Money Numbers 24:11 God's message says that staying true to His Word, may cost us promotions and advantages, but those who choose God over money will one day acquire heavenly wealth above all measure. (Matthew 6:19-21).
Numbers 31:25-30 Moses told the Israelites to give a portion of the warspoils to God. Another portion was to go to the people who remained behind. Similarly, the money we earn is not ours alone. Everything we possess comes directly or indirectly from God and unltimately belongs to Him. We should return a portion to Him (a tribute) and also share a portion with those in need.
2 Kings 5:20-27 Gehazi saw a perfect opportunity to get rich by selfishly asking for the reward Elisha had refused. Unfortunately, there were three problems with his plan (1) he willingly accepted money that had been offered for some- one else, (2) he wrongly applied that the money could be exchanged for God's free gift of healing and mercy, (3) he lied and tried to cover up his motives for accepting the money. Although Gehazi had been a helpful servant, personal gain had become more important to him than serving God. The passage is not teaching that money is evil or that ministers should not get paid; instead, it is warning against greet and deceit. True service is motivated by love and devotion to God and seeks no personal gain. As you serve God, check your motives - you can't serve both God and money. (Matthew 6:24).
Psalm 119:36 In today's world people most often covet financial gain. Money represents power, influence and success. For many people, money is a god. They think about little else. True, money can buy certain comforts and offer some security. But far more valuable than wealth is obedience to God because it's a heavenly treasure rather than an earthly one (Luke 12:33). We should do what god wants, regardless of the financial implications. Make the psalmist prayer your own, asking God to turn your heart toward his statutes and not toward making money; it's in your best interest in the long run.
Proverbs 6:1-5 These verses are not a plea against generosity, but against overextending on's financial resources and acting in irresponsible ways that could lead to poverty. It's important to maintain a balance between generosity and good stewardship. God wants us to help our friends and the needy, but He does not promise to cover the costs of every unwise commitment we make. We should also act responsibly so that our family does not suffer.
Proverbs 18:11 In imagining that their wealth is their strongest defense, rich people are sadly mistaken. Money cannot provide safety - there are too many ways for it to lose it's power. The government may cease to back it; thieves may steal it; inflation may rob it of all value. But God never loses His power. He is always dependable. Where do you look for security and safey - uncertain wealth or God who is always faithful?
Proverbs 19:1 A blameless life is more valuable than wealth, but most people don't act as if they believe this. Afraid of not getting everything they want, they will pay any price to increase their wealth - cheating on their taxes, stealing from stores or employees, withholding tithes, refusing to give. But when we know and love God we realize that a lower standard of living - or even poverty - is a small price to pay for personal integrity. Do your actions show that you sacrifice your integrity to increase your wealth? What changes do you need to make in order to get your priorities straight?
Proverbs 21:20 This proverb is about saving for the future. Easy credit has many people living on the edge of bankrupcy. The desire to keep up and to accumulate more pushes them to spend every penny they earn, and they stretch their credit to the limit. But anyone who spends all he has is spending more than he can afford. A wise person puts money aside for when he or she may have less. God approves of foresight and restraint. God's people need to examine their life-styles to see whether their spending is God pleasing of merely self-pleasing.
Eccl 10:19 Government leaders, businesses, families, even churches get trapped into thinking that money is the answer to every problem. We throw money at our problems. But just as the thrill of wine is only temporary, the soothing effect of the last purchase soon wears off and we have to buy more. Scripture recognizes that money is necessary for survival, but it warns against the love of money (see Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). Money is dangerous because it deceives us into thinking that wealth is the easiest way to get everything we want. The love of money is sinful because we trust money rather than God to solve our problems. Those who pursue it's empty promises will one day discover that they have nothing because they are spiritually bankrupt.
Ezekiel 7:19,20 God's people had allowed their love of money to lead them into sin. And for this God would destroy them. Money has a strange power to lead people into sin. Paul said that the "love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). It is ironic that we use money - a gift of God - to buy things that separate us from Him. It is tragic that we spend so much money seeking to satisfy ourselves, and so little time seeking God, the true source of satisfaction. God gave the people silver and gold, which they used to make idols. The resources God gives us should be used to do His work and carry out His will, but too often we use them to satisfy our own desires. When we abuse God's gifts or use resources selfishly, we miss the real purpose God had in mind. This is as shortsighted as idolatry.
Matthew 6:24 Jesus says we can have only one master. We live in a materialistic society where many people serve money. They spend all their lives collecting and storing it, only to die and leave it behind. Their desire for money and what it can buy far outweighs their commitment to God and spiritual matters. Whatever you store up, you will spend much of your time and energy thinking about. Don't fall into the materialistic trap, because "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). Can you honestly say that God, and not money, is your master? One test is to ask which occupies more of your thoughts time and efforts. Jesus contrasted heavenly values with earthly values when He explained that our first loyalty should be to those things that do not fade, cannot be stolen or used up, and never wear out. We should not be fascinated with our possessions, lest they possess us. This means we may have to do some cutting back if our possessions are becoming important to us. Jesus is calling for a decision that allows us to live contentedly with whatever we have because we have chosed what is eternal and lasting.
Matthew 19:21 Should all believers sell all that they own? No. We are responsible to care for our own needs and the needs of our families, so as not to be a burden on others. We should, however, be willing to give up anything if God asks us to. This kind of attitude allows nothing to come between us and God and keeps us from using our God-given wealth selfishly. If your are comforted by the fact that Christ did not tell all His followers to sell all their possessions, then you may be too attached to what you have.
Luke 12:33,34 Money seen as an-end in itself, quickly traps us and cuts us off from both God and the needy. The key to using money wisely is to see how much we can use for God's purposes, not how much we can accumulate ourselves. Does God's love touch your wallet? Does your money free you to help others? If so, you are storing up lasting treasures in heaven. If your financial goals and possions hinder you from giving generously, loving others, or serving God, sell what you must to bring your life into perspective. If you concentrate your money in your business, your thoughts will center on making the business profitable. If you direct it toward other people you will become concerned with their welfare. Where do you put your time, money and energy? What do you think about most? How should you change the way you use your resources in order to reflect kingdom values more accurately.
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