It is quite in vogue, since at least the 60s, to make statements like “I just don’t care about money”. This self-righteous statement is meant to immediately distance oneself from “earthly cares”. What’s worse is that it is all under the guise of being heavenly-minded.
A Proper Understanding of Money
Now, of course money needs to be in its proper place…
- We’re not to worry about it (Matthew 6:25, 33).
- We’re not to serve it (Matthew 6:24).
- It isn’t a savior. (Proverbs 11:28)
- It can be the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10)
- It is not eternal (James 5:1-6) (Psalms 49:10-12).
- We’re not to see it as necessary for our joy or contentment. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
- It is often a result of diligence and hard work (Proverbs 10:4) (Proverbs 14:23)
That said, money is an ever-present reality of our world of scarcity. It allows exchange to happen, value to be created, tangible things to be built. Money is tied to the reality of our situation. A Christian who grandly proclaims they don’t care about money might as well be saying they don’t care about: housing, food, health, etc. And yes, in some sense there is a nobility to not being overly-concerned or anxious.
But money can be extraordinarily useful as an effective tool for the kingdom.
The funds to build a new church (or keep a current one from falling into disrepair), sending a missionary family to a remote locale, equipping a pregnancy resource center fighting abortions, feeding and caring for hurting and sick people in our communities (Proverbs 3:27), caring for one’s family (1 Timothy 5:8) – these all are done using the means of money. God is heartily in the mix of all of this and he blesses and controls this means at every level.
How to View the “Money Makers”
We’re not all called to high dollar jobs, to be bankers, rich athletes, high-grossing authors, captains of industry,, etc. But for those in Christendom who are, I wish you felt an enormous privilege and responsibility with what you’ve been given and to “Be generous and ready to share” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
Don’t be embarrassed with the wealth God has given you. Instead give him thanksgiving and figure out how to be an awesome steward of these resources.
To whom much has been given, much will be required
Luke 12:47-49
See yourself as a kingdom worker too. You’re not called to a different ultimate calling than the missionary swatting mosquitoes in the jungle. You should be striving with diligence to grow your wealth to increase the bounds of your territory. Not to indulge the self but to increase the kingdom.
Two final warnings related to money…
- It is better for our generosity and giving to be in secret. (Matthew 6:2-5)
- Pursuing money can be a treacherous path. A Christian called to leveraging money needs to keep a close watch on their heart. (Proverbs 1:19) (Luke 12:15)
What now?
How you care about money is shown by how you use it. Not the proclamations you make about it.
Christians, don’t fall in with the Marxist hippies professing a disdain for icky filthy money. Properly understand it and where appropriate care about what you can do with it for the kingdom.
Instead of “not caring about money” care about what it can do for the kingdom. Pursue it only as you pursue the kingdom ends that this means allows.
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