What Does the Bible Say About... Finances?
Most of us think about money on a daily basis. It can govern the decisions we make, the clothes we buy, the food we eat, the ways we spend our free time, and especially our plans for the future. For some of us, the topic of money incites more anxiety than almost anything else.
The irony, though, is that modern-day Americans enjoy unprecedented affluence. We live in the most comfortable era in world history. As said by economics professors Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, “By any measure, we are the richest people ever to walk on planet Earth.”
Certainly, we would do well to consider the many things Scripture has to say about money.
This past Sunday, Pastor Mike preached on 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, encouraging us to give generously, thoughtfully, and cheerfully. We can give generously by God’s grace, thoughtfully for God’s glory, and cheerfully to enjoy God’s love.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul encouraged the church in Corinth to give willingly to believers in Jerusalem. Paul did not want their giving to be motivated by guilt or legalism. He desired for the Corinthian church to give generously and cheerfully, in a way that was pleasing to God. He said,
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, ESV)
Certainly, God does not need our money. He owns the cattle on thousand hills (see Psalm 50:10). All things are already His. The Lord who created and sovereignly upholds the universe does not need the dollars we might give Him. The reason money is such an important topic in the lives of believers, though, is because our financial practices are windows to our hearts.
He who has been forgiven little loves little (see Luke 7:47). Could not a similar principle be applied to our giving? Could it be that our eagerness to give reflects the satisfaction we have in Christ?
Let’s reevaluate our giving, but let’s do so thoughtfully. Rather than ask, “Am I giving enough?”, let’s ask ourselves “Where is my treasure?”. If Christ is our treasure, we will find no reason to cling tightly to things that moth and rust will destroy (see Matthew 6:19).
Resources:
Money and Possessions in Proverbs — Kevin DeYoung
Cheerful Giving — Ligonier Ministries
Reflection Questions:
When money increases, do you increase your standard of living or your standard of giving?
How does the gospel motivate you to give generously?
What practical steps can you take to become a more generous giver?