Worship With Your Money
If youâre not careful, it can be easy to place your hope in money. Money is something we can hold in our hands or look at in our bank account. We feel the weight of its absence or possess a sense of self-sufficiency when we have it in abundance. In Bible verses about putting your hope in money, youâre going to come across a ton of warnings:
- âBe careful!â
- âGuard your heart!â
- âDonât be a fool with your money!â
When it comes to money, wealthy people are not the only ones who will be tempted to sin. Regardless of how much money you have, youâll be tempted to sin in different ways.
Instead of placing your hope in money or whatever generates income, place your hope in God. He owns everything, and he will provide you with what you need to live your life for him.
Check out these Bible verses about putting your hope in money:
1 Samuel 2:7: “The LORD makes poor and makes rich he brings low and he exalts.â
What Does The Bible Say About Borrowing Lending And Debt
Scripture says owe no one nothing and the borrower is the slave of the lender. But, does that mean its wrong for a believer to ever carry debt. Or, is it okay under certain circumstances and if so, which ones?
This week on Up For Debate, we will discuss this extremely relevant issue with Robert Dickie, III, president of Crown Financial Ministries and Bob Louder, president of Christian Financial Ministries. To help us prepare for the discussion, I compiled some verses on borrowing, lending, and managing money. In both the Old and New Testaments, there are clear warnings against going in to debt, guidance for repaying debt, and clear instructions for those who lend money:
Th Through 19th Century
The Westminster Confession of Faith, a confession of faith upheld by the Reformed Churches, teaches that usurycharging interest at any rateis a sin prohibited by the eighth commandment.
Concerns about usury included the 19th century Rothschild loans to the Holy See and 16th century concerns over abuse of the zinskauf clause. This was problematic because the charging of interest can be argued to be a violation of doctrine at the time, such as that reflected in the 1745 encyclical Vix pervenit. To prevent any claims of doctrine violation, work-arounds would sometimes be employed. For example, in the 15th century, the Medici Bank lent money to the Vatican, which was lax about repayment. Rather than charging interest, “the Medici overcharged the pope on the silks and brocades, the jewels and other commodities they supplied.” However, the 1917 Code of Canon Law switched position and allowed church monies to be used to accrue interest.
Jesuit philosopher Joseph Rickaby, writing at the beginning of the 20th century, put the development of economy in relation to usury this way:
He further gave the following view of the development of Catholic practice:
The Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a Catholic Christian religious order, teaches that the charging of interest is sinful:
Riba is forbidden in Islam. As such, specialized codes of banking have developed to cater to investors wishing to obey Qur’anic law.
Read Also: What Is The Chronological Order Of The Bible
What Does The Bible Say About Budgeting
One tool in the toolbelt for wise stewardship is budgeting. There are many resources, but the simplest way to do that is to open Microsoft Word or Excel and make a list of when you get paid and then put in all your bills. As you budget for your bills and pay them, put some money away in savings each month and tithe. Budgeting well helps you to give abundantly to the Lords work, for the goal is to be a wise steward of both our time and lives to the glory of God.
To better understand this point, consider how the grain offering was given to support the work and ministry at the Tabernacle/Temple . Giving in the New Testament serves the same purpose as Paul encourages the church in Corinth to contribute to a collection he is giving to the poor at the Jerusalem church. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, the Apostle Paul calls the Corinthians to give generously. The point isnt how much we give, the point is to give cheerfully because the Lord has provided.
What Does The Bible Say About Lending And Borrowing
- Megan PachecoChief Learning Officer, Lead Like Jesus
- 201318 Sep
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 .
There is a clear difference between the way the world deals with the subject of lending and borrowing and the way the Bible tells us we should behave when we borrow or lend money. Gods word sets a much higher standard for us believers, both on the lending as well as on the borrowing side.
Lending, earning interest on debt and borrowing have been practiced by human kind for ages, and there is no lack of instruction, helpful tips and teaching around this subject. For anyone who is not well-versed in Gods word its easy to fall prey to financial practices that are neither honoring to the Lord nor to others. Lets take a closer look at this subject, so we can act in confidence when borrowing or lending money.
Is debt a sin? Whats our responsibility as a borrower?
Gods word never speaks of debt as a sin, but there are clear references to debt as slavery. Borrowing money is never encouraged in the scriptures, and when Moses spoke to the people of Israel, borrowing from others was listed as a consequence of disobedience. So what parameters should we live by when borrowing money?
Recommended Reading: What Does Bible Say About Cremation Vs Burial
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
Here Is A List Of Bible Verses About Contentment To Help You Fight For Contentment:
- âJob 36:11:“If they listen and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness.ââ
- Proverbs 19:23:“The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied he will not be visited by harm.ââ
- Psalm 37:16-17:“Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.ââ
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.ââ
- Philippians 4:11-13:“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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.ââ
- Philippians 4:19:“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.â
Read Also: Do Unto Others Bible Verse
Why Do We Loan Money To Broke People
When someone close is in need of help, its only natural to want to pitch in. Why is that? There are several reasons:
- We want to help. Its natural to want to help someone we care about when theyre in a tough situation. When someone is in need and we can help, it makes us feel good.
- Well feel guilty if we say no. You know if you dont help someone who is struggling that it will weigh heavily on your conscience.
- You want to maintain the relationship. You feel like you cant just refuse to help. After all, this is someone close to you. Not loaning money could cause tension in the relationship because you werent willing to be helpful in their time of need.
All of these reasons show that you want the best for that person and for the relationship. But what happens when things dont work out as planned? What if they dont pay back the loan ?
