Image courtesy: Madeline Montoya
How many of us can relate to the awkward feeling of discussing money? Perhaps even heightened awkwardness when it’s spoken on within a church setting. Whether it’s to do with tithes and offering, raising funds for a building project or the costs of your pastor’s car, as believers, we sometimes place the elephant in the room by force.
What about this resource makes for uncomfortable conversation or warped mindsets? Along the line incorrect theology has crept in and caused us to indirectly or directly oppose God in the area of wealth. Is Jesus not involved where it concerns the dollar, naira or the pound? Is it outside His power or something He does not want us to have, use and enjoy for His glory? Certainly not.
So what are some of the lies (from the devil) we have believed where it concerns financial wealth, and what verses of scripture can we use to dispel them?
As you read on, keep this verse in mind:
‘Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts
Proverbs 4:23 GNT
1.) Christians Should Be Humble and Not Rich.
The first and most glaring problem with this ideology is there is nothing in scripture to back this up. Should believers be humble, absolutely, but how is the word humble being used or misused in this statement? This statement speaks of living below the standard God has called us to when humility in the bible points to the state of our hearts. When we believe we need to live a borderline destitute life to show how saved and Christian we are, not only are we deceived and collaborating with satan, but we are saying ‘God, look at how saved I am by being poor’, and it amounts to pride thinking you know how to live best. God desires for us to prosper in all areas, including finance. Money in the hands of a believer is a threat to satan.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 1:2
2.) I Won’t Have Enough if I Give
This mindset is a lie from the pit of hell whose purpose is to have us walk in disobedience by withholding from giving back to God and being a blessing to others. Its origin is rooted in fear and is ungodly because God has not given us the spirit of fear(2 Timothy 1:7).
We see an elaborate invitation to test God on the rewards of giving in Malachi chapter 3:
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.
11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts;
12 “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts.
God is encouraging us to put Him to the test, and from there, we see three rewards. First, the windows of heaven being opened, blessing us more than we can even contain. Secondly, the devourer is reprimanded, so what we have is not depleted, leaving us with continuous supply, and thirdly nations will see our lives beautified and know we are blessed.
So there is a flow and increase when you give sacrificially and willingly from what you have. God wants our trust in Him in this area.
3.) Money is Evil
An often misinterpreted verse of scripture can be found in the book of 1 Timothy, where Paul writes in chapter 6, verse 10:
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.’
It does not say money is evil but the love of it. When God blesses us with riches, He adds no sorrow to it (Proverbs 10:22). Money is a tool, and every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, says the Lord of hosts (Haggai 2:8). Wealth belongs to God, and He gives us the power to acquire it (Deuteronomy 8:18). He does not give us evil gifts.
4.) Money Should Not Be Spoken About in Church
If not the church, then where? The word of God is the foundation of the lives we build, so the scriptures is an excellent place to start. It’s essential to understand the biblical principles and gain wisdom and insight in the area of finance, especially as money is a significant part of our daily lives. Church leaders should warn against loving money and encourage giving because the world is directly opposed to God and will promote greed and consumerism. Those who are financially literate should take the time to mentor those within the church on prosperity because information breeds confidence. The more of God’s word on this subject (and in general) we get inside us, the more of God’s light and truth we’ll have flooding into our lives, leaving less room for lies to creep in. And even when the lie approaches, you are equipped with the right word to destroy it.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Joshua 1:8
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for where I have exchanged Your truth for a lie. Renew my mind with Your word where it concerns money. Help me to understand wealth and money from a godly perspective and use it as a tool to build your kingdom, and live the life you intended, bringing glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Words by Dara Olagbami
Found this article useful? Why not share with a friend or relative to encourage them.
