What Jesus Commands About Money: A Guide to Biblical Financial Wisdom

Money is a big part of our lives.

Whether it’s paying bills, buying groceries, or saving for the future, we all deal with it daily.

But have you ever wondered what Jesus says about money?

Let’s dive into what Jesus commands about money and how His teachings can guide you to a more fulfilling financial life.

Jesus’ Teachings on Money: A Foundation

Jesus spoke about money frequently in the Gospels, not because He wanted us to amass wealth, but because He knew how it could impact our hearts.

He taught that money should never be our master, but rather a tool we use wisely.

Here are some key teachings of Jesus on money:

Money Should Not Be Your Master

In Matthew 6:24, Jesus 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.”

Prioritize God over Wealth: Jesus makes it clear that our loyalty should be to God, not to accumulating wealth.

Money can easily become an idol, taking the place of God in our lives if we’re not careful.

Balance is Key: While having money is not inherently wrong, allowing it to control your life is.

It’s about balance and priorities.

Generosity is Essential

Jesus emphasized the importance of generosity.

In Luke 6:38, He said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Be Generous: Jesus encourages us to give generously.

This doesn’t only mean money but also our time, resources, and love.

When we give, we open ourselves to receiving blessings in abundance.

Trust in God’s Provision: By being generous, we show our trust in God’s provision, believing that He will take care of our needs.

Contentment Over Wealth

In Luke 12:15, Jesus warned, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Focus on What Matters: Jesus teaches that true life isn’t about hoarding wealth or possessions but about contentment and spiritual richness.
Avoid Greed: Greed can never be satisfied. Instead of constantly seeking more, learn to be content with what you have.

The Danger of Wealth

In Matthew 19:24, Jesus famously said, “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Wealth Can Be a Barrier: Jesus highlights the difficulty for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom because wealth can create a false sense of security and lead to pride and self-reliance.
Humility is Key: It’s not impossible for the wealthy to be part of God’s kingdom, but it requires humility and a recognition that everything we have is from God.

Seek Heavenly Treasures

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus advises,

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Invest in Eternity: Jesus urges us to focus on accumulating treasures that last—spiritual wealth and good deeds—rather than fleeting earthly riches.
Heart Alignment: Where you invest your time and resources reflects what you value most.

Align your heart with God’s purposes.

Practical Steps to Live Out Jesus’ Teachings on Money

Now that we’ve explored Jesus’ key teachings on money, let’s look at how you can apply them to your life. Here are some practical steps:

1. Create a Budget with Purpose

A budget helps you manage your money wisely and align your spending with your values.

Here’s how to start:

List Your Income and Expenses: Write down your monthly income and all expenses.

This gives you a clear picture of where your money is going.

Prioritize Giving and Saving: Allocate funds for giving and saving first, reflecting Jesus’ command to be generous and responsible.
Set Spending Limits: Establish spending limits for different categories to avoid overspending and ensure you’re living within your means.

2. Practice Generosity Regularly

Generosity isn’t just a one-time act; it’s a lifestyle.

Here’s how to incorporate it:

Tithe and Offerings: Commit a portion of your income to your church or charitable organizations.

This act of faith honors God and supports His work.

Help Those in Need: Look for opportunities to assist friends, family, or strangers in need.

It could be through financial help, volunteering, or offering support in other ways.

Share Your Talents: Use your skills and time to benefit others.

Whether it’s mentoring someone or offering free services, your generosity can have a profound impact.

3. Cultivate Contentment

Learning to be content can transform your financial outlook. Here’s how:

Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflect on what you’re thankful for.

Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have.

Simplify Your Life: Reduce unnecessary expenses and declutter your possessions. Simplicity helps you appreciate what’s truly important.
Avoid Comparison: Don’t compare your life or finances to others’. Everyone’s journey is different, and comparison often leads to discontentment.

4. Invest in Eternal Treasures

Focus on what will last beyond your lifetime.

Here’s how to shift your investments to eternal treasures:

Grow Spiritually: Invest time in prayer, studying the Bible, and growing your relationship with God.

Spiritual growth is a treasure that lasts forever.

Build Relationships: Invest in meaningful relationships with family, friends, and your community.

