Money Purpose

Money is a subject that impacts all of our lives. It is important that we all have some basic understanding about money, what it is, and how it works. It is also important that we understand what the Bible teaches about the topic.

Background: What is money?

Money is a medium (a thing) used to represent the relative value of other things. Money only has value because we think we can trade it for goods and services. A five-dollar bill is equivalent to a hamburger at Wendys. A ten-dollar bill is equivalent to a movie ticket. In a very real sense, money represents stuff. Money is neither moral nor immoral. However, the LOVE of money is the root of all sorts of evil (1st Tim 6:10). Money doesnt cause problems, but it is how we respond to money that often results in problems. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34 The way we live our lives reflects our values. How we use our money is a barometer of what we hold most dear. What do your spending habits say about what is most important to you?

Does being a Christian mean I will be wealthy?

The Lord gives and the Lord hath taken away. Job 1:21 Some Christians have lots of money and some dont. Just because you are a Christian doesnt mean that you will become rich. Thankfully, our happiness as Christians is not based on the amount of money we have; rather, Blessed (happy) are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered (Psalm 31:1-2). If you trust that your sins have been forgiven you can truly be happy.

Will money make you happy?

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengths me (Phil 4:1113).

These words of the apostle Paul are poignant, especially considering that he wrote them from prison. Despite his circumstances, Paul was beyond happy; he was content. The word content means to be sufficient. Jesus is sufficient. He is sufficient to provide everything we truly need. The truth is that contentment and happiness do not involve the things of this world. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:8). We have a lot to be grateful for. We dont need a new tv, a new car, a better job or a husband to be happy; we need Jesus. For God so loved the world, he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have life everlasting. John 3:16

Step #1: Be content.

You need to find contentment right now, in the place where God has you. Your joy is not based on your current situation. Joy is found in Christ Jesus. Put down your cell phone and pick up your Bible. Talk less, listen more. Spend less time in anger and more time in prayer. Spend less money and spend more time with your family.

How do we get money?

And make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your business and work with your hands 1st Thes 4:11 Christians are to work for a living. Labor (working for a living) is a given (Gen 3:1719). The apostle Paul set the example early in the church (1st Thessalonians 2:9). The Bible sometimes states this very boldly; If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat (2nd Thes 3:10-11). Proverbs, a book about wisdom, has a lot to say about the subject. For example, In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty (Prov 14:23), and A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest. Your poverty will come at you like a vagabond (a homeless wanderer) and your need like an armed man (Prov 6:10-11). Working is important for several reasons: We are to provide for our own (1st Tim 5:8), provide for ourselves (2nd Thes 3:10-11), give back to God (9:6-8), and help others (James 2:15-16).

Step #2: Be productive.

Get a job and be productive. We must all pull our weight. From time to time, needs arise and it is ok to accept charity, but our desire is to provide for ourselves, our families, Gods work, help others and to save for the future.

Are we required to give?

In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35 Fortunately as Christians, giving away money will not determine if we go to heaven or not. However, a follower of Jesus will give. He will give as an expression of gratitude. Remember that the word blessed here is the closest word you will find in the Bible to our word happy. In other words, if you want to be happy, you must give with a pure heart. Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2nd Cor 9:6-8 God is pleased when we give out of gratitude, not begrudgingly. And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on. Mark 13:41-44 It is not the amount that we give that is important; it is the heart attitude that counts. A good general rule is if your life is not impacted by the amount you give, youre not giving enough. Are you willing to give up a luxury for the good of others?

Who are we to give to?

If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and be filled, and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? James 2:1-16 We are to give to those who have need. No church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. Phil 4:15-17 We are to give to the church. When there is a need, we fill it. However, there is wisdom in how we give, to whom we give and how much we give.

Step #3: Give back.

Everything we have is Gods. Naked I came into this world and naked I shall depart (Job 1:21). We should use our time, our money, and our energy for Christs glory while we are here on earth.

What does the Bible say about debt?

You shall not give him your silver at interest, nor your food for gain. Lev 25:35-38 Loaning money to others is amoral. Amoral means it is neither good nor bad. However, it must be said that if you do make a loan, it is sound judgment to never expect to see that money again. Do not let money become a point of contention in your personal relationships. Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another. Rom 13:8 Borrowing money is unwise. In general, live by this simple rule: if you cant pay cash, you cant afford it. Moreover, it is wise to avoid debt by living well below your income level. If you are living at, near or above your income level, you are likely going to encounter unplanned events that will require you to borrow money.

Step #4: Live below your means.

Live well below your monthly income. If you live at, near, or above your monthly income, you are virtually guaranteeing yourself a life of debt. The average American has nearly $10,000 dollars in credit card debt. Therefore, it is likely that if you are living in the same neighborhood and driving the same kind of cars as your coworkers, you are probably living beyond your means. The wicked borrows money and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives. Psalm 37:21 It is immoral (a sin) to borrow and not pay back your creditors. If you owe money, you are to pay it back.

Step #5: Get out of debt and stay out of debt, forever.
Nothing guarantees poverty like debt. When you take a loan it is the bank that comes out ahead.

Should I save money?

For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he may have enough to finish it; lest perhaps, after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish, all those seeing begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish. Luke 14:2830 The wise person will plan ahead. Often times planning ahead means saving money today for an expected and unexpected expenses later.

The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty. Prov 21:5 The unwise think only of today and do not plan for tomorrow.

Step #6: Plan ahead.

Even though God provides (Matt 6:28-30), we are to use wisdom when planning for the future. This is as true today as it was 2,000 years ago. As life expectancies continue to rise, we are going to have to pay for our less productive years by saving during our more productive years. Unplanned life events occur (loss of a job, medical expenses, auto repairs, etc) and we need to be prepared. Unplanned life events happen to everyone, so saving too little today may result in unbearable costs tomorrow.

Where is your heart?

And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:29-34 If you are struggling with finances, you are not alone. Seek first his kingdom and find contentment in Jesus. Stuff will not make you happy. Work hard, give generously with a pure heart, and stay out of debt. Live below your means. Today is the day to make a change. There are plenty of resources out there to help you in any financial situation that you may find yourself. Go to God in prayer, open your Bible, read what it has to say about finances and let it be your guide. Find a Christian who has success with his or her finances, and ask for guidance. For a Christian, financial success is not measured in how much money you have, or what you drive; rather, it is measured in how you manage the resources that God has provided you.

And remember, For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also.