Money is an important tool in our lives, serving as a medium of exchange and a measure of an individual’s wealth. From a biblical standpoint, wealth is not inherently evil. Rather, it can be a blessing or a curse depending on how it is acquired and used. In this post, we shall be exploring the blessedness of having money especially for a Christian.
Money as a Blessing
Money is a tangible representation of an individual’s wealth and prosperity, and it is ordained by God to be a blessing for those who possess it and to those around them. Proverbs 10:22 (NIV) states that, “The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, without painful toil for it.” In this verse, we see that true wealth is a blessing from God.
As children of God, wealth can be a huge divine blessing when we align our financial principles with the word of God. The Bible says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (Jas 1:17 KJV). The more money you have as a Christian, the more productive and useful you should be to the kingdom of God.
Money Becomes a Blessing through Control:
Control over money is a vital aspect of ensuring it remains a blessing. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV) advises, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” When we exercise control over our finances, we prioritize our trust in God over wealth itself. God wants us to be in charge of money. You can control money by putting your trust in God and seeing money as a tool rather than something that should be worshipped.
The Good Side of Money:
The Bible provides clear guidance on how money can be a source of blessing when used with the right intentions. Here are ways that the possession of money can be a blessing:
- Giving: Proverbs 3:9–10 (TPT) instructs, “Glorify God with all your wealth, honoring him with your very best, with every increase that comes to you.” Giving generously to God and others is a way to express the blessedness of wealth and acknowledge God’s provision. It is important to realize that what you cannot give already has power over you. The control of money is expressed in giving it out.
- Liberality: 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV) encourages a generous spirit, stating, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.” God blesses us so that we can be a blessing. This is one of the reasons He gives us riches: He wants us to be liberal. Being liberal with money can bring blessings not only to you but also to those in need. Liberality also opens you to more of God’s blessings. The Bible says, “The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” (Pro 11:25 KJV)
- Bringing Glory to God: 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) reminds us, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Money can be a blessing when used to bring glory to God’s name. If your wealth is not bringing glory to God, you are on the dark side of money. Your money should be working for God in ways such as advancement of the gospel, feeding the poor, and helping the helpless.
- Helping the Helpless: Money becomes a blessing when it helps the helpless. Proverbs 19:17 (NIV) emphasizes, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Helping the less fortunate with your resources is a blessed act in God’s eyes. Please understand that God wants to answer the cry of the poor through your giving.
- Becoming a Blessing: Acquiring wealth is expected to make us a blessing to our world. Genesis 12:2 (NIV) illustrates God’s intention for His people, saying, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” As we receive blessings, we are called to be a blessing to others. Our wealth should make us a solution in our community and the nation at large.
- Kingdom Expansion: Matthew 6:33 (NIV) advises, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Money is a tool that can be used to advance God’s kingdom on earth, fulfilling His purposes. Our money should be on mission for God. We must be committed to all that have God in it financially.
- Joy in Accomplishment, Not Possession: The core of our joy regarding wealth should lie in what money empowers us to achieve rather than in its mere possession. In Luke 12:15–21, the rich man found joy in his wealth itself rather than in any meaningful accomplishments, which ultimately resulted in his loss of it all. We should exercise caution not to flaunt our wealth but to let the impact of our actions speak for themselves.
- Commendation from God: Job 1:8 (NIV) reveals God’s commendation of Job, saying, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” God commended Job because he used his wealth and blessings for the glory of God. We must be conscious of God’s approval in everything we do with our money. It is not enough to seek God when we need money alone; we must also seek Him regarding how best He would want us to use it. Only when we use our wealth in accordance with God’s will will He be pleased with us.
- Multiplication Through Faithfulness: When we allow God to use our money for His glory, He blesses us with more in return. As the saying goes, “Water does not run through a pipe and leaves it dry”, You cannot be a channel of financial flow to others, and God will leave you broke. The Bible says, “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, crushed down, full and running over, they will give to you. For in the same measure as you give, it will be given to you again.” (Luk 6:38 BBE). God always multiplies every faithful stewardship of His blessings.
In conclusion, money can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how it is acquired and used. As children of God, we are called to exercise control over our finances, align our financial principles with the word of God, and use our wealth to bless others and bring glory to God. When we do so, we can experience God’s commendation and multiplication of blessings and become instruments of His grace and love for a world in need. God’s intention is to bless us and make us a blessing to many people, and by following these biblical principles, we can fulfill this divine purpose on earth.