In a world obsessed with wealth and possessions, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of financial security and material comfort. But as Christians, we are called to view and manage our finances through a different lens – the lens of faith. The Bible offers timeless wisdom on how to handle money in a way that honors God, blesses others, and brings us true peace and contentment. This article will delve into ten essential principles that every Christian needs to know about money, providing a biblical foundation for financial stewardship and a path towards a life of purpose and generosity.
1. God Owns Everything
The cornerstone of a Christian perspective on money is recognizing that everything we have ultimately belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” 1 This includes our finances, possessions, talents, and even our ability to earn a living. We are merely stewards, entrusted by God to manage these resources for His glory2. Recognizing God’s ownership shifts our perspective from “my money” to “God’s money,” leading to greater gratitude, responsibility, and a desire to use our finances in a way that pleases Him.
2. Give Generously
Giving is not just an act of charity; it’s a fundamental principle of Christian living and an essential part of our worship. When we give cheerfully and sacrificially, we not only bless others but also open ourselves to God’s abundant blessings. Proverbs 11:24-25 states, “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” 1 Giving should be a priority in our financial planning, starting with tithing—giving 10% of our income to our local church—and extending to other charitable causes. Giving demonstrates our trust in God’s provision and allows us to participate in His kingdom work. As emphasized in 2, “generous giving is the greatest weapon we have against the temptations of our consumeristic culture.” By cultivating contentment and freeing ourselves from the desire to accumulate possessions, we create space for generosity to flourish in our lives.
3. Tithe Faithfully
Tithing is a biblical principle with roots that extend back to the patriarchs. Abraham tithed to Melchizedek in Genesis 14, and Jacob vowed to give a tenth of all God gave him in Genesis 283. In the Old Testament, the tithe, which included a tenth of crops, animals, and other income or possessions, supported the Levites, who were dedicated to the spiritual and educational needs of the nation4. While there are differing views on whether Christians are obligated to tithe today, it remains a powerful expression of faith and gratitude to God6.
There are two main perspectives on tithing for Christians today6. Some believe that since Jesus upheld the tithe, Christians are commanded to tithe today. They view the tithe as a baseline of giving, not a limit, and encourage giving above and beyond 10%. Others believe that while tithing is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament, Christians are commanded to be generous. They emphasize the importance of giving freely and cheerfully, with a focus on supporting the needs of the church and those in need. Regardless of which perspective we hold, tithing reminds us that God is the ultimate provider and allows us to support the work of the church in spreading the Gospel and serving others.
4. Save Wisely
Saving is not just about accumulating wealth; it’s an essential part of responsible financial management and a reflection of our trust in God’s provision. Proverbs 21:20 advises, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” 7 Saving allows us to prepare for unexpected expenses, plan for the future, and avoid the burden of debt. It also enables us to be more generous, as we are not constantly struggling to make ends meet. Building an emergency fund, saving for retirement, and setting aside funds for future goals like education or a home are all important aspects of wise saving.
5. Avoid Debt
The Bible offers clear warnings about the dangers of debt. Proverbs 22:7 states, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” 2 While some debt may be unavoidable in today’s society, it’s crucial to be mindful of its impact and strive to live debt-free. Debt can create financial stress, limit our ability to give and save, and even hinder our relationship with God by shifting our focus from His provision to our financial obligations. By making wise choices, budgeting carefully, and seeking God’s guidance, we can break free from the bondage of debt and experience the financial peace that comes from living within our means.
6. Seek Wise Counsel
Financial decisions can be complex, and it’s wise to seek counsel from trusted advisors who share our faith and values. Proverbs 15:22 states, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors, they succeed.” 7 This could include financial planners, mentors, or other experienced Christians who can offer guidance and accountability. As highlighted in 8, “Christian financial advisors don’t just handle the technical side of investing… They also offer a biblical viewpoint on money, how to steward your net worth wisely, and help ensure that your financial decisions align with your values and priorities.” Seeking wise counsel can help us avoid costly mistakes, make informed decisions, and ensure our financial plans align with biblical principles.
