What Does Jesus Say About Making Money?

When you think about money and faith, it might seem like the two are worlds apart.

But the truth is, Jesus had a lot to say about money.

His teachings weren’t about avoiding wealth altogether but about using it wisely and understanding its place in our lives.

Let’s dive into what Jesus says about making money, how to handle it, and what it truly means to live a life of abundance according to His teachings.

Understanding Wealth from Jesus’ Perspective

Jesus didn’t condemn money itself.

Instead, He warned about the dangers of letting it control our lives.

Here are a few key teachings that highlight His perspective:

1. Money Should Not Be Your Master

One of the most direct teachings about money comes from Matthew 6:24 (NIV):

“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.”

Jesus pointed out that while money is necessary, it should never take precedence over your relationship with God.

It’s about priorities—money can’t be the driving force in your life.

2. Seek First the Kingdom of God

In Matthew 6:33 (NIV), Jesus gives a clear directive:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

This means that when you prioritize your spiritual growth and alignment with God’s will, everything else—including financial needs—will fall into place.

It’s a call to trust that God will provide as long as you keep Him at the center of your life.

3. Wealth is a Tool, Not a Goal

Jesus’ parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21) provides a stark warning:

“The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

The lesson here is clear: accumulating wealth for its own sake is futile.

Wealth should be seen as a means to serve a greater purpose rather than an end goal.

How to Approach Making Money as a Christian

Given Jesus’ teachings, how should you approach making money in a way that aligns with your faith?

Here are some practical steps:

1. Work Diligently and Ethically

Proverbs 14:23 (NIV) states:

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

Jesus valued hard work and integrity.

When you’re working to make money, do it with diligence and honesty.

Whether you’re in business, employed by someone else, or self-employed, your work should reflect Christian values.

2. Avoid the Love of Money

1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) warns:

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

It’s important to distinguish between earning money and being obsessed with it.

When money becomes your primary focus, it can lead you away from your faith and into harmful behaviors.

3. Be Generous

Acts 20:35 (NIV) recounts Jesus’ words:

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Generosity is a core Christian value.

Whether it’s giving to your church, helping those in need, or supporting causes that matter to you, sharing your wealth brings joy and fulfillment that goes beyond material gain.

4. Save and Invest Wisely

The parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) emphasizes the importance of being good stewards of what you have.

In the story, servants are entrusted with their master’s money, and those who invest it wisely are rewarded.

This teaches us to manage our resources responsibly and make thoughtful decisions about saving and investing.

5. Trust in God’s Provision

Philippians 4:19 (NIV) offers reassurance:

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Trust that God will provide for your needs.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work hard or plan for the future, but it does mean that you can find peace knowing that God cares for you and will ensure your needs are met.

Practical Tips for Balancing Faith and Finances

Living out Jesus’ teachings on money requires balance and intentionality.

Here are some practical ways to align your financial practices with your faith:

Budget Wisely: Create a budget that reflects your priorities.

Ensure that your spending aligns with your values, including setting aside money for giving and saving.

Avoid Debt: Proverbs 22:7 (NIV) says, “The borrower is slave to the lender.”

Strive to live within your means and avoid unnecessary debt that can strain your finances and your peace of mind.

Invest in Eternity: Focus on making investments that have eternal significance, such as supporting ministries, helping the less fortunate, and being a positive influence in your community.
Contentment: Practice gratitude and contentment with what you have.

Philippians 4:12 (NIV) highlights the importance of contentment in all circumstances:

“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.”

Seek Counsel: Don’t hesitate to seek advice from trusted financial advisors or mentors who can help you manage your money in a way that honors God.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings about money are not about rejecting it but about understanding its role and purpose in our lives.

By focusing on God first, working diligently, and being generous, you can manage your finances in a way that honors your faith.

Remember, wealth is a tool for good, not a measure of your worth or success. Embrace Jesus’ wisdom, and you’ll find a balanced and fulfilling approach to making and managing money.

If you align your financial decisions with these teachings, you’ll not only experience greater peace and satisfaction but also make a positive impact on those around you.

FAQs: What Does Jesus Say About Making Money?

1. Did Jesus say that money is evil?

No, Jesus did not say that money is evil.

Instead, He warned against the love of money and making it a priority over God.

In 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV), it states,

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

It’s the attachment and obsession with money that can lead to harmful behaviors and take one away from their faith.

2. How should Christians approach making money?

Christians should approach making money by working diligently and ethically, using wealth as a tool to serve others and fulfill God’s purposes.

It’s important to avoid greed and ensure that money does not become the central focus of life.

Jesus’ teachings encourage balancing hard work with a spirit of generosity and trust in God’s provision.

3. Is it wrong for Christians to be wealthy?

No, it’s not wrong for Christians to be wealthy.

What matters is how wealth is used and the attitude towards it.

Jesus taught that wealth should be managed responsibly and used to support others.

Wealth itself is not condemned, but the pursuit of wealth at the expense of one’s spiritual well-being is discouraged.

4. What did Jesus mean by “You cannot serve both God and money”?

In Matthew 6:24 (NIV), Jesus states, “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.”

This means that you cannot give your heart and devotion to both God and the pursuit of wealth.

One will inevitably take precedence over the other. Jesus is urging people to prioritize their relationship with God over material possessions.

5. How can I balance my faith with my financial goals?

Balancing faith with financial goals involves:

Setting Priorities: Put God first in all your decisions.
Ethical Earning: Ensure your income is earned through honest and fair means.
Generosity: Regularly give to those in need and support your community.
Responsible Management: Save and invest wisely, avoiding unnecessary debt.
Contentment: Practice gratitude and be content with what you have.

6. Should Christians give away all their money?

Not necessarily.

While Jesus encouraged generosity and helping those in need, He didn’t mandate that everyone give away all their money.

The key is to be generous and use your resources to do good.

Each person should prayerfully consider how much to give and how best to use their financial resources to honor God and support others.

7. What does the Bible say about saving money?

The Bible supports the idea of saving money as part of responsible stewardship.

The parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) emphasizes being prudent with what you have.

Proverbs 21:20 (NIV) also states, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”

This suggests that saving and planning for the future are wise practices.

8. How can I be sure that I am not loving money more than God?

To ensure you’re not loving money more than God, regularly examine your priorities and actions:

Reflect: Assess where your time, energy, and resources are primarily focused.
Pray: Seek God’s guidance in your financial decisions.
Give: Make generosity a regular part of your financial plan.
Simplify: Avoid the constant pursuit of more and practice contentment with what you have.

9. Can I invest my money as a Christian?

Yes, investing money is encouraged as long as it aligns with ethical standards and is done with a responsible mindset.

The parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the importance of wisely using and multiplying what you have been given.

Investments should be made thoughtfully, with consideration of their impact and how they align with your values.

10. What if I’m struggling financially? How should I view my situation?

If you’re struggling financially, remember that God is with you and cares for your needs.

Philippians 4:19 (NIV) promises, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Focus on trusting God, working diligently, and seeking support from your faith community.

It’s also important to manage what you have wisely and to maintain a spirit of hope and perseverance.