How To Steward Our Money
Jeremiah 48:7 says “Since you trust in your deeds and riches, you too will be taken captive”. 1 Timothy 6:9-11 which says “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grieves. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness”. Money is not evil, but the love of money and being consumed at all costs to obtain it definitely can be.
Money is a tool. We need money to live and to enjoy much of this world God has given us, whether food, clothing, our homes, gifts, vacations, concerts, sporting games, our health, schooling, and almost anything we do in this life. Many of the Lord’s people including Abraham and David were blessed financially. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 says “This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart”.
Saving and building up your money is a good thing and a biblical principal as well as sharing with others. 1 Corinthians 16:2 says “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made”. 2 Corinthians 12:14 says “After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children”. Proverbs 13:22 says “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous”. 1 Timothy 5:7-8 says Those who do not provide for their relatives, especially their own household, is worse than an unbeliever. We need to make sure our priorities are in check as far as being a good steward of what we have been given, praying and asking God how he would like His money used since it is His in the first place. We need to make sure we are not letting money change our character, who we are or who we spend time with. That is when we know the love for money is evident, and will cause evil in our lives.
Psalm 62:10 says “…though your riches increase do not set your heart on them”. Psalm 49:20 says “People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish”. Proverbs 11:28 says “Whoever trusts in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green lead”. If God blesses you in the way of financial provision, that is great! He did for Hezekiah and as mentioned others in the bible. 2 Chronicles 32:27 says “Hezekiah had very great wealth and honor…”. 2 Chronicles 32:29 says “…for God had given him very great riches”. He just warns not to set our heart on the money because money can be fleeting, job changes could be around the corner, a pandemic could take away our business and money in and of itself will not satisfy.
To help ourselves, You have to choose our priorities regardless of our financial income in the sense of our purposes. If our wealth increases, it should not change my mind set or priorities if I’ve already established the foundation. We need to train ourselves daily to be content. If we don’t, we will never have enough. Proverbs 23:4 says “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness” When our hearts are so set on wealth, it is exhausting. We will wear ourselves out, because as humans we are never satisfied, and will always crave and want more until we decide to be content. Ecclesiastes 5:10 says “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless”. The word “meaningless” in Hebrew actually means “temporary.” It is not that money has no worth, but its effects in the here and now of this world are temporary unless used for Kingdom purposes. Isaiah 55:2 says “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? “.
Ezekiel 7:19 says “Their silver and gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath”. All the money in the world cannot pay for your salvation. Only Jesus can. Only He can provide you with wealth that will never perish or fade, and will be here in the life to come. Matthew 6:19-21 says “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. When you die, nothing physical will go with you, and this is all going to pass away. What you do today matters for eternity if you are investing in what is eternal. 1 Timothy 6:19 says “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life”.
Could you imagine getting to heaven one day and the individual you helped through your finances; God used what you gave as a means to save them? Whether it is through your example of generosity, or even buying them a bible. This leads into tithing. God calls us to put aside our 10% of our finances for Him each week. Remember, God does not need your money, but when we put our first earnings away for Him, it shows our heart and faithfulness toward Him. Who better to trust with your money than God? Malachi 3:8 says “But you ask, “How are we robbing you?” “In tithes and offerings”. Malachi 3:10-12 says “Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord almighty”. These blessings may not appear as we would think or in the exact same way as stated here, but you can trust God’s will is better and He sees your heart. You can’t outgive God! God’s generosity is more than we can comprehend to each of us, and as his followers He expects us to do the same. Once you do, you realize the joy that comes with giving.
To tithe requires preparation. Deuteronomy 14:22, Nehemiah 10:28 and Deuteronomy 26:12 tell us to “set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year”. Make your 10% a priority and budget around it to not run into financial troubles, instead of giving God the left overs. Where you spend your time and money shows where your priorities and deepest desires are, not just for now but for eternity.
You cannot live and have confidence where you spend your finances until you are know what’s worth dying for, confident of where you are going and why you are here. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 says Christ’s love compels us. One died for all so those who live no longer lives for themselves but for Jesus. Proverbs 3:9-10 says to “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”. Matthew 23:23-24 says ““Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides!”. Even though giving a tenth is important, Jesus wants us to realize the heart behind all of our laws and rules; realizing they are ultimately for justice, mercy and faithfulness, which is the very character and nature of who God is. Tithing and giving should always come from this part of our character, pure motives and with the right attitude of heart.
Deuteronomy 8:18 says “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today”. Haggai 2:8 says “The silver is mine and the gold is mine,” declares the Lord Almighty”. 1 Timothy 6:17 says “nor to put their hope in wealth, is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” I want to emphasize there is nothing wrong if God blesses you with wealth, but I encourage you to remember He gives us the ability to do so in the first place; giving glory to Him and remembering He can give or take away whenever and however He chooses. This helps us to remain grateful in these times of fruitfulness and provision financially which is a great thing! When he blesses us financially, He wants to guide us with how to spend it, in what ways we are to earn it, in what ways to save and in what ways to give. Our finances are meant to be enjoyed, and we should tell God we know this is His money, and ask Him how he would like us to steward it.
Deuteronomy 15:10 says ”Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to”. Proverbs 11:24-25 says “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”. You should give to others out of your love for them, not for the reward, but ironically when you do give God says you yourself will be refreshed and rewarded.
In 1 Chronicles 29:14-19 David says “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, statutes and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided”. Everything comes from God, from His hand. God tests the heart and is pleased with integrity. Proverbs 17:3 says “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart”.
