I have a friend who asked me if I would consider writing an article on what God says about being responsible about money, investing and saving especially in these challenging times when so many people are in debt in the midst of inflation. I responded that I don’t believe many people would be happy about me writing regarding the Biblical principles on finances as they can be quite different from the world’s view. The Bible tells us that God loves a generous giver, however when times are difficult then we may want to keep as much money for ourselves as possible.
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 2 Corinthians 9:6-13 (NLT)
This is some great financial advice here in 2 Corinthians 9. If we expect to reap a good investment, then we must invest more in the things God is interested in and our heart must be willing to do it. When we invest where God wants us to, then He will bless us to invest even more. This does not apply only to our finances, but also to our time and talents. We must constantly be seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness and then He will add everything else we need in our lives. And please note that I said “need” and not “desire.” Some of the things we desire could destroy us and God knows this, so He will keep these things away from His children. But too many of us are determined to get what we want, and it could be detrimental if this is not what God wants. We should not try to do things our own way and ask God to bless it. But we must be guided by God’s word and His Holy Spirit even when things don’t make sense. Paul wrote to Timothy telling him that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. (See 1 Timothy 6:10). We must have the right attitude towards money, recognizing we are only stewards of what God has given us. And what God has given us we must share to build His kingdom so that people can glorify Him.
We should be careful when we quote the writer of Ecclesiastes when he said that money answers all things because if we look at the context closely, we will see he is speaking about the mistake the rulers of a land may make. Matthew Poole’s Commentary says:
And this clause seems to be added as an aggravation of the sin and folly of luxury, because princes do thereby waste that money and treasure which is so highly necessary for the support and preservation of themselves, and of their kingdoms, and are forced to squeeze money out of their people by oppressive, and dishonourable, and dangerous practices, that they may have more to spend in riotous courses.
We must be careful how we use the money God has given us. We must not let pride influence how we use money. Seeking power and prestige, and buying luxurious items to put on display before others may lead us to poverty. Many people will go into debt because of this. Proverbs tells us that just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender. (See Proverbs 22:7). We must be careful not to let debt imprison us. It is important to count the cost of whatever we are investing in whether it is clothes, a house or even the food we eat. It is also important to save, as that is wisdom, but if we are just saving and not giving that is not God’s way. Jesus told a parable in Luke 12 about a rich man who had a lot of crops, and so he decided to build a bigger barn to store his abundant harvest. He built to save more, but God took his life so he could not enjoy all he stored. Jesus reminds us in this parable that when we are storing up treasures for ourselves, we are not rich towards God. We should have our treasures in heaven which do not fail.
The best financial advice I can give is to keep our money holy, making sure that however we use it, it pleases God and He will surely reward us no matter what financial crises are going on in the world. To be rich in God’s Kingdom, we must use money with humility and fear the Lord.
True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life. Proverbs 22:4
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