Introduction:
In our daily lives, the saying “money makes the world go round” holds a profound truth. Regardless of our financial status or background, money and possessions are intricately woven into our existence, exerting a direct or indirect influence on us each day. In this article, we’ll explore some thought-provoking quotes about money from diverse individuals in society, and we’ll also discuss the importance of viewing money from God’s perspective, as His wisdom provides guidance on this essential aspect of life.
Quotes that Resonate:
To kick off our exploration, let’s ponder these compelling quotes about money:
Benjamin Franklin insightfully observed, “Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.”
Cher, in a candid reflection, shared her fear, saying, “I’m scared to death of being poor. It’s like a fat girl who loses 500 pounds but is always fat inside. I grew up poor and will always feel poor inside. It’s my pet paranoia.”
An anonymous quote reminds us that, “The real measure of your wealth is how much you’d be worth if you lost all your money.”
Will Smith wisely stated, “Money and success don’t change people; they merely amplify what is already there.”
J.D. Rockefeller, an immensely wealthy American, candidly responded when asked how much money is enough, “Just a little bit more.”
King Solomon, renowned as one of the wealthiest individuals in history, offered a profound perspective at the pinnacle of his riches: “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Even the mere mention of money can evoke a wide range of emotions within us. However, it is important that we examine the concept of money from God’s perspective, as His Word provides insights and answers for every facet of our lives, including money.
Viewing Money from God’s Perspective:
Money isn’t merely a mundane aspect of our lives; it holds spiritual significance. By viewing our money from God’s perspective, we can find clarity, purpose, and fulfillment in our financial journey.
When money is mentioned, at least in faith based circles, I would say there are four main feelings we could have:
Concerned: It may remind you of the prosperity gospel that is rife in Zimbabwe where I live, and on tv stations around the globe. And that is valid. It is terrible to see the abuse of people in the name of faith to generate personal wealth. It is unbiblical. But don’t worry, this won’t be one of those blog posts. You are not about to start seeing my face on billboards around the city where I live, Learjet travel and designer clothing! But for very valid reasons, you may have concerns when either a pastor, or organisation speaks about money.
Uncomfortable: It is possible that you feel uncomfortable when this topic is mentioned because either money is something you never feel you have enough of. Maybe you are always scrambling to make ends meet and it feels as though you don’t know where the next dollar is going to come from. Or money and possessions are something you have much and hold onto dearly. For you, the thought that God might challenge you on this topic is not something you want to hear. Can I please encourage you to open your heart to Him right now as you read. He loves you more than you can imagine and if He is challenging you on this topic – it is because He does not want it to hold you back from the purpose He has for you life!
Unsure: Some of you may be a little indifferent. You haven’t heard this topic written about and so this is all very new for you. I trust this will give you biblical clarity on the topic on money from an biblical and eternal perspective.
Excited: Some of you may be really excited about this topic! You live a generous life. You love to bless people. You love stewarding God’s resources well for His Kingdom Advance! And for you I would say, this will only excite you more! Stay close to Him and keep allowing Him to use you for His fame in this key area of our lives.
Regardless of which of the four feelings you may have, I know that Jesus wants to speak to us about the topic of money and possessions. Scripture has a lot to say about money. From Genesis to Revelation we see God address this topic. Jesus spoke about money as much as he did many other important topics such as faith, prayer and hell. Many of his parables speak about money, or topics related to money. If we can handle this resource wisely it can become a place of great joy and purpose in our lives, and unwisely at best it can become something that holds us back from impact on earth and reward for all eternity and at worst, it can become a root of all kinds of evil as it says in 1 Timothy 6:10. Money is not evil, but it can most definitely be a root, a source of much evil. Jesus knows that it can have a hold on us like nothing else, so I want us to see money and possessions in the best possible context, and that is God’s.
The Money Grid
I believe God wants us to see our money and possessions through a biblical grid made up of 4 key points. If we look at our money and possessions through this GRID it will help us to know what to purchase and what not to, what to save and what to give away. It will guide us in finding out what we want versus what we need, and where to focus our lives. The Money Grid isn’t complicated, but it is difficult to do and that is because money can have a great hold on us, whether we like to admit it or not. Are you ready? Let’s go!
I firmly believe that God intends for us to view our finances and possessions through a biblical framework comprising four crucial principles. This “Money Grid” serves as a valuable guide to help us discern what to spend our money on, what to conserve, what to give away, and to distinguish between our desires and our genuine needs. Navigating this Money Grid may seem straightforward in theory, yet it can be remarkably challenging in practice. Money often exerts a profound influence on our lives, whether we openly acknowledge it or not.
