables dealt with how we possess and utilize money (interesting considering that he and his disciples rarely possessed much money). Was he jealous of those who had it? No, I don’t think so. But he was concerned about its impact on people’s lives for good and evil.
There are many examples of the spiritual impact of money throughout the Bible. Below are a few perhaps you’ve read before. As you read them notice the wide range of treatment God gives to the subject in these verses.
“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income. This is also vanity.”
Ecclesiastes 5:10“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you, not for shameful gain, but eagerly…”
1 Peter 5:2“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
Proverbs 21:5“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
1 Timothy 5:8Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-8“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
Proverbs 3:9-10“God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory.”
Philippians 4:19
We know this list could go on for pages just from the Proverbs alone. But what are we to make of the abundance of biblical insight regarding money/wealth/treasure? What lessons must the disciple of Christ come to understand and apply? What mindset and heart focus must we possess if we want to master money and not have it be our master?
The Treasure in Our Hearts
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Matthew 6:21
I believe Jesus shares the best advice for life in his Father’s presently available kingdom in his homily on the hillside in Matthew 6. Concisely stated in verse 21, Jesus says, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Previously, Jesus warned the everyday people gathered there to beware of becoming hypocrites who proudly announce their charitable efforts, but whose hearts are far from God. He encouraged fasting, literally training to do without, so that we could find the fulfillment of our needs in God. Is this also true about money?
Jesus then challenged them to think about what matters in time and eternity. Yes, God knows what we need and he cares more for us than the birds and the flowers. He takes care of them and he promises to take care of us as well.
What matters most is what lasts beyond the grave. Possessions, while necessary, are not secure and will not go into eternity. How much time and effort do we give for things that a year from now are no longer appreciated (or too often don’t even work)?
The faithful follower of Jesus will understand that we labor hard for the money we earn and are responsible to use it wisely for present earthly needs, and as much as possible, for eternal and heavenly purposes. The issue, Jesus says, is found in the question, “Who or what is our master?”
In this passage, Jesus calls money our “treasure.” Perhaps it would be good for us to start using that word for money too. It would cause us to pause a bit and consider what we are willing to do to possess it and what is our responsibility for it once we do.
There are other treasures that we possess:
Our time, which God grants to us and can end without warning.
Our family, whom we often covet more than God. How many parents have led their children toward an education that would result in a significant earning potential when God would have had them serve him in humble means on some mission field?
Our energy, the abilities God has given us that can be used for selfish or unselfish ends.
You can think of more I’m sure.
What’s important about Matthew 6:21 is a word that comes after treasure and that word is heart. Jesus is concerned about what moves us. What is our prime motivation? What is at the executive center of our being that organizes and prioritizes our lives? That’s the heart. It is the focus of God’s Word, the core of the gospel and the prime activity of his Spirit.
Our hearts are desperately wicked and capable of all kinds of evil. Jeremiah tells us it is “deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9). Our heart can be easily deceived and swayed away from God. We must rely upon God to show us our heart and give him the reins so that we will be led toward what is good. Perhaps this fact is nowhere more evident than in matters of money.
Living as Faithful Stewards
But there is one more verse I would have you contemplate if you desire the mind of Christ regarding the use of his money. (Yes it really is his. He gave us the ability to earn it. He earned the right to govern its use on the cross of Calvary. He is capable of multiplying its impact for the glory of Christ and his kingdom, while still always providing for our needs).
Would you consider the challenging words of the Apostle Paul to the church at Corinth?
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
1 Corinthians 4:2
This verse follows Paul’s statement about himself in verse one, “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” We’re not used to the word steward. It sounds foreign in our ears. A steward was a manager, one who was responsible for the goods, treasures, and resources of another. Jesus gave us parables of both good and wise stewards and evil and unfaithful stewards. His object lesson tells us that one day the Master will return and an accounting will be expected.
What will be our answer on that day? Will we be able to say we were “faithful” stewards, wisely using what was given to us for the advancement of the Master’s name? Or will we be embarrassed by what little we’ve done with the manifold riches of Christ’s kingdom that have been granted to us by his grace?
As with all things, the Christ-follower will recognize that what we do with money reflects on our Master. No, money is not evil, but can certainly be used for such. Money (as I wrote in a previous article) is a tool, a test and a testimony. When it comes to money, may our stewardship be one that demonstrates a heart that treasures Christ’s glory and the advancement of his kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
Do I view the financial resources I control as God’s possession entrusted to me as his steward?
Do I recognize that money (whether a lot or a little) can easily capture my attention and keep me from trusting in God?
What spiritual disciplines might I begin to practice that would help me break money’s hold on my heart? Perhaps fasting, giving, and/or sacrifice.