Worse yet, what if they make no effort to pay it back and then weeks or months later theyre showing you their expensive new clothes or the latest gadget they just bought? Do you think the relationship would change due to the resentment of not getting paid back?
Wise Stewardship Is A Matter Of Worship
The Lord desires to be worshipped in spirit and truth by His people , which is why He wants your use of money to reflect His priorities. Additionally, He wants you not to give with a clenched fist, but joyfully, so you can give to further His Kingdom. Nothing is more joyful when we have the right motivation in giving, and nothing gives the Lord more glory than a cheerful giver. John MacArthur says, God loves a heart that is enthusiastically thrilled with the pleasure of giving.
Wise stewardship is a matter of worship, which is the problem with prosperity preachers. Prosperity preachers demand Christians to give to them, and then the Lord will bless them, according to the prosperity preachers, a hundredfold in return.
Now that we understand what the Bible says about money, we know the prosperity gospel is not true and never has been. God loves a cheerful giver, but even more so, He wants cheerful worshipers who delight in Him. Every opportunity that presents itself to the people of God is one of worship and one of service to Him. All of our lives, from how we use our money to the use of our gifts to how we treat others, is a matter of worship. At every time and in every space and at all times, we live before the face of God who sees, knows, and will hold to account how we steward our lives and money. Let us consider then what kind of servants we are and return to the Lord who provides mercy and grace through Christ .
Further Reading
Read Also: Can Alexa Read The Bible
Should I Cosign Here Is The Truth About What God Says
Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts. Proverbs 22:26
If youve ever had a situation where a friend or family member asked you to cosign a loan, you know its a tough spot to be in. On the one hand, you want to help. But the idea of being responsible for someones debt has you a little squeamish.
Say No to them and it seems like you dont care.
Say Yes to them and you are opening yourself up to financial risk.
Maybe as you thought about what to do, you should have considered asking this question: What does God have to say about it? Would He want me to cosign for this loan? It may never have occurred to you to seek advice from a higher power.
The truth is God talks a lot about money in the Bible. He even has advice about cosigning which really surprised me when I found it. For anyone really, the real world application is sound. But especially for people of faith, His advice is worth listening to.
We Cannot Serve God And Money
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.
I truly feel that God gave me a revelation about this verse of Scripture a few months ago. I was thinking about how when we were debt-ridden, jobless, and stressed about money, we were serving money.
Think about it: When you have debt, are living paycheck to paycheck, or dont know how youre going to pay next months electric bill, money becomes your idol.
When youre in debt, it consumes your life.
God does not want us to be careless with our money. On the contrary, He wants us to handle our money His way so that it doesnt have to consume so much of our time, energy, and thoughts.
Remember, value-aligned spending does not just apply to our finances, it applies to our lives holistically so its so much easier to serve God rather than money when we live below our means, pay tithe, and live debt-free because its one less thing we have to worry about in our already busy lives.
I talk about money for a living and yes, I have money goals, but over time, Ive developed habits and discipline that help me not have to think about money every single day, including debt freedom.
You May Like: Omer Definition Bible
Lending Money Can Be A Blessing
In the Bible there are multiple references to people lending money or giving money, and it is shown that it can be a great blessing in many cases.
Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. Matthew 25:27
Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. Deuteronomy 15:8
They are always generous and lend freely their children will be blessed. Psalm 37:26
It is well with the man who is gracious and lends he will maintain his cause in judgment. Psalm 112:5
And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. Luke 6:34
While the Bible does speak of lending money in a positive light, it also gives warning to not lend at interest to those who are poor or who are unable to repay. It speaks of lending freely, but it warns us against being greedy, and exhorts us to act with justice.
I think that we also need to take into account how times have changed, and how borrowers have much more protection under the law today. In ancient times being in debt and not repaying could lead to becoming a slave, or completely having your freedom taken away from you. It wasnt a pretty picture. In modern times borrowers have many more protections under the law, which mean that they wont end up being a literal slave, not be able to eat, or be taken advantage of without any legal recourse.
Kill Greed In Your Heart
Who is a greedy person? Is it a politician? How about the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company? Or are athletes, musicians, or actors or actresses greedy? Regardless of what image comes to your mind, hereâs something you need to know about greed: Itâs not good, and youâll have to fight it off in your life.
Greed is bad, and itâs something all of us will have to fight in our life. In the words of the Apostle Paul, âPut to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatryâ .
Thereâs a good chance you probably donât think you have a greed problem. But let me ask you these questions:
- Are you satisfied with how much money you make?
- Do you want to purchase more things?
- Does your desire for more money and possessions choke out your interest in God?
In life, the presence of greed will come and go in waves, which is why itâs a good idea to keep your finger on the pulse of your heart and to kill the presence of sin in your life with the antidote of the gospel.
Don’t Miss: What Does The Bible Say About Cremation Billy Graham
What The Bible Says About Borrowing
In a recent survey of several seminary students, it was determined that 70 percent of those surveyed felt that borrowing was scripturally prohibited. However, of those who felt that borrowing was prohibited, 90 percent admitted that they had to borrow in order to attend seminary. Is this a double standard, or is it a discomfiting presumption on the part of the seminary students?
Perhaps it would be easier if Gods Word did prohibit Christians from borrowing, but it does not. There is not a single verse that directs Gods people not to borrow money. However, there is also no Scripture that encourages borrowing.
In order for ministers to teach the biblical financial principles concerning borrowing, they first must know what Gods Word says about borrowing.