Part 1 of the Money Grid: “Religion vs. Relationship”
In conversations about money, you might have encountered the term “religion” being tossed around. Some people may express their lack of religiosity, and I tend to respond by saying, “That’s perfectly fine, neither am I!” You see, when we mention “religion,” we are often referring to the rules and rituals that individuals adhere to in their quest to draw closer to God or achieve various spiritual objectives. Alternatively, it might encompass pursuits like enlightenment, reincarnation, or achieving paradise. Religion, in essence, hinges on our efforts to earn God’s favor.
However, Christianity stands apart from other faiths in a crucial aspect. While it may be referred to as a religion, it is essential to understand that Christianity fundamentally differs from all other belief systems in its most pivotal dimension. Christianity asserts that we, as individuals, cannot earn a relationship with God through our actions alone. It emphasizes that God is perfect and holy and cannot coexist with sin. Sin encompasses any actions or thoughts that deviate from God’s heart—a condition we all find ourselves in, often more frequently than we’d like to admit. This sinful nature creates a chasm between us and God that cannot be bridged by mere deeds or good behavior, regardless of how hard we try.
This is where John 3:16, a well-known verse from scripture, comes into play:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Given that we could never meet God’s flawless standards, and due to His boundless love for us, God sent His Son, Jesus, to atone for our sins. Jesus lived a perfect life on Earth and ultimately sacrificed Himself on the cross for you and me. He paid the price we could never afford to cleanse us spiritually, enabling us to bridge the gap and establish a relationship with God. Why did He do this? Because He loves us, every single one of us. If you’re reading this today and uncertain about what God thinks of you—rest assured, He loves you. If you’re questioning whether your past actions are too grave to be forgiven—He still loves you. Even if you’ve stumbled upon this blog while exploring matters of faith—He loves you! Through faith in Him and accepting what He accomplished on the cross, we can forge a relationship with Him now, enduring for all eternity. It’s truly astounding!
So, why does this form the foundational pillar of the Money Grid? It’s because love transforms everything! When we comprehend that Jesus loves us enough to lay down His life for us, our natural response is to desire to dedicate our lives to Him as an expression of gratitude for all He has done for us. This sentiment flows organically from within us. We yearn to offer Him our time, talents, possessions, and wealth. Why? Because we are utterly awestruck by His love for us!
Thus, Part 1 of the biblical Money Grid centers on the profound truth that you and I can cultivate a relationship with the living God, both in the present and for all eternity. This truth never ceases to amaze me—this gift of salvation from our sins. It compels me to offer my life to Jesus willingly.
Part 2 of the Money Grid: “Ownership vs. Stewardship.”
In conventional societal terms, ownership is often regarded as the norm. People typically assert that everything they possess—whether it’s the money in their bank accounts or the physical possessions they hold—is unequivocally theirs. This outlook stems from the belief that they have invested substantial effort, time, and skill to accumulate wealth. Consequently, they consider themselves the rightful owners and decision-makers concerning how to utilize and derive enjoyment from these assets.
However, the scriptural viewpoint offers a stark contrast. According to the Bible, we are not the proprietors of our wealth and possessions; rather, we are stewards entrusted with these resources on behalf of the true owner—God Himself. A responsible steward is someone who manages these resources diligently and effectively. Let’s substantiate this idea with some pertinent verses:
Psalm 24:1-3 asserts, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?”
1 Chronicles 29:12 attests, “Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
John Wesley, an influential Christian theologian, succinctly encapsulated this concept with his statement: “When the Possessor of heaven and earth brought you into being, and placed you in this world, he placed you here not as a proprietor, but as a steward.”
This profound paradigm shift changes the entire outlook on wealth and possessions. Scripture emphasizes that we did not create ourselves, nor did we determine the circumstances of our birth, the family into which we were born, or the nation in which we entered the world. We did not choose our own intellect, talents, or opportunities. While we certainly play a role in our lives, working diligently and utilizing the gifts bestowed upon us to the best of our abilities, it is vital to recognize that there are no self-made individuals; there are only God-made individuals.
With this understanding, if we acknowledge that our wealth and possessions are bestowed upon us by God for stewardship during our earthly journey, the best approach is to consult Him regarding their management. This forms the essence of the second component of our Money Grid: the realization that these resources ultimately belong to God. It involves presenting our resources before the Lord and inquiring, “Jesus, how would you like me to employ the money in my bank account, my income, my business, and my possessions? Since they fundamentally belong to You, it is a privilege to manage them on Your behalf. How can I discharge this responsibility most effectively?”
The second part of the money grid is understanding that this transformational perspective fundamentally alters how we handle God’s resources, temporarily entrusted to our care.
Part 3 of the Money Grid: “Comfort versus Kingdom.”
