Everyone seems to think that money is corruptive and poisonous to the soul – it can be if you turn it into an idol, but it can actually be propelled for good. 

Over the past few years, I’ve seen God work His way in my life by teaching me some important lessons about money. The biggest lesson being that I needed to trust in Him, including with my finances.

“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” - Deuteronomy 8:18, NKJV

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” - 1 Timothy 6:17, NKJV 

For starters, I grew up poor. We lived on the east side of town where things were a bit rough but we were still very blessed and fortunate to have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, and a family that got along for the most part. 

However, money was always tight; there were a lot of bills and debt to pay, but my parents managed to keep us afloat, somehow. Unfortunately for some homes, money is the destroyer of most families - couples fight and divorce over finances, children grow and learn bad financial habits, and others allow greed to take over their hearts.

“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” - Ecclesiastes 5:10, KJV

‘He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live.’ - Proverbs 15:27, NKJV

But God knew such things would happen – which is why He left us instructions on how to manage our money. He calls us to be stewards with our finances. 

“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly…’ - 1 Peter 5:2, NKJV 

He also tells us we cannot serve God and money. But, why is this? 

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and [a]mammon.” - Matthew 6:24, NKJV

So, how does God really instruct us to be financially smart? How are we really supposed to manage our money without falling into sin? 

Earn your money honestly. 

“Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.” - Proverbs 13:11, NKJV

Pay what you owe to others.

“Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.” - James 5:4-6, NKJV

Think ahead and plan diligently. 

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” - Proverbs 21:5, NKJV

Sit down and make a budget. 

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—” - Luke 14:28, NKJV 

Save up your money.

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” - Proverbs 13:22, NKJV

“He who has a slack hand becomes poor,

But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

He who gathers in summer is a wise son;

He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.” - Proverbs 10:4-5, NKJV

Provide for your household. 

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” - 1 Timothy 5:8, NKJV 

Give.

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” - Acts 20:35, NKJV

Therefore, your love should not be for money, but for God.