What About Money?

Tom Burke

July 2011
© 2011 Scriptural Study Groups.  All Rights Reserved.

Psalm 119: 105, 130
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

God describes His Word as being light and as giving light. Light enables us to see where we are going. Light helps us to distinguish the good from the worthless in order that we might embrace one and avoid the other.

The light of God’s Word certainly presents a challenge to what is often called “common sense.” So very often, when those around us present a particular attitude or practice as essential, God reveals another way, a higher way. He even tells us why His way will never be pursued—or even perceived—by the men and women of the world.

So, what about money?

A simple study of everyday human language will show us that money is a popular topic of conversation, by the very fact that we have so many words and phrases used to describe it. For example, in the English language, we have more terms referring to money than referring to our parents, children, and husbands or wives. So money must be pretty important. Right?

Consider the perspective of God’s Word. In the King James Version of the Bible, there are nine Greek or Hebrew words translated “money.” Four of these—by far the most common words —refer to the metal that coins are made from. Two refer to small pieces of metal. The remaining words literally mean, as follows, a thing acquired, a weight, and finally, a means of exchange determined by human law or custom.

Perhaps you noticed, as I did, the lack of words describing money as that which makes the world go ’round! (Although we can find it described as something capable of piercing us through with many sorrows.)

We might conclude from an examination of the Scriptures that God doesn’t really care much about money, and we would be right. But He does care about you!

Hebrews 13: 5, 6
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

What glorious truth! He will never leave or forsake us! He is our helper! Why would Christians devote these few short years on earth to chasing after a means of exchange, a thing by which to get other things from other men? We have direct access to God, the source of all good things (see James 1:17). We call Him Father!

Matthew 6: 31–33
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Many have misunderstood the fact that God does not put great emphasis on money. They take this to mean that He wants His people to be lacking in the basic needs of life. This terribly misguided opinion overlooks a simple truth: God is not limited by money, but can provide for His children in a multitude of ways.

Once again, money is something invented by man. It is perhaps useful as a means of exchange. And God can, at times, make provision for us by providing money (see Matthew 17:24–27). But God is not limited by money. Money might become valueless tomorrow. Men might agree on some new standard. But God is always faithful.

This realization gives the Christian such great freedom—a freedom which is even more evident in times when those around us are living in a frenzy of covetousness.

Our welfare is assured, regardless of circumstances. This gives us the confidence to honor God with our substance, without worry or regret. It also frees us to give liberally to others in need, as the church of the First Century did (see Acts 4:32–35), and as God desires us to do (see II Corinthians 8:14).

If a fellow believer had need of a dozen pinecones—would you hesitate to help? Of course not! There is a seemingly limitless supply of pinecones in Central Ohio. Or at least in my yard!

Yet how much more limitless is God’s supply for His people.

Philippians 4: 19, 20
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

You and I have the opportunity to walk on a lighted path, to so conduct ourselves in this world that our liberty, and our love, points others to the God who has saved us and to His son, in whom we are complete. And we will never be forsaken as we do so. Let us choose the way of trusting God—in all things.