Money, Business, and the Bibleنموونە

You Must Choose Between God and Money

Money, in and of itself, is not bad or good. Money can be used to do a lot of good - ministry, church, helping the poor, but money can also be used to do a lot of bad - hoarding, human trafficking, wars, and evil intent. People have sacrificed their own souls for money. We all want and need money, but do we want and need money more than we want and need God?

Jesus’ teaching here is about the heart and our relationship with money. Jesus says, “You cannot serve two masters.” You have to choose. So, how do we manage money instead of allowing it to manage us? How do we store up treasures in heaven and not just in this world?

First, create a budget. It is really not about how much money you make, but about what you do with that money that God gives you. So, create a budget and prioritize the things of God. Give your first 10% back to Him, your “tithe,” and then prioritize the things of God in your budget. Yes, you need to eat, have a place to live, etc., so, budget for all of that and know God will take care of you. God promises to take care of the needs of your life. Not always your “wants,” but always your “needs.” Put Him first in your heart and life.

Second, learn to live below your means. As Christ-followers, we don’t have to keep up with the proverbial “Joneses.” We can still provide for our families, but we don’t have to have everything the world offers. Most people try to find their worth and identity in the “money and things” of the world, but as Christians, we know we already have our worth and identity in Christ. We can be content in life because of our Heavenly Father.

Is your “treasure” in the things of God or in the things of this world? Let’s commit to giving our first 10% (our tithe) back to God, save our next 10% and then live on 80%. This will keep us living below our means and even having money to help others. God is the One who holds all the riches of the world in His hands. Why would we not want to do things His way? It is never too late to start living God’s way. Trust Him with your money and resources today.