Money Is About Discipleship
Money is a tool God uses to help us live and love like Jesus. Regardless of how muchâor how littleâmoney you have, God is at work in your life through your circumstances. He is leading you to a deeper trust in him. This is exactly what we see in Philippians 4:11-12:
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”
Are you struggling financially? Or are you swimming in a financial abundance? Do you have a love of money that isn’t healthy?
Regardless of your situation, instead of asking âwhyâ or just saying âthanks,â be sure to ask God what you can learn since there is a connection between your faith and money.
- âMatthew 6:24: âNo one can serve two masters, for 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 God and money.ââ
- Luke 12:34:“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.ââ
- Luke 16:11-12:“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is anotherâs, who will give you that which is your own?”
Why Does The Church Talk So Much About Money
There are two good reasons why the Church talks so often about money. First, the reason the Church talks about money is because God talks about money. Consider these statistics on bible verses about money:
- 16 out of 38 of Jesusâ parables deal with money and possessions
- Nearly 25% of Jesusâ words in the New Testament deal with biblical stewardship
- 1 out of 10 verses in the Gospels deal with money
- There are more than 2,000 scriptures on tithing in the Bible, money, and possessions in the Bible, which is twice as many as faith and prayer combined
Many verses in the Bible talk about money, and for a good reason too, which leads me to my next point.
Second, bible verses about money are frequently used because thereâs a direct correlation between the way we handle our money and our faith.
When it comes to money, we will either worship wealth or worship with our wealth.
Read that again.
Thereâs a big difference between the two.
From the seduction of success to the lure of lust, many things in this world will vie for your affection and devotion. But the most significant idol you will face is money .
God desires our devotion, and he knows you will come face-to-face with the temptation of money, which is why he speaks so often about it.
Money itself may be amoral. But itâs our attachment to and our worship of money that will lead us into sin and making poor financial decisions.
Bible Verses About Debt To Proactively Grow
Debt is one of the most discouraging things on this earth.
Christians donât understand it very well.
The world doesnât understand it very well.
However, Bible verses about debt may help.
Last year, credit card debt grew by almost $100 Billion.
Many financial analysts believe that the growth of credit card debt may predict the next recession.
In these unstable times, what are Christians to make of debt?
How are we supposed to think about debt biblically?
Use this list of Bible verses about debt to proactively think about:
- How quickly you should pay off your debt
- How increasing debt cannibalizes your wealth-building potential
- What are acceptable forms of debt
- How you will teach your children about debt
- What habits tend to keep you enslaved to debt
- How you can develop your personal character to get out of debt and build wealth
- How a debt free life can also help us love one another
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Debt Is A Metaphor For Sin
God uses debts and pledges as metaphors for sin.
In particular, he uses the metaphor of the cloak as a pledge as an explicit disobedience to his commands.
It is wrong to use your cloak as a pledge because it was your basic means of surviving in the world, and it compromised your human dignity. Yet today, people are willing to take out second mortgages, which is essentially a compromise of their right to shelter, for a new kitchen counter.
God sees debt as a problem that needs to be fixed, not as an opportunity to be taken advantage of.
Much like the choice to sin, the choice to go into debt plays a short game at the expense of the long game.
These Bible verses about debt can help you better understand.
Amos 2:8
“They lay themselves down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge, and in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined.”
Matthew 6:12
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Luke 7:41-50
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Colossians 2:14
“By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”
Make A Commitment To Be Debt
As you take steps to pay off your debt, you will inevitably encounter some roadblocks along the way. You might get laid off or have to take on some medical debt. Surprise expenses will slow down your progress and you may get discouraged.
This is why its important that you make a commitment to be debt-free no matter what obstacles you come up against.
Dont trick yourself into believing that your finances are beyond your control. No matter how much debt youre in, God has already given you the power and authority to overcome and have victory!
Make a decision and take a stand for your financial future. Commit to doing whatever it takes to pay off your debt, and stay out of debt. Ask trusted family and friends to hold you accountable, and teach your children about debt.
You could even write out your commitment and sign it. Then you could pray over it daily and ask God for the wisdom and endurance you need to see it through.
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Effective Habits To Embrace In Parenting
To be an effective parent, you must be a leader in your childs life, guiding with a gentle hand and setting a solid example. Dr. Randy Schroeder provides the insight you need to be a leader-parent. As he explores the foundational Rsrelationship, routines, responsibilities, and rulesyoull better understand the role you play in your childs life. Youll learn great phrases to employ such as Either/Or/You Decide and When You/Then You. While there is no perfect parent, this nuts-and-bolts material will equip you to lead your child in a loving, confident manner.
Faith Can Keep Us From Debt
God often provides for us the worldview in which debt is a poor choice.
When we trust in God, he often quells our frantic need for security.
When we keep our eyes on him, itâs easy to take our eyes off of the shiny thing we think will make our lives better.
These Bible verses about debt are a good way to stay focused on a clear debt free path.
Deuteronomy 28:12
“The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.”
Psalm 37:3
“Trust in the Lord, and do good dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.”
Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:31-33
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, âWhat shall we eat?â or âWhat shall we drink?â or âWhat shall we wear?â For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Luke 12:15
“And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.â”
Philippians 4:11-13
James 4:13-15
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Doesnt The Bible Say That The Borrower Is Slave To The Lender
I think a lot of peoples first reaction to the question should Christians lend money, is that Christians should not in fact lend money. After all, there are a lot of verses in the Bible warning us of the dangers of debt.
