“His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” 2 Peter 1:3
In the U.S. where 63% of people identify as Christian, many turn to the Bible for guidance in various aspects of life, including finance.
Few topics are discussed more frequently in the Bible, with around 2,350 verses dedicated to it and about 15% of Jesus’ teachings focused on money and possessions.
So what does the Bible have to say about our finances? Is it what has been hailed in recent years as the emphasis such as “stewardship” and “generosity,” or is it something else?
The Misread Compass
Imagine you are in the middle of the desert with a reliable compass, but how you interpreted “N” and “W” was wrong. Would that compass be of any value?
Even with a perfectly functioning tool, misinterpreting what the compass is saying would lead you in the entirely wrong direction.
I believe this is precisely what has happened with the Bible over the last few decades. Much of the prevailing teachings have almost no biblical backing and, in some cases, are the exact opposite of what the Bible has to say.
As a student of God’s Word, I find myself listening to trending pastors and scratching my head about how we got here.
A takeaway from a sermon you may hear is that “God helps those who help themselves” – a favorite verse of many that’s not anywhere in the Bible (apologies for the sarcasm).
The supposed “Biblical principles” are often verses plucked out of context to create a narrative that is different from what the Bible says.
For centuries, people have twisted Scripture to say what it does not say in order to justify what they want to believe is true. It is how mankind justified slavery and many other wrongful deeds by those who claimed Christianity.
Just like misreading a compass, people are being misled, and the consequences are severe.
What the Bible Does Not Say About Our Finances
Here are some common finance-related beliefs that the Bible does not actually support:
Followers Of Jesus Will Be Blessed Monetarily
Although a life of following Jesus is frequently described as “blessed,” it is never in reference to a monetary blessing. If anything, there is constant assurance of persecution and trials by following Him.
We Should Establish Financial Security
Scripture is constantly telling us to find our security in God alone, not in our finances, military prowess, or any other source.
In fact, we get strong warnings against the accrual of much wealth and an emphasis of the incompatibility with being wealthy and a follower of God.
Being Wealthy Is Evil And Being Poor Is Righteous
People can go to the other extreme and say, “being wealthy is evil and being poor is righteous.”
Being poor is not righteous and being wealthy is not evil. Being faithful is righteous and being unfaithful is evil.
It is the love of money that is evil, which both wealthy and poor people struggle with.
You can be wealthy and righteous, and you can be poor and unrighteous.
Since We Need Money To Survive, We Need To Give Some Focus To It
I often hear phrases like this cited as a justification to focus on making money.
But in Matthew 5 we see the following: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them… But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
By seeking God, He will bring about the resources we need to live, and may do so by calling us to an occupation that generates income. Our focus should always be on Him, not on money.
Money Is Needed To Further God’s Kingdom
God uses both rich and poor people alike to further His Kingdom. If anything, there is an emphasis on using those who are unequipped so that God gets the glory.
Examples include Moses, who, despite his speech impediment, was chosen to confront Pharaoh; David, the shepherd boy who defeated Goliath with just a sling and a stone; Rahab, a prostitute who was integral to the lineage of the Messiah; and Joseph, who saved many by being sold into slavery.
A Biblical view is one that sees God accomplishing His will without a need for money, talent or resources.
We Should Be Generous With Our Finances
Yes, we should be generous, but the bar is quite a bit higher than that. We are actually called to see all that we own (and even our whole life) as God’s.
I think of it like this: it may not be the case that God has called me to sell everything and give it to the poor, but God has called me to be willing to sell everything and give it to the poor.
Saying, “This portion is mine, and this portion is God’s,” is not biblical. True generosity comes on the other side of surrendering our whole life to God.
The Illusion of More
A recent survey by Edelman Financial Engines revealed a startling sentiment: even millionaires are feeling financially insecure.
Jason Van de Loo, a former executive at the company, succinctly captured the essence of this anxiety: “What would it take to feel wealthy? The short answer is more.”
Does true security really hinge on possessing more?
This question brings to mind a recent discussion I had with a client who was in severe distress over her financial situation despite having a net worth of $10 million.
Ten. Million. Dollars.
To be fair, most of it was locked up in real estate, and she was worried about an investment her husband was making.
At the end of the call, I asked, “How much do you think you’ll need to feel secure?”
Her silence was telling. We both understood that no amount could truly provide her with the security she sought.
Riches Beyond Money
If we approach Scripture with the aim to become wealthier, we will find ourselves aligning with the half-truths taught by mainstream Christianity. In fact, I believe it’s how we got to where we are today.
Make no mistake, the Bible is filled with timeless truths that can help you prosper financially.
For example, God—or what many would describe as “the universe”—often prospers those who give generously. Additionally, I believe you will make more money over the long haul by walking with integrity than by cutting corners.
But is the point of Scripture to make us wealthier?
While Scripture does offer principles that lead to monetary prosperity, stopping there would be missing the point entirely.
The wealth that Scripture offers is a different type of wealth.
Scripture’s gems are to help you see that you will never have security or joy through wealth and that nothing you can buy will satisfy you.
What is the value of a beautiful marriage, having thriving children, or for those who know God, the gift of His love toward us?
The next time you go to Scripture to uncover wisdom that will make you wealthier, my challenge for you is this: read what God is saying through His Word.
Don’t read for what you want to get out of Scripture, be a clean slate and read what God is communicating through Scripture.
When we do so, I believe Scripture will begin speaking to us in a way it never has before.
It’ll be like you are actually reading it for the first time. You will start seeing and understanding things that bypass logic and start changing your heart.
I hope you do discover the wealth that Scripture has to offer.
You may find and adopt some things that will give you monetary success, but don’t stop there. Keep digging and keep asking.
If you do, you will discover riches that far surpass anything money can buy.
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