We cannot condemn those with wealth. Many times an honest and good work ethic produces wealth just as much as dishonest gain. Also, What defines wealth or someone who is rich anyways? As far as other countries are concerned, all of America is wealthy. Again, money is not evil. Money can be a blessing as long as your heart is not set on it in the sense of giving up your character for it. Psalm 112:3-5 Says “Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. Even in the darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice”
When your heart is set on money, you will usually do anything to get it, even by dishonest means whether that is in your business, through heart breaking businesses such as sex trafficking, money at the strip club or how addictions to gambling begin. Proverbs 13:11 says “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow”. Proverbs 29:3 says “A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth”. As well as Proverbs 11:18 which says “A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward”.
God is clear we are to save our money as well as be generous. It is a tough balance that if I am being honest, do not know the exact science to. It is something I pray about often, and God can show you how to spend your money for you and your family, while giving to others, while saving for your retirement, decreasing your debt and saving for your life, family, friends and others. Proverbs 21:20 says “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down”.
Paying off our debt should be our first priority. Proverbs 22:26-27 says “Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you”. Ezekiel 18:7 says “He does not oppress anyone, but returns what he took in pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry but gives clothing for the naked.”. Romans 13:8 says “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law”. Psalm 37:21 says “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously”. Luke 16:9-13 says ““I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money”.
It is very convicting to think God is saying if you cannot be trusted with worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? This was when I knew I had to reevaluate my finances and where I was spending and going into too much debt. Also, using worldly wealth to gain friends for yourself may sound almost selfish, but I take this that what better way to spend money than on people who are eternal? These are more ways to show us how God uses money, and why we cannot just view it as evil. Money is not evil as long as the master you are serving is God. Serve Him, and you will learn how to handle your finances, and where He wants them to come from. He will show you how to make money a good thing.
Luke 16:19-31 says a rich man in Hades asks Lazarus if he could go back to earth to warn his brothers about the torment. Abraham said if they will not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they won’t be convinced even if someone rises from the dead. I want to point out in this circumstance the rich man was not in hell because of his wealth and the poor man was not in heaven just because he was poor. There is nothing “righteous” about being poor, and nothing evil if God has blessed you with money and it was not gained deceitfully. If people get really angry at people who are well off, then we give the poor more and they are well off, then continue to be angry at them when they are provided for. It doesn’t make sense. In this circumstance, it was a matter of heart.
Matthew 22:17 has the Pharisees questioning Jesus saying “Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?””. In Matthew 22:21 Jesus says “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s””. You would probably think I am crazy to say this, but what if we made an effort to be joyful when paying our taxes? 2 Chronicles 24:9-10 says “A proclamation was then issued in Judah and Jerusalem that they should bring to the Lord the tax that Moses the servant of God had required of Israel in the wilderness. All the officials and all the people brought their contributions gladly”. I am not naïve to the fact that there is corruption in our world, and unfortunately our tax system is not exactly how it should be, but overall God has set up government to give back to our leaders, as well as we are to give to God what is His. We should pay our taxes gladly, knowing regardless of the corruption, this is what God intends and will use for His and our good!
Luke 3:13-14 says “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay”. I have been frustrated at times in my life, feeling like I was not getting paid what I should. I have learned to pray and ask God what it is He feels I should get paid. There is nothing wrong with asking questions to those who pay you as to how you can work your way to more, but after that it is out of your control, and where better than to put it in the hands of God and be content. I can tell you from personal experience I have seen Him work in some powerful ways with this. Unless we have times in our lives we are taken to trials beyond our control, how could we ever learn to trust Him or give Him the glory?
In Matthew 25:16-30 and Luke 19:12-27, a man received 5 bags of gold and another 2 bags of gold. They put the money to work and gained double of what they had. Another man received one bag of gold and hid his master’s money in the ground. When their master returned, he was pleased with the two servants who put their money to work saying “Well done, good and faithful servant!” to each of them, saying since they have been faithful with a few things they will be in charge of many things. He invited them to share in his happiness. The man with one bag of gold tried to protect himself from his strict master out of fear, but showed he was only being selfish and hid the gold for himself, but then gave back to his master when asked for it. Matthew 25:26-28 says His master said “You wicked, lazy servant!” The master said how the men knew he could harvest where he has not sown and gather where he has not scattered seed. “Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. ‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags”. Even though this is a parable, I also think it is very beneficial to apply to money. When we put out money away to collect interest within our savings, this is a biblical principle.
Luke 12:15 says “Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions”. Greed is the value you put on your possessions, not how much you have. No matter how much or little you have you can still be greedy. If you want people to get taxed so much so you can acquire whatever you want in a sense of stealing their money against their will, that is also greed. You will be less anxious if you remember everything you own is God’s, including your life. I feel like it is possible to own so much, you forget what you own. Again, possessions are not bad or evil, only when our life is centered around collecting an abundance of these possessions does it become dangerous.
Acts 4:32-35 says “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need”. 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 says “Remember 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. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever”. I have used this verse to justify either not giving or barely giving, thinking “well I am not cheerful and do not want to give which means I should not” instead of changing my heart to choose to be cheerful to give what seems to be our example of 10% of our first fruits or even more if He puts it on your heart. Guys, it is so easy to be scared of losing money, I get it. Money is the foundation of how we live, eat, our homes, our families, our hobbies, our clothes, cars, gas, sports literally everything. Remember, we are giving it to God because it is His in the first place and since He provided it, we can trust Him when He says whoever sows generously will reap generously. His provision may be in unexpected ways, but He promises to never leave or forsake you.
2 Corinthians 9:11-15 says “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”. God provides for you and your family so you can be generous. You generosity leads others to look toward our perfect provider, Jesus, creating the best opportunities to share the good news! What better motivation is there to be generous?!