7. Be Content with What You Have
Contentment is a powerful antidote to the consumerism and materialism that pervades our culture. It’s about recognizing that true joy and fulfillment are found not in possessions but in our relationship with God and His provision. Hebrews 13:5 encourages us to “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” 7 When we focus on what we lack, we can easily become discontent and envious of others. However, when we focus on God’s provision and trust in His faithfulness, we can find contentment and joy in what we already have.
8. Work Diligently
God calls us to work diligently and with excellence, using our abilities to serve Him and others. Proverbs 10:4 states, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” 7 Our work is not just a means to earn a living; it’s an opportunity to glorify God, contribute to society, and provide for our families. By working diligently and with integrity, we can be a blessing to our community and use our resources to further His kingdom.
9. Plan for the Future
Planning for the future is an important aspect of responsible stewardship and a reflection of our trust in God’s guidance. Proverbs 21:5 advises, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” 7 This involves setting financial goals, creating a budget, and saving for emergencies and long-term expenses like education or retirement. Planning ahead allows us to avoid financial stress, make wise decisions, and ensure our resources are used effectively to provide for our families and support God’s work.
10. Beware of Greed and Materialism
Greed and materialism are dangerous traps that can hinder our relationship with God and lead to discontentment and unhappiness. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns, “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.” 9 Materialism can easily become an idol, distracting us from the true source of joy and fulfillment10. It often goes hand in hand with other sins like greed, gluttony, discontent, envy, covetousness, and entitlement, creating a cycle of desire that can never be satisfied. By focusing on God’s priorities, giving generously, and cultivating contentment, we can avoid the temptation to accumulate possessions and find true satisfaction in Christ.
Inspiring Examples of Financial Stewardship
Throughout history, many Christians have exemplified the principles of biblical financial stewardship, using their resources to serve God and others. Here are a few inspiring examples:
- Barnabas: In the early church, Barnabas sold a field and gave the proceeds to the apostles, demonstrating sacrificial giving and earning him the name “son of encouragement.” 11
- St. Francis of Assisi: Born into wealth, Francis rejected his inheritance and embraced a life of poverty and service to the poor, challenging materialism and inspiring others to follow Christ11.
- John Wesley: The founder of Methodism, Wesley lived simply and gave away much of his income, demonstrating that generosity is not limited by income level11.
- George Müller: Müller relied solely on faith and donations to fund orphanages, demonstrating the power of trusting in God’s provision11.
These stories illustrate the transformative power of aligning our finances with God’s Word, using our resources to bless others and advance His kingdom.
Resources for Christian Financial Management
For those seeking guidance and support in managing their finances according to biblical principles, there are several organizations that offer valuable resources and services:
- GuideStone: This organization provides financial solutions for churches, ministries, and individuals, with a focus on retirement planning, investments, and insurance12.
- Blue Trust: This firm offers Christian financial advising services, integrating biblical principles into every aspect of their advice and helping clients align their financial decisions with their values8.
These organizations can provide valuable support and guidance for Christians seeking to steward their resources wisely and live generously.
Money is a powerful tool that can be used for good or for evil. As Christians, we are called to manage our finances in a way that honors God, blesses others, and brings us peace and contentment. By applying these ten essential principles, we can steward our resources wisely, live generously, and experience the true riches of God’s kingdom. Let us not allow the pursuit of wealth to distract us from our ultimate purpose – to love God and serve others with all that we have. May we be faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us, using our finances to make a difference in the world and bring glory to His name.
Works cited
- 32 Bible Verses About Money and Finances – Breeze ChMS: https://www.breezechms.com/blog/finances-bible-verses
- Biblical Principles for Effective Christian Financial Planning: https://www.peakfinancialmanagement.com/post/biblical-principles-for-effective-christian-financial-planning
- Tithing: An Expression of our Faith | by Union University McAfee School of Business: https://medium.com/@unionmsb/tithing-an-expression-of-our-faith-aa246569809f
- What Does the Bible Say about Christian Tithing? by R.C. Sproul: https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/stewardship-tithing-and-giving
- A Biblical perspective on tithing – DC Muirigo: https://dcmuirigo.org/a-biblical-perspective-on-tithing/
- Tithing in the Bible: 100+ Scriptures about Giving: https://get.tithe.ly/blog/106-bible-scriptures-about-giving
- Biblical Budgeting Principles: Aligning Your Finances with God’s Priorities | OneAscent: https://www.guidestone.org
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