Money is one of the biggest sources of stress, anxiety, and conflict in our lives. It affects our marriages, our families, and our ability to trust Jesus in every area of life. Some of us are constantly worried about having enough. Others are growing in faith but aren’t sure how to handle money in a way that honors God.
So, what does Jesus want us to do with our money? How can we be generous, budget wisely, and live in a way that glorifies Him?
The Biblical Perspective on Money
Couples often argue about finances. Young married couples argue about groceries: name brands or store brands? McKeevers, Price Chopper, Walmart, or Aldi? As life progresses, the questions get bigger: new car or used car? Public or private school? Deck renovation or saving for the future?
Jesus’ perspective matters here. How can we flourish financially without letting money dominate or divide us?
Our ultimate goal is not just converts in the church but disciples—people wholly committed to Jesus’ lordship in every area, including finances. In a culture full of distractions and trends, this is a radical call.
Over 40% of Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament touch on money. That’s right—if we preached as often on finances as Jesus did, every third sermon would focus on money.
The best passage to guide us in this area is 1 Timothy 6:6-10. Paul writes to Timothy, his young preaching intern, giving wisdom for two groups of people:
- Those who desire to get rich
- Those who are already rich
Paul’s instruction is simple:
- For those chasing wealth, learn how to think about money.
- For those with wealth, learn how to act in godly ways with it.
If you’ve been burned by manipulative teaching about money in the past, don’t let that stop you. This is about your walk with Christ, not the church budget.
The Formula for Abundant Life
Paul gives us a life-changing formula:
Godliness + Contentment = Great Gain
Let’s break that down:
- Contentment: Being satisfied with what you have. “I’m good. I don’t need a new car, a new house, or the latest gadgets.”
- Godliness: Recognizing that we’re not content spiritually—we always need to grow closer to Christ.
Put together, a hungry soul (spiritually) combined with a satisfied soul (materially) equals great gain. This is the secret to flourishing, the life hack for an abundant life.
Paul reminds us of a simple truth: we came into this world with nothing, and we’ll leave the same way (1 Timothy 6:7).
Think about it. How much do we really need to be content? For many of us, the answer is: not much. Yet we live in the richest nation at the wealthiest time in history, and the enemy has trained us to never be satisfied.
Every day, we step into a river of consumerism—an ocean of discontent. Advertisers spend $200 billion a year convincing us we’re missing out:
- You must have that vacation.
- You must drive that car.
- You must live in that house.
- You must wear those clothes.
And if we don’t, something feels incomplete.
The Danger of “Want”
Let’s be honest: who here wants to be rich? Be honest. Most of us would probably say yes. Wanting more isn’t inherently wrong—ambition and hard work are good—but there’s a danger when wealth becomes the goal of life itself.
Paul calls this a snare. It can ruin families, friendships, and personal joy. Money can distract from what matters most.
Think of the song Cat’s in the Cradle: a father works too much, misses key moments with his child, and later regrets it. The pursuit of wealth at the wrong cost can leave lasting regrets.
So what does this look like in practice?
- Learn to be content with what you have.
- Stay hungry for spiritual growth.
- Let Jesus guide every decision—whether big or small.
- Remember that money is a tool, not the ultimate goal.
Every choice—what we buy, save, give, or invest—can either bring us closer to Christ or pull us away. The aim is a life marked by generosity, godliness, and peace, not by constant striving for more.
Jesus wants more than our offerings; He wants our hearts. And our finances are a window into what we truly worship. By learning godly stewardship, we can live abundantly—not just materially, but spiritually—honoring God and flourishing for His glory.
Let’s commit to contentment, pursue godliness, and walk faithfully in Jesus-honoring stewardship. Our lives, our families, and our world will be better for it.
Pastor Chris Williams
To learn more about Pastor Chris and his teachings, visit us online at fcfamily.org and be sure to subscribe to receive these weekly encouragements in your inbox.
