Money From God's Perspective

Let's start this devotional with some insightful quotes about money:

Benjamin Franklin insightfully observed, “Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.”

Cher, in a candid reflection, shared her fear, saying, “I’m scared to death of being poor. It’s like a fat girl who loses 500 pounds but is always fat inside. I grew up poor and will always feel poor inside. It’s my pet paranoia.”

“The real measure of your wealth is how much you’d be worth if you lost all your money.” - Anonymous

Will Smith wisely stated, “Money and success don’t change people; they merely amplify what is already there.”

J.D. Rockefeller, an immensely wealthy American, candidly responded when asked how much money is enough, “Just a little bit more.”

King Solomon, renowned as one of the wealthiest individuals in history, offered up his perspective at the pinnacle of his riches: “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”

Just the mention of the M word may bring about certain feelings in your heart, but it is so important for us to look at money from God’s perspective, because God's word has an answer for everything, including money.

When money is mentioned, at least in faith-based circles, I would say there are four main feelings we could have in response:

Concerned: It may remind you of the 'prosperity gospel' seen in many nations and TV stations around the globe. That is valid. It is terrible to see the abuse of God's word and the people He loves in the name of faith to generate personal wealth. It is unbiblical. Don’t worry, this devotional isn't that! But for very valid reasons, you may have concerns when either a pastor or an organization speaks about money.

Uncomfortable: It is possible that you feel uncomfortable when this topic is mentioned because money is something you never feel you have enough of. Maybe you are always scrambling to make ends meet and it feels as though you don’t know where the next dollar is going to come from.

It could be that money and possessions are something you have much of and hold onto dearly. For you, the thought that God might challenge you on this topic is not something you want to hear. Can I please encourage you to open your heart to Him right now as you read? He loves you more than you can imagine and if He is challenging you on this topic - it is because He does not want it to hold you back from the purpose He has for your life!

Unsure: Some of you may feel indifferent. You haven’t heard this topic written about and so this is all very new for you. I trust this will give you biblical clarity on the topic of money from a biblical and eternal perspective.

Excited: Finally, this topic may really excite you! You live a generous life. You love to bless people. You count it a privilege to steward God’s resources for His Kingdom Advance! And for you I would say, this devotional will only excite you more! Stay close to the Lord and keep allowing Him to use you for His fame in this key area of our lives.

Regardless of which of the four feelings you may have, I know that Jesus wants to speak to us about the topic of money and possessions.

Scripture has a lot to say about money.

From Genesis to Revelation, we see God address this topic. Jesus spoke about money as much as he did other important topics such as faith, prayer, and hell. Many of his parables speak about money or topics related to money. If we handle this resource wisely it can become a place of great joy and purpose in our lives.

Sadly, wealth can also become something that holds us back from having an impact on earth and reward for all eternity, and at worst, it can become a root of all kinds of evil as it says in 1 Timothy 6:10. Money is not evil, but it can most definitely be a root, a source of much evil. Jesus knows that it can have a hold on us like nothing else, so I want us to see money and possessions in the best possible context, and that is God’s.

There is a well-known saying, ‘money makes the world go round.’ And in many ways that is true. Regardless of our wealth bracket or demographic, money and possessions are part of our lives and affect us directly, or indirectly every day.

Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 5:10

"Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless."

1 Timothy 6:10

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.

Reflection:

Do you view money as a tool for advancing God's purposes, using it with a heart of generosity and stewardship? Or has it become a source of anxiety, causing you to worry about having enough?

Has pride been allowed to creep into your life because your worth is tied to your wealth?

Perhaps money has led to discontentment, with the constant desire for more, leaving you feeling unfulfilled.

God invites us to trust Him as our provider and to find contentment in His provision, no matter how much, or how little we have.

Take a moment to honestly evaluate your feelings toward money.

Are there areas where it has too strong of a hold on you? How does your approach to money align with God's perspective?

Application:

1. Re-read Ecclesiastes 5:10. What or who comes to mind when reading that verse?
2. Identify which of the four feelings (Concerned, Uncomfortable, Unsure, or Excited) you most relate to when it comes to money. Ask God to help you see money and possessions as He does.
3. How can you take a practical step today to align your view of money and possessions with God’s?
4. Consider your financial situation. Is there anywhere you could be more generous to others, or reassess your spending habits?
5. Take a moment to thank God for all that he’s given you, and all that you have.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the resources You have entrusted to me, for every provision that sustains and blesses my life. I acknowledge that all I have is a gift from You, and I am grateful for Your faithful provision. Lord, I ask that You help me to see money and possessions through Your eyes, not as an end in themselves, but as tools to fulfill Your purpose and bring glory to Your name.

Teach me, Father, to hold loosely to the things of this world and to cling tightly to You. Free my heart from the love of money, which can so easily entangle and distract me from what truly matters. Guard my heart against the temptations of greed, pride, and envy. Help me to find my contentment not in material wealth but in Your presence, knowing that You are my ultimate provider and the source of all good things.

Lord, guide my decisions in how I manage and use the resources You have given me. Grant me wisdom to steward them in a way that honors You, whether in times of abundance or in seasons of scarcity. May my life reflect a heart of generosity, always willing to share with others and to invest in Your Kingdom. Show me opportunities to bless those in need, to support Your work, and to use what I have to further the gospel.

In moments of financial stress or uncertainty, remind me to trust in Your unfailing provision and to seek Your guidance above all. Strengthen my faith to believe that You are always enough and that with You, I lack nothing.

Thank You, Lord, for Your grace, Your provision, and Your unwavering love. May my life be a testament to Your goodness, and may my resources always be used for Your glory.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.