Love and kindness have eternal value.

Serve Others: Engage in acts of service that impact lives positively.

Whether locally or globally, your service is a lasting treasure.

Conclusion

Jesus’ commands about money are not just ancient wisdom but timeless truths that can guide your financial life today.

By prioritizing God over wealth, practicing generosity, cultivating contentment, and investing in eternal treasures, you can find freedom and fulfillment in how you manage your finances.

Remember, it’s not about how much you have but how you use it and where your heart is.

Let Jesus’ teachings on money lead you to a life of purpose and joy.

If you’ve found these insights helpful, consider sharing them with others or reflecting on how you can apply them to your own life. Jesus’ wisdom on money can transform how we see and use our resources, leading to a more meaningful and balanced life.

FAQs on “What Jesus Commands About Money”

1. Why did Jesus talk so much about money?

Jesus spoke frequently about money because it’s closely tied to our values and priorities.

Money can easily become an idol, distracting us from our relationship with God.

By addressing it, Jesus teaches us how to keep our hearts focused on what truly matters—our faith and spiritual life.

2. Can Christians be wealthy according to Jesus’ teachings?

Yes, Christians can be wealthy.

Jesus doesn’t condemn wealth itself but warns against letting it control us.

He emphasized using wealth wisely and being generous.

The key is to ensure that money doesn’t take priority over our relationship with God and that we use it to do good.

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

In Matthew 6:24, Jesus highlights that our hearts can’t be divided between serving God and pursuing wealth.

We must choose what we prioritize. If money becomes our master, it can lead us away from God.

Serving God means using money as a tool to honor Him and help others, rather than letting it dominate our lives.

4. How can I be generous if I don’t have much money?

Generosity isn’t just about money.

It includes giving your time, skills, and resources.

You can volunteer, help others in your community, or share what you have, no matter how small.

Jesus appreciates the heart behind the giving, not the amount.

5. What does it mean to store up treasures in heaven?

Storing up treasures in heaven means investing in things that have eternal value.

This includes growing in your faith, building meaningful relationships, serving others, and living according to God’s principles.

These actions have lasting impact beyond material wealth.

6. How can I practice contentment in a materialistic world?

Practicing contentment involves appreciating what you have and avoiding the constant desire for more.

Focus on gratitude, simplify your life, and avoid comparing yourself to others.

Remember that true fulfillment comes from spiritual richness, not material possessions.

7. Why is it harder for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God?

Jesus said in Matthew 19:24 that it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.

This is because wealth can create a false sense of security and lead to pride and self-reliance.

It’s a call for humility and recognizing that everything we have comes from God.

8. What are practical steps to manage money according to Jesus’ teachings?

Create a Purposeful Budget: List your income and expenses, prioritize giving and saving, and set spending limits.
Be Generous: Give regularly to your church and those in need, and share your time and talents.
Cultivate Contentment: Practice gratitude, simplify your life, and avoid comparisons.
Invest in Eternal Treasures: Grow spiritually, build relationships, and engage in acts of service.

9. How can I align my financial goals with Jesus’ teachings?

Aligning your financial goals with Jesus’ teachings involves focusing on generosity, contentment, and eternal investments.

Make decisions that reflect your faith, prioritize giving, and ensure that your wealth is used to glorify God and help others.

10. What if I’m struggling financially? How do Jesus’ teachings help?

If you’re struggling financially, Jesus’ teachings offer hope and guidance.

Trust in God’s provision, practice contentment with what you have, and seek ways to give, even if it’s not financial.

Jesus’ promise is that when you seek His kingdom first, all your needs will be provided (Matthew 6:33).

11. How can I avoid letting money control my life?

To avoid letting money control your life, keep your focus on God and His purposes.

Regularly evaluate your financial habits, practice generosity, and ensure your decisions align with your values and faith.

Stay mindful that money is a tool, not a master.

12. What steps can I take to start applying Jesus’ teachings on money today?

Set aside time for prayer and reflection on your financial habits.
Create or review your budget to ensure it aligns with your values.
Find ways to be generous, whether through money, time, or skills.
Practice gratitude daily and focus on what you have, not what you lack.
Look for opportunities to invest in spiritual and relational growth.