Faith and Money

Faith and Money

Can faith and money mix?  Should they be mixed?  For many to mix faith and money is “taboo”. Yet,  Jesus spoke about money more times than he spoke about heaven and hell.  He talked more about money than love or any other topic except the kingdom of God.  Eleven of the thirty-nine parables Jesus shared reference money.  Yet, when you begin to talk about money in the context of faith many get nervous. 

Many have a misguided notion that it is sacrilegious to mix faith and money.  Some think money is the root of all evil.  However, money is a necessary part of life.   Money is neither evil nor good, it is neutral.   It’s who has the money that determines if the  money is good or evil.   1Timothy 6:10 says,  “It is the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil”, not money.

There is a fundamental connection between our spiritual lives and how we think about and handle money.    Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) Money is an integral part of our life of faith, that’s why Jesus places such an emphasis on money and possessions.

So, how do should we approach faith and  money?  Here are three keys to properly mixing faith and money.

First, realize money is a resource provided by God.   It is nothing more and nothing less.  God is your source and He has promised to meet all of your needs (Philippians 4:19), even your finances. Therefore money is a resource.  It requires faith to believe God for your provision.  

Second, understand the responsibility you have of being a faithful steward of that resource.  “Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (Corinthians 4:2) Jesus explained this way in Luke 16:10-11, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”  You are a steward of the money you have.  The only way you can fulfill the instruction of Jesus to be a faithful steward is by faith.

Third, keep your faith in the Lord and not the money.   In other words, trust God.  Trust Him to provide and trust Him to guide.  He will help you with your decisions of how to use the money wisely.  It is in God we trust, not money, or any other thing.   Our faith is in God – Jesus is the author and the finisher of our faith.  (Hebrews 12:2)

God wants you to have both faith and money, they work together.  He desires for you to have more of each.  You will be blessed as you put God first and apply these three keys to properly mix faith and money in you life! 

“The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).