The Christian and the Use of Money (Stewardship and Giving)

Money is one of the greatest tests of faithfulness in the Christian life. Jesus spoke more about money and possessions than almost any other subject. In Matthew 6:24 He said: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

This shows us that money is not just about economics — it is about worship and lordship. Money itself is not evil, but the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). God blesses His children with resources, but He expects us to use them as faithful stewards, not selfish owners.

The Christian’s use of money must reflect God’s kingdom values: honesty, generosity, responsibility, and contentment. Let us explore what scripture teaches about money, stewardship, and giving, and how believers today can honour God with their finances.

1. Money as a Test of the Heart

Jesus said in Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” How we use money reveals the condition of our heart.

• If we treasure God, our resources will flow toward His kingdom.
• If we treasure the world, our resources will be consumed by selfish desires.

Money exposes priorities. Our bank statement often preaches louder than our mouths.

2. The Principle of Stewardship

Psalm 24:1 says: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” This means everything we have belongs to God. We are not owners but stewards.

• Stewardship means management. God entrusts resources to us to use wisely.
• Stewardship means accountability. One day we will give account for how we used money (Matthew 25:14–30).
• Stewardship means faithfulness. Luke 16:10–11 says: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much… if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”

Money is a tool to glorify God, not an idol to worship.

3. The Dangers of Money

Scripture warns of the dangers of money when misused:

• Love of money. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns it leads to evil and destruction.
• Greed. Luke 12:15 says: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
• Pride. Riches can make people forget God (Deuteronomy 8:17–18).
• Oppression. Wealth misused can exploit the poor (James 5:1–6).

Christians must resist these traps and keep money in its proper place.

4. Biblical Principles for Handling Money

1. Work diligently. Proverbs 14:23: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
2. Live within your means. Avoid debt and unnecessary spending (Romans 13:8).
3. Save wisely. Proverbs 21:20 says the wise store up choice food and oil.
4. Be generous. Proverbs 11:25: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
5. Avoid covetousness. Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.”

Money must serve us, not rule us.

5. Giving as Worship

Giving is not a financial transaction; it is a spiritual act of worship. Proverbs 3:9–10 says: “Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”

Types of Giving in Scripture:

• Tithes: The first 10% dedicated to God (Malachi 3:10).
• Offerings: Freewill gifts given out of love (2 Corinthians 9:7).
• Alms: Gifts to the poor and needy (Matthew 6:1–4).
• Sacrificial giving: Going beyond convenience, like the widow who gave her last two coins (Mark 12:41–44).

Giving is not about the amount but about the heart. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).

6. The Blessings of Giving

• Provision: Luke 6:38 promises that those who give will receive in abundance.
• Protection: Malachi 3:11 says God rebukes the devourer for tithers.
• Joy: Acts 20:35 says: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
• Eternal reward: Matthew 6:20 urges us to store treasures in heaven.

Giving does not reduce us; it increases us spiritually and often materially.

7. Examples of Biblical Stewards and Givers

• Abraham: Gave a tithe to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20).
• David: Gave generously for the building of the temple (1 Chronicles 29:3–5).
• The Macedonians: Though poor, they gave beyond their ability (2 Corinthians 8:2–3).
• The early church: Shared possessions so that none lacked (Acts 4:34–35).

These models show that generosity is the mark of faithfulness.

8. How Christians Can Honour God with Money Today

• Budget prayerfully. Decide intentionally how money is used.
• Support the local church. Tithes and offerings sustain ministry.
• Care for the poor. Galatians 2:10 reminds us not to forget the needy.
• Invest in missions. Partner in spreading the gospel globally.
• Practice contentment. Be grateful, not greedy.

Money becomes a blessing when used to advance God’s kingdom and bless others.

9. The Eternal Perspective

1 Timothy 6:7 says: “We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” Money is temporary, but how we use it has eternal consequences. Jesus said in Luke 16:9: “Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”

This means we should use money in ways that impact eternity — giving to missions, supporting ministry, and blessing lives.

10. Summary Principles

• Money is a tool, not a master.
• All we own belongs to God.
• Giving is worship, not obligation.
• Stewardship is accountability.
• Generosity brings joy and reward.
• Contentment brings peace.

Conclusion

The Christian’s relationship with money reveals their relationship with God. When we see ourselves as stewards, not owners, money becomes a tool for kingdom impact. When we give generously, we reflect God’s generosity. When we live with contentment, we show trust in God’s provision.

The world chases money, but the believer chases God and uses money to serve Him. Let us then honour the Lord with our wealth, live as faithful stewards, and give as cheerful givers. For in doing so, we not only bless others but also store eternal treasures in heaven.