A noble pastor once told me that the Bible discusses money more than it does about heaven and hell combined. It is authentic and entirely accurate that there are more than 2,000 verses in the Bible on money—twice as many as there are about faith and prayer. Approximately 15% of Jesus’ teachings centred on finance (money) and possessions. Of Jesus’ 38 parables, 16 dealt with money (finances). The Kingdom of God was the only topic that Jesus taught more about than money. Many financial teachings are covered in the Wisdom Books found in both the Old and New Testaments. These lessons cover the benefits of prudent stewardship, such as contentment and the ability to give, as well as the twin evils of greed and covetousness.
For many of God’s children, the prudent and generous use of money has brought them much joy and peace. On the other side, careless management of money has resulted in the untimely deaths of countless others, leaving the rest feeling guilty and ashamed. Is it really possible to overlook the prodigal son account? Luke 15 states. So, when it comes to money, what should true disciples of Christ understand and practice?
According to a parent who has served as a pastor for over 60 years, “Money is a tool (meaning a device), a test (an examination), and a testament (testimony).” Despite working hard all his life, he was never able to make or acquire much money because he was born into horrific or abject poverty. However, we never went without or lacked for basic necessities. Money never dictated his life, and everyone knew how generous he was.
His straightforward cadence will serve as the foundational outline for this presentation.
MONEY IS A WEAPON
(A DEVICE OR WEAPON IS A TOOL.)
Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not say that money is evil. “Because the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows,” is what Paul truly wrote to his associate and disciple, Timothy (1Timothy 6:10 KJV). Money is an objective and impersonal asset. It is merely a tool for doing business or commerce. However, Paul’s caution acknowledges the possibility of money overflowing and turning into a passion that, if misused, can take control of us and cause even more harm. God understands our need for material possessions that we purchase with money. The majority of the time, neither the money nor the items acquired are evil or undesirable. But according to Matthew 6:19–24, they are prone to deterioration, depreciation, and robbery.
We should remember that everything we have, including the ability to acquire money, goods and possessions, is a gift from God (Proverbs 10:22; Ecclesiastes 5:19). We’re stewards and not owners. The truth is that we own nothing and all we have now and then is what we received. A steward is a person who looks after another’s belongings. We have a responsibility to care for ourselves and others, including our time, abilities, spiritual gifts, and financial resources.
The most important lesson the Bible imparts regarding money is good, prudent stewardship. For instance, according to Proverbs 21:20, a prudent person saves for the future, which requires self-control and foresight. Proverbs 13:11 states that money truly grows through excellent stewardship; however, money does not grow on trees. Prudent work and consistent effort are the right paths to financial fulfilment (Proverbs 14:23; 21:5). Just like any other tool, money can be misused and lead to significant harm. Consider it as a hammer, which, when used incorrectly, can cause significant damage; after all, money is just a tool, and a tool can be a weapon.
MONEY IS AN EXAMINATION (A TEST)
“Money … is the root of all kinds of evil …” (1 Timothy 6:10)
It is obvious that money is a test based on our attitudes towards it, how we use it, whether we simply crave it or let it control us. It tests our morals. And just like every other characteristic of a disciple, our financial character must be developed through spiritual or biblical discipline.
The examination of our innermost being that money enables us to do is described in several biblical lessons, verses, and parables about money. According to Acts 20:35, giving is more pleasant than receiving, but do we really believe this? If so, we would need to constantly set aside money for that purpose before we end up spending it. Few questions to consider and the grace to respond:
- How can we become people who do not boast about their wealth (Jeremiah 9:23-24), generously support those who teach the Word (Galatians 6:6), cultivate contentment (Philippians 4:10-13), and give generously (2 Corinthians 8:7)?
- How can we avoid being the greedy man/woman (Proverbs 15:27) and put to death greed and all its cousins (Colossians 3:5; Luke 12:15)?
- How do we become consistent in serving the master of life rather than being mastered by money (Matthew 6:24)?
- How do we develop the mindset of contributing rather than collecting or consuming?
- How do we give more than a check to satisfy our conscience?
- How do we devote ourselves and our financial resources to God and the advancement and progression of His kingdom?
The solution is to daily rely on God’s presence and limitless resources. It necessitates accepting and realising that God cherishes us, is aware of our situation, and guarantees to supply all of our needs in light of his riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Above all, we must consider ourselves as managers or stewards of someone’s resources. We genuinely handle financial resources, including their potential, and we will eventually report to our master on how we utilised them. In the New Testament, the term “talent” usually refers to money or wealth, not just ability (Matthew 25:14–30).
Using money wisely and frugally is a service to God and humanity. Financial discipline frees us “from the worry and involvement with a multitude of desires that would make it impossible for us to walk humbly with thy God, do justice, and love mercy” (Micah 6:8). It allows us to focus on the one essential item, the good portion Mary chose (Luke 10:42).
First and foremost, money is a neutral, potential-rich tool. Money then turns into an examination — a test of our morality, ethics, or integrity. It is our responsibility to use it responsibly and under control. Money, however, is always a witness and testimony or testament.
MONEY IS A TESTIMONY
The way we manage our finances, or let them manage us, speaks volumes to those who investigate our private life. Money both highlights and exacerbates our inner nature and our external priorities.
We hold those who freely give—despite their poverty—in high regard and those who turn a blind eye to the plight of others in low regard. The attitudes and deeds of the arrogant, greedy and covetous show their emotions, allowing us to quickly understand their motives.
Indeed, we tend to evaluate and judge people solely based on their outward appearance. A person who has a decent family, an attractive vehicle, a good career, and a nice neighbourhood must also be a good person who is prosperous and deserving of admiration. There must be something wrong with yet another person who uses public transport and lives in a modest environment. Sadly, so many local churches still think this way. They attend your church, and we find ourselves attempting to “keep up” with them.
Jesus said that the rich man’s treasure is not as valuable to God as the widow’s two mites. The giver’s heart mattered more than the amount of money. Despite her poverty, the widow trusted God to meet all of her needs. Giving out of their wealth, the wealthy person lost sight of the true benefit of generosity because they trusted money.
Now remember, Apostle John’s words; “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). Loving God and people frees us from the love of money.
CONCLUSION: MONEY OUR SERVANT
Money serves as a test, a weapon, and a witness or testimony. We could come up with a couple more to complete the wording. Money is transient and can be a terror, a tyrant, or a teacher.
We must first be faithful over a little before we are set over much, as should be said of good and faithful servants who experience the joy of their master (Matthew 25:21). To be deemed faithful, we as stewards must fulfil these requirements (1 Corinthians 4:2). A true disciple of Christ learns how to be a responsible steward of money and other resources. Only then are they able to serve the one true Lord and Master of Life.