The Bible talks
about Baptism 40 verses, about prayer 275 verses, about faith 350 verses, about
love 650 verses, about finance, material, possessions and wealth 2350 verses.
As the Bible itself talks about more regarding finance materials, possessions
and wealth, there is definitely some principles are given which the people need
to follow, obey and live according to the Bible verses. However, unfortunately
many Christian leaders and believers still living in this life like a pagan
mention by our savior itself in Matthew 6:32. Most of the time Christian
leaders and believers never heed the Biblical principles of managing money in
their life. As in general sense will discuss two major issues that is, firstly,
what does the Bible say about money, wealth and being Rich? Moreover, secondly,
what does the Bible say about having money?
3.1.1 Teaching of Biblical view about
money, wealth and being rich
You
may be reminded of several Biblical principles when you think of money. Quotes
such as “money is the root of all evil,” quickly come to mind. Also, let us not
forget what Jesus had to say about money:
“No
one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or
he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God
and Money. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat
or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important
than food, and the body more important than clothes? So do not worry, saying,
‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the
pagans are run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you
need them. However, seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these
things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:24-25, 31-33)
The
verse above shows a few biblical principles very clearly. First, it
acknowledges that God is aware of our need for money. Of course, we need money
to survive. God fully knows this. Second, it says that if you seek the kingdom of God
first, all of those things (money, food, etc.) will be given to you. This is a
very interesting verse. Jesus says that if we seek the kingdom of God
first, everything that we need will be provided. This tells us that God indeed
has plans to give us money. Therefore, those are two powerful points. God
knows we need money; God plans to give us money if we seek his kingdom first.
3.1.2 Teaching of the
Bible about having money
The
Bible clearly indicates that God has blessed people with wealth. Also, keep in
mind that some of the most holy & righteous people in the Bible were wealthy.
God blessed Job with wealth after testing him. God blessed King Solomon with
both wealth & wisdom. In fact, Solomon is considering as wealthiest person
who has ever lived.
God
also blessed Abraham, Jacob, and many others with wealth. Therefore, this
indicates that God does not view being rich or having money as being sinful. If
that were the case, He would not have blessed so many faithful people with
money. There is nothing wrong with saving money, working hard to better your
life, setting financial goals, or even being wealthy and rich.
However,
let us not forget the dangers of money as well. Money becomes a tool of the
enemy (Satan) when we spend every hour of the day plotting on how to make more
money. On the other hand, if we do immoral, corrupt, or evil things just to get
more money. Alternatively, if we are very wealthy & we refuse to help
others by giving financial help when they need it badly.
All
of these things make money evil. Money itself is not evil and even having a lot
of money is not a sin or evil. It is the worship of money that is evil. It is
falling for the temptation to sin or doing wrong just to get money. That is the
problem.
The
Bible warns us of this kind of behavior in two scriptures: “Do not store up for
yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves
break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth
and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where
your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21). Moreover, “Do
not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but
a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and
fly off to the sky like an eagle.” (NIV, Proverbs 23:4-5)
It
is true that money does not make you happy. In fact, some of the most wealthy
people in the world have committed suicide, had diseases and problems that all
of the money in the world could not cure. The quote Zig Ziglar that says,
“Money won’t make you happy, but everyone wants to find out for themselves.”
Regardless
of your net worth, you will still die on this earth. You will witness
hardships, lies, fear, health problems, sadness, frustrations, and all of the
other human emotions. Sometimes great wealth also carries with it greater problems
and burdens.
True
happiness comes only when you fully embrace the life God wants you to
have-regardless of how much money you acquire. This means living by His
incredible word, loving everyone, forgiving those that have wronged you, and
following the commands and teachings of the Bible.
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