A Christian Perspective on Finances

Does God want you to be wealthy?

God has a lot to say about wealth. He encourages you to be content with what you have. Don’t just try to store up things here on earth; you can’t take them with you. You brought nothing into this world, and you’ll leave this world with nothing. So God encourages us to store up our treasures in heaven—to focus on spiritual things, not on earthly things. And that’s tough because the world is constantly saying to us, “You need more! You need this! You won’t be happy without that! Compare yourself to others!” Consider your perspective of wealth and prosperity and be content with what God has given you.

One of the main things that God has to say about money is that: it’s all His! God owns everything; always remember that. If you’re tempted to say, “my money” or think “my things,” remember it’s not your money nor your things. Ultimately it all belongs to God, and we’re just taking care of it for a short time.

Remember that God makes it possible for you to have a job that allows you to make money. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us that God gives us that ability to gain wealth. But do watch out if you are tempted to get things in ways that God has not permitted—the temptation of entitlement. It’s a dangerous and deadly temptation.

Furthermore, put God first. Honor the Lord with the first fruits; that’s in Proverbs 3. Put Him first; give back to Him. Then watch how He blesses you! If you put Him first with what He’s given you, He will take good care of you.

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 1 Timothy 6:6–7

1 Timothy 6 has a lot to teach us about how to handle wealth. 1 Timothy 6:6-7 says to be content—we brought nothing into this world, and we can’t take anything out. So be content! Verse 9 tells us to be careful with the desire to get rich; this is a temptation that can lead to a lot of senseless, harmful desires, plunging people into ruin and destruction. Verse 10 reminds us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. So be careful; if you have a desire to get rich or really love money, be careful. It’s a dangerous direction.

Lastly, if you are rich—and it’s not wrong to be rich!—don’t be proud about it, don’t be arrogant or put your hope into your wealth; rather be as generous and humble as you can be.