God's Ownership, Our Stewardship
The subject of money is ubiquitous in the Bible, appearing in thousands of verses, from Genesis to Revelation. Far from being a secular topic, the Scriptures reveal that our approach to finances is a profound indicator of our spiritual condition and our understanding of God's sovereignty. The foundational truth upon which all biblical teaching concerning money rests is simple yet profound: God owns everything. We, as His creation, are merely stewards, entrusted with His resources for a time.
The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
This truth is reiterated throughout Scripture. King David, in his prayer of thanksgiving, acknowledged:
Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
The silver and the gold belong to the Lord (Haggai 2:8). Therefore, our role is not that of an owner, but of a manager, a trustee. We are called to manage God's resources according to His will, not our own whims. This concept of stewardship extends beyond just money to include our time, talents, relationships, and indeed, all aspects of life. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates that a master entrusts his servants with varying sums of money, expecting them to manage it wisely and profitably. The servants who used their talents to gain more were commended and rewarded, while the one who buried his talent out of fear was condemned. This parable underscores the principle that God expects us to be faithful with what He has given us, no matter how much or how little.
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
Our faithfulness in managing earthly possessions is a test of our readiness for greater spiritual responsibilities.
The Danger of Riches and the Love of Money
While money itself is not inherently evil, the Bible issues stern warnings against the dangers associated with riches and, more specifically, the love of money. This distinction is crucial. Money is a tool, a medium of exchange; its moral valence depends on how it is acquired, used, and valued.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
This verse does not say money is evil, but rather the *love* of it. When money becomes an idol, a source of ultimate security, or the primary pursuit of one's life, it leads to spiritual decay and estrangement from God. Jesus Himself warned:
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
"Mammon" here refers to wealth or material possessions, personified as a false god. The heart has only room for one ultimate master. When wealth takes that place, God is dethroned. The Bible describes the fleeting nature of earthly riches:
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
The parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) vividly illustrates the folly of trusting in earthly abundance while neglecting one's soul. The rich man accumulated vast stores but failed to recognize his dependence on God, and his life was suddenly required of him. Jesus concluded this parable with a poignant warning:
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
True life is not found in material possessions but in a right relationship with God.
Generosity and Giving
A core tenet of biblical stewardship is generosity. Recognizing that all we have comes from God, we are called to give back a portion to Him and to others, particularly those in need. This is not merely a suggestion but an act of worship and obedience, reflecting God's own generous nature.
The Old Testament introduced the concept of tithing, giving a tenth of one's income or produce to the Lord:
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
While the New Testament does not explicitly command tithing, it upholds the principle of systematic and cheerful giving. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to give not grudgingly or under compulsion, but cheerfully:
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Giving is portrayed as an investment in God's kingdom, with promises of divine blessing:
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Generosity is not just about financial contributions to the church; it extends to caring for the poor, the widow, and the orphan, and supporting missions and ministries that spread the Gospel. It is an outflow of a heart transformed by God's grace.
Diligence and Hard Work
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of diligence and hard work in acquiring and managing resources. Laziness is consistently condemned, while industry is praised. God designed work as part of creation, even before the fall, and it is a means by which we can glorify Him and provide for ourselves and our families.
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
Hard work often leads to prosperity, while idleness leads to want:
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
The Apostle Paul, addressing the problem of idleness among some believers, famously declared:
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Work is a God-given responsibility, a means of contributing to society, providing for our needs, and having resources to share with others (Ephesians 4:28).
Debt and Prudence
While not strictly forbidden, the Bible consistently warns against the dangers of debt, portraying it as a form of servitude and a burden. Prudence and wise planning are encouraged.
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
This verse highlights the loss of freedom and increased vulnerability that comes with indebtedness. While some forms of debt, like a mortgage for a home, may be a practical necessity in modern society, the principle remains: unnecessary debt should be avoided. The Bible encourages living within one's means and planning carefully for future expenditures.
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
This principle applies to all financial decisions, encouraging careful budgeting, saving, and avoiding impulsive spending that leads to financial bondage.
An Eternal Perspective
Ultimately, the Bible calls believers to adopt an eternal perspective on money and possessions. Earthly wealth is temporary and fleeting, but spiritual riches and treasures laid up in heaven are eternal. Jesus taught:
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Our financial decisions should reflect our true priorities. If our hope is in Christ and our citizenship is in heaven, then our focus should be on investing in what has eternal value: God's kingdom, the spread of the Gospel, and the spiritual well-being of others. This does not mean abandoning all earthly responsibilities or living in destitution, but rather holding earthly possessions loosely, recognizing their temporary nature, and using them for God's glory.
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Conclusion
The Bible's teaching on money and stewardship is comprehensive and convicting. It calls us to recognize God as the ultimate owner of all things, and ourselves as His faithful managers. This understanding shapes our attitudes towards acquiring, spending, saving, and giving. It warns us against the idolatry of wealth and the dangers of covetousness, while simultaneously promoting diligence, generosity, and prudence. Ultimately, our financial lives are meant to be an expression of our worship and obedience to God, reflecting an eternal perspective that values heavenly treasures above earthly ones. By adhering to these biblical principles, believers can honor God with their finances, live lives of contentment, and contribute to the advancement of His kingdom on earth.