Money tests our hearts like little else on Earth. Whether it be the test of poverty or the test of prosperity, money brings out the best and worst in us.
Far too often, and I am sure you would agree, we do not know as much about God’s view on money as we ought to, but are afraid to admit.
Within church circles, it is even more daunting to face our deficiencies on money management because we’re ‘supposed’ to be people of the Book – with all of the answers rolling off the tip of our tongue. Some people preach the prosperity Gospel (false), assuring believers that God wants them rich. Some preach the poverty Gospel (also false), preaching God wants them poor. Reality is, everybody needs to continuously revisit biblical principles on money and be a balanced, lifelong student of financial stewardship.
The Bible is equally as clear that while God owns everything, wealth is not guaranteed for everyone on Earth. Jesus told His disciples that the poor would always be with them (John 12:8).
We can gather from His words that people are naturally going to struggle financially in this broken world. No wonder Scripture is so adamant that the poor be cared for – they are some of society’s most vulnerable people. Assuming, of course, that they are not poor because they are lazy , God cares greatly for those who are in need.
Caring for the poor is necessary because wealth is not guaranteed for all. Beyond that, Scripture shows us what God wants for all of us. Contentment, not riches, should be the goal of every believer. We must maintain balance in our understanding on wealth and poverty.
With his intelligence, extensive religious training (Acts 26:5) and Roman citizenship (Acts 22:27), the apostle Paul was certainly deserving of great wealth, but clearly He wasn’t focused on whatever the prosperity preachers of today are selling.
He hadlearnt the value of contentment (Philippians 4:12).God accomplishes his purposes in and through both the poor and the rich. In the end, contentment is the key to a happy heart (1 Timothy 6:8).
Even though wealth is not guaranteed on Earth, God does give the opportunity to gain wealth. You may say, “Nobody gave me wealth – I earned it!”
The children of Israel thought the same thing, but Moses reminded them that it was God who was blessing them based solely on His sovereign will, (Deuteronomy 8:17 – 18).
In short, if God has blessed you with wealth, you ought to humbly thank Him and realise that you have a great responsibility.
In fact, we are all called to live generous lives with whatever means we have. Jesus said that when a widow gave two cents, she had given more than the wealthy who had given large amounts, (Luke 21:1–4).
He doesn’t see the size of your gift; He sees the state of your heart. When we give, we must give willingly, not under compulsion, (2 Corinthians 8:12; 9:7).
Wealth is a responsibility to steward, trusting that God has blessed you to be a blessing and that He will keep blessing you as He sees fit. Our job isn’t to keep; our job is to work hard, invest well and give generously (Matthew 25:14 – 30).
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