What does the Bible really say about funds?
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to glory and virtue.” 2 Peter 1:3
In the USA, where 63% of individuals Many of them call themselves Christians and look to the Bible for guidance in various areas of life, including financial matters.
Hardly every other topic is handled more ceaselessly within the Bible. 2,350 verses devoted himself to this topic and about 15% of Jesus’ teachings revolved around money and possessions.
So what does the Bible should say about our funds? Is it the themes which were so touted in recent times, resembling “financial responsibility” and “generosity,” or is it something else?
The misread compass
Imagine you might be in the midst of the desert and have a reliable compass, but you misinterpret “N” and “W.” Would this compass be of any use in any respect?
Even with a wonderfully functioning tool, misinterpreting the compass readings would lead you in completely the incorrect direction.
I consider that is strictly what has happened to the Bible in recent a long time. Many of the prevailing teachings have little biblical basis and in some cases are the precise opposite of what the Bible has to say.
As a student of the Word of God, I take heed to the views of current pastors and wonder the way it got thus far.
One insight you will have heard from a sermon is, “Help yourself and God will help you” – a favourite verse of many, but one that doesn’t appear anywhere within the Bible (sorry for the sarcasm).
The so-called “biblical principles” are sometimes verses taken out of context to create a narrative that deviates from what the Bible says.
For centuries, people have twisted the Scriptures to say things they don’t say with the intention to justify what they wish to consider to be true. In this fashion, people justified slavery and plenty of other wrongs committed by those that professed Christianity.
It is like misreading a compass: individuals are led astray and the results are serious.
What the Bible doesn’t say about our funds
Here are some common beliefs about funds that are usually not supported within the Bible:
Followers of Jesus are blessed financially
Although the lifetime of a follower of Jesus is usually described as “blessed,” this never means a financial blessing. If anything, following Jesus brings constant persecution and trials.
We should create financial security
We are told time and again in Scripture that we must always find our security in God alone and never in our funds, our military strength, or every other source.
In fact, we’re strongly warned against the buildup of great wealth and the incompatibility of wealth and following God is emphasized.
Being wealthy is evil and being poor is just
You may go to the opposite extreme and say: “Being rich is evil and being poor is good.”
To be poor isn’t righteous and to be wealthy isn’t evil. To be faithful is righteous and to be unfaithful is evil.
The love of cash is the evil that each wealthy and poor people should struggle with.
They could be wealthy and righteous, but in addition poor and unrighteous.
Since we’d like money to survive, we must deal with
I often hear sentences like this as a justification for concentrating on getting cash.
But in Matthew 5 we read: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them… Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
By searching for God, He will give us the means we’d like to live, and maybe He will do that by calling us to a occupation that may provide us with income. Our focus should all the time be based on Him, not on money.
Money is required to advance God’s kingdom
God uses each wealthy and poor people to advance His Kingdom. If anything, the emphasis is on using those that are usually not equipped in order that God receives the glory.
Examples include Moses, who was chosen to face Pharaoh despite his speech impediment; David, the shepherd boy who defeated Goliath with only a sling and a stone; Rahab, a prostitute who was an important a part of the Messiah’s lineage; and Joseph, who saved many by being sold into slavery.
From a biblical perspective, God believes that He can accomplish His will without money, talent, or resources.
We needs to be generous with our funds
Yes, we needs to be generous, however the bar is ready much higher. We are literally called to view all the things we own (and even our entire lives) as God’s property.
I give it some thought like this: It will not be that God has called me to sell all the things and provides it to the poor, but God has called me to able to sell all the things and provides it to the poor.
Saying, “This part is mine and this part is God’s” isn’t biblical. True generosity, however, comes after we give up our whole life to God.
The illusion of more
A current survey by Edelman Financial Engines revealed a surprising sentiment: Even millionaires feel financially insecure.
Jason Van de Loo, a former company executive, summed up the essence of this fear: “What would it take to make you feel rich? The short answer is more.”
Does true security really rely on owning more?
This query jogs my memory of a recent discussion I had with a client who was in great financial distress despite having a net price of $10 million.
Ten. Million. Dollars.
To be honest, most of her money was in real estate, and he or she was anxious about one among her husband’s investments.
At the top of the conversation I asked, “How much do you think you need to feel safe?”
Her silence was telling. It was clear to each of us that no amount of cash could really give her the safety she was searching for.
Wealth beyond money
If we approach the Scriptures with the goal of becoming richer, we’ll find ourselves subscribing to the half-truths taught by mainstream Christianity. In fact, I consider that’s how we got to where we’re today.
Make no mistake, the Bible is filled with timeless truths that may allow you to achieve financial success.
For example, God – or what many would call “the universe” – often bestows wealth on those that give generously. Furthermore, I consider that in the long term, you’ll make more cash in case you act with integrity than in case you cut corners.
But is the aim of Scripture to make us richer?
Although the Scriptures offer principles that result in financial prosperity, it could be completely incorrect to stop there.
The wealth that Scripture offers is a unique form of wealth.
These pearls of Scripture are designed to allow you to realize that wealth won’t ever bring you security or joy, and that nothing you may buy will satisfy you.
What is the worth of a lovely marriage and thriving children or, for many who know God, the gift of His love for us?
The next time you search the Scriptures for wisdom that may enrich you, I challenge you to do that: Read what God says in His Word.
Don’t read to learn something from the Scriptures, but be a blank slate and browse what God desires to inform you through the Scriptures.
When we try this, I consider the Scriptures will speak to us in ways they never have before.
It will likely be as in case you are reading it for the primary time. You will see and understand things that defy all logic and your heart will change.
I hope you discover the riches that the Scriptures should offer.
You may find and adopt some things that bring you financial success, but don’t stop there. Keep digging and keep asking.
When you do, you’ll discover riches that surpass anything money can purchase.