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:7
No one can serve two masters, for 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 God and money. Matthew 6:24
Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you. Proverbs 22:26-27
It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. Ecclesiastes 5:5
These verses are only the beginning, were warned about the dangers of debt time and again. The thing is, the Bible doesnt say that debt is a sin, or that you should never lend. In fact there are verses that talk about lending money and receiving interest in a positive light.
If Youre In Debt Youre A Slave
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Gods Word tells us that when you owe somebody money, you are a slave to that person. Until you are completely out of all forms of debt, you wont experience the financial freedom He wants you to have.
This is why it is so important to do whatever it takes to pay off any debt obligation. Like Dave Ramsey says, with gazelle intensity.
Ill give you some helpful steps later to achieve a debt-free life, so keep reading!
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Is It Alright To Borrow Money To Build A Church
Q: Our church went heavily into debt to build our new building, but now our pastor has left, several families are drifting away, and we’re having a hard time making the mortgage payments. Does the Bible say anything about borrowing lots of money to build a church? — K.R.
A: Christians in the first century didn’t build separate church buildings. Since their numbers were small, they usually met in homes. The Bible, therefore, doesn’t say anything directly about this issue.
The Bible does, however, caution us about the dangers of too much debt, and this situation might have been avoided if your church’s leaders had paid closer attention to this. It points out, for example, that when we owe someone money, our debt easily controls us and becomes our master — although we may have thought the money would be our servant. The Bible says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender” .
Does this mean it’s wrong for churches to borrow money to improve their facilities — and perhaps reach more people for Christ as a result? No, of course not, as long as it’s done prayerfully and wisely. On the other hand, however, we must never think that elaborate facilities are essential for an effective ministry. If Christ isn’t at the center of a church’s life, God has not promised to bless its work.
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Tactics 10th Anniversary Edition: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions
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Lending Money And Cosigning
Be not one of those who give pledges, who puts up security for debts. Proverbs 22:26
If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him. If ever you take your neighbors cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate. Exodus 22:25-27
And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6:34-35
What Does The Bible Not Say About Debt
Almost as important as knowing what the Bible says about debt, you should also be aware of what scriptures do *not* say about borrowing money.
- The Bible does not say its a sin to go into debt. Sometimes it is necessary to borrow money in times of financial emergency. Be encouraged that you are not outside of Gods will or engaging in sinful behavior. Scriptures warn us about the dangers of debt for our own good, but also instruct us in how to pay off our debts in a responsible manner.
- The Bible does not advocate for any type of debt, including good debt that can increase your net worth. One example is a mortgage, which is necessary for most people to own their own home. Dont be deceived that God wants you to take on this debt so you can be a homeowner. He still wants you to pay it off quickly and responsibly.
- The Bible doesnt say God will release your debts. It is our responsibility to pay off our own debts in a timely manner. This might mean getting a 2nd job or cutting expenses. He never promises He will relieve you of the burden of your financial debt. However, He is totally capable of doing so, if He chooses.
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How Would Jesus Lend
Borrowing is one side of the coin lending, another. In Matthew 5:40-42, Jesus says, And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you” .
His answer seems to indicate we should be ludicrously generous, which brings up two questions:
- How many of us have ever given to the point of being laughed at?
- Since you and I have been given scandalous grace, how can we not impart that grace to others?
Of course, when we are responsible for businesses and family members, we are to take those responsibilities seriously. Im not condoning choices that would negate our God-given duties to care for others. I am, however, encouraging us to question the worlds philosophies.
When individuals follow cultures mantrasget ahead at all costs money buys happiness the one with the most toys winsthey inevitably end up empty and broken. When our friends bottom out, if we dont look any different from the world, how will they be drawn to the Savior?
In the book The Extravagant Fool, Kevin Adams explains: there are essentially two kinds of foolsone who says there is no God, and one who lives as if theres nothing worthwhile outside of God the bottom line was about making the right choicedeciding which type of fool to become, and either wasting my life for God or simply wasting it.
You Cannot Serve Two Masters
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
You may think its ridiculous that you would serve money as a master. But, if youre drowning in debt, living paycheck to paycheck, and under financial stress, your money issues likely consume your thoughts.
When there is anything in your life that you give more attention to than God, it becomes an idol.
Gods will for us is to manage our money in a healthy and godly way, so we dont feel overwhelmed with worry and anxiety. This means living within our means, giving our tithe, and living debt-free.
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It’s Wrong Not To Repay Your Debts
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
I remember when we were paying off debt on a low combined income, struggling to pay our rent and water bills each month, that I considered bankruptcy. I am not here to judge and can undoubtedly understand times when bankruptcy is the only option for people, but as a Christian, I felt that I had a moral obligation to pay my debts.
Why? Because the debt was mine and mine alone.
Our debt was a choice. I chose to open a business on credit cards.
No one forced me to spend money I did not have to build a business I had not yet proved could sustain itself. So when I lost my 9-5 job, and so did my husband, we had a load of debt and no income to pay it off.
I knew I was a capable, young woman and would need to figure out a way to make it work. So I sold off the inventory, found a new job, and worked a few side hustles to make sure we could pay our debts.
Now, at one point, we were behind on paying one of the credit cards, so it went to collections. At that point, I was able to negotiate the debt with the collection agency for the balance I had accrued minus fees and interest.
It would have been better for me to pay all that was owed, including interest and fees, but I still paid the balance that I had actually charged on the card. I want to dive deeper into this concept on another episode,but the main point is:
Repaying our debts honors God and is the morally right thing to do.