In the predominant landscape of Western secular society, comfort often reigns as the ultimate aspiration. It’s frequently regarded as the grand prize—the Holy Grail of life itself. The prevailing mindset dictates that if we can navigate our existence with ease and comfort, then we’ve got it all figured out. Regrettably, the markers of comfort tend to shift continually. What we once believed would bring us happiness and contentment may eventually fail to satisfy our deepest yearnings. This phenomenon is encapsulated by the law of diminishing returns, where the pursuit of comfort can perpetuate an insatiable global appetite.
Let me be clear; I’m not implying that seeking comfort is inherently wrong. Life offers us an array of wonderful experiences to relish: sumptuous cuisine, exploration of new destinations, splendid homes, dependable vehicles, and much more. Our benevolent God is a Father who delights in bestowing precious gifts upon us. However, it’s crucial to recognize that these gifts are not the ultimate priority; the Father Himself is!
Jesus, in His wisdom, instructs us that the preeminent priority should be His Kingdom rather than our personal comfort. He communicates His profound love for us, emphasizing that He willingly sacrificed His life on our behalf. He entrusted us with everything we possess, appointing us as stewards, and charted a mission for us on Earth. This mission stands as the primary purpose of our existence. Several verses in the Bible support this perspective:
Ephesians 2:8-10 highlights: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Matthew 28:18-20 features Jesus’ command: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'”
Therefore, God has designed us for good works, specifically the mission to help others discover Jesus, follow Him, and assist others in doing the same. This mission represents our earthly purpose, eliminating the need to question our life’s purpose. Everything we excel at, every business we manage, and all the resources we possess serve the singular objective of advancing this mission on Earth. It simplifies life, providing absolute clarity and focus. With this mission in mind, it becomes natural to align our wealth and possessions with the priorities of Jesus.
So, we must perceive our resources in the light of Jesus, who sacrificed His life out of love for us. Once we align ourselves correctly in this regard, we can proceed to the fourth and final part of the Money Grid.
Part 4 of the Money Grid: “Earth versus Eternity.”
In the world we inhabit, the focus is not only on comfort but also on immediate gratification. We crave instant pleasure, desiring to amass all the delights life has to offer promptly. Many operate under the notion that this earthly existence constitutes the entirety of our existence. Therefore, the directive is to seize the moment, bask in grandeur, achieve personal success, elevate one’s lifestyle, indulge in luxuries, and amass possessions without delay. The clarion call is to upgrade in every facet of life, and to do so rapidly, while there’s still time.
Now, let’s examine what scripture has to say on this matter:
2 Corinthians 4:18 advises, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Matthew 6:19-21 offers this wisdom: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The Bible aptly characterizes our earthly existence as transient, akin to a mist or vapor. In the grand tapestry of eternity, our time on Earth amounts to an exceedingly brief moment. Consequently, Scripture urges us not to fixate on earthly matters but to prioritize what will endure for all eternity. When we genuinely believe that life extends far beyond the confines of this world, it only makes logical sense to place our primary focus on that eternal dimension. Moreover, God graciously grants us the opportunity to invest our earthly resources—our time, money, and possessions—for an everlasting reward, accumulating treasures in Heaven that will remain eternally intact. This extraordinary prospect underscores the significance of our eternal priorities.
Now, what impedes us from aligning our gaze with eternity? What are some of the barriers that hinder us from adopting an eternal perspective?
-Doubt regarding whether Heaven is as magnificent as Jesus claims it to be.
-An overly strong attachment to our earthly lives.
-The belief that money and resources ultimately provide security and protection.
-The allure of social status derived from displaying wealth and possessions.
I’m uncertain which of these resonates most with you, but I encourage you to contemplate the concept of eternity. Reflect on what lies beyond the boundaries of mortality. Ponder a realm devoid of pain, suffering, and evil—a world where these afflictions have no place. Let this reflection reshape and recalibrate your outlook on life on Earth. When we hold the correct perspective regarding our earthly lives in contrast to all eternity, it will enable us to perceive our resources in their rightful context.
This is the Money Grid. By examining our finances and possessions through these four lenses, we can lead lives marked by wisdom, joy, purpose, generosity, and eternal significance. Perhaps God is on the verge of challenging you to undertake some radical initiatives with your resources as you learn to step out in faith. Don’t overanalyze; simply listen to His guidance and take the leap. It could very well be the most rewarding decision you ever make.
I’d like to leave you with a profound quote from Chuck Swindoll:
“Money can buy medicine, but not health.
Money can buy a house, but not a home.
Money can buy companionship, but not friends.
Money can buy entertainment, but not happiness.
Money can buy food, but not an appetite.
Money can buy a bed, but not sleep.
Money can buy a crucifix, but not a Savior.
Money can buy the good life, but not eternal life.”
