Money: The Master or the Servant?

By - Eric Shulman, National Capital Bible Church

Are you a spender or a saver?

My wife and I are savers. We love having money in the bank and try to stick to a budget, ideas ingrained in me by a father who is a Financial Advisor and a mother who knows numbers backwards and forwards. 

At times, it’s easy to feel like that savings is our security. We allow ourselves to sleep easier, assuming that because we have money in the bank, tomorrow and the next day should be taken care of. Naturally, this is not how life works in reality. Any number of issues, like a surprise medical emergency, could flip your finances in a moment.

When it comes to money and the spiritual life, there’s a delicate balance. Savers like myself can find false security in stockpiling it, while spenders can search for happiness in constant quests to buy the next best thing. With so many pitfalls around the subject, many churches are quick to say money is evil. However, the Bible does not make this declaration. 

Let’s walk through the pitfalls surrounding money in greater detail, as well as what the Bible (and God) does say about it.

True happiness comes from God. Psalm 118:24 serves as a fantastic reminder of this. We are called to be happy simply because God has brought another day - not because of what that day has in store for us. Yet, how often do we forget this in the hustle and bustle of life? When the newest golf club, sweater, or watch comes out, how many of us are quick to run out and assume a purchase will make everything better?

In Matthew 10:29-39, Jesus discusses God's intimate knowledge of us, even down to the number of hairs on our heads. We're called to prioritize our love for God above all else, including our desire for wealth and security. It's a challenging message, yet it points to a deeper truth: our ultimate security lies in God alone.

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

The above passage reassures us that God will supply all our needs according to His riches. It's a powerful reminder that while money may seem like our provider, it's ultimately God who sustains us. Psalm 34:10 reaffirms this truth, assuring us that the righteous lack nothing.

But what about our practical needs? Proverbs 10:3 reminds us that God's blessings extend beyond financial wealth. Our security doesn't hinge on the size of our bank accounts but on our trust in God's provision.

As we circle back to our original premise, let’s look at the language the Bible uses when talking about money.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10 

The verse above warns us that the love of money is the root of all evil. Ecclesiastes 5:10 echoes this sentiment, highlighting how chasing after wealth can leave us feeling empty.

Yet, God gives many of us wealth. And He does so for a purpose. Deuteronomy 28:12 speaks of God's blessings pouring out upon us, while Luke 14:28-30 encourages us to be wise stewards of what we've been given. Money itself isn't evil; it's our attitude towards it that matters.

So, what's the key to navigating the complexities of money and faith? It's about recognizing where our mindset truly lies. Luke 14:13–14 reminds us that we cannot serve both God and money. When we prioritize wealth, we risk losing sight of the One who provides true security and fulfillment.

In conclusion, while money plays a significant role in our lives, it should never take the place of God. By placing our trust in Him, we find true contentment and security, regardless of our financial status. Whether we are spenders or savers, let's strive to view money as a tool rather than a master, allowing our faith to guide our financial decisions and ultimately enriching our lives in ways that money alone cannot achieve.

If you have any questions on this topic or on how to make the information above real in your life, we highly encourage you to reach out to us at National Capital Bible Church. Our pastor, Freddy Cortez, would be happy to discuss it with you.

This post was written by Eric Shulman of National Capital Bible Church. If you have questions about this post or Christianity in general, please contact us today!