## This Black Friday, it’s worth reminding ourselves that we are living in an era when we have more material possessions than any generation before us. Compared to Americans living in the 1950s, we have countless more conveniences, including big-screen TVs, microwaves, online shopping, smartphones, and twice as many cars. It’s easy to assume our purchases will automatically lead to greater contentment.

But will they? Dr. David G. Myers claims that this generation is actually less content than generations before it. “Compared with their grandparents, today’s young adults have grown up with much more affluence, slightly less happiness and much greater risk of depression and assorted social pathology.”

The false idea that prosperity brings contentment is nothing new. Paul warned Timothy and the church at Ephesus about false teachers—first-century equivalents to modern prosperity theology proponents—who were *“depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain”* ([1 Timothy 6:5](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Tim%206.5)).

Like the Pharisees, these false teachers were religious braggarts, and most of what Scripture says about the one group applies to the other. Jesus put it this way: *“Everything they do is just to show off in front of others”* ([Matthew 23:5, CEV](https://biblia.com/bible/cev/Matt%2023.5)). They impressed people with their clever interpretations and personality-driven communication. Instead of faithfully teaching God’s Word, they misused their platform to perform and make money. We know from historical documents that some prominent religious teachers in that time charged exorbitant speaker fees. Like their counterparts today, they embraced the secular culture’s materialistic values while baptizing them with verses taken out of context.

Many people believed such preachers were wealthy because God approved of them. But He didn’t then, and He doesn’t today.

After describing the false teachers as *“imagining that godliness is a means of gain,”* Paul immediately followed with *“but godliness with contentment is great gain”* ([1 Timothy 6:6](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Tim%206.6)).

Like the Pharisees, the false teachers used superficial, outward godliness as a means to the ends of popularity, power, and wealth. Paul, however, wasn’t talking about a *show* of godliness. He was referring to genuine, inward godliness centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. This is a humble godliness that manifests itself as a natural outflow, never as a calculated performance.

The New Living Translation renders [1 Timothy 6:5-6](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Tim%206.5-6)  this way: “*To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. Yet true godliness with contentment is __itself great wealth__” *(emphasis added). When it comes to lasting gain, true godliness definitely pays off! But the measure of such godliness is our __contentment__, not our bank balance. And __that__ is the great gain.

*[Image](https://www.epm.org/static/cache/ea/d6/ead61aee9fc8242a6e90686c4db4419d.jpg) used with permission.*

Eternal Perspective Ministries, founded and directed by author Randy Alcorn, is focused on investing in what lasts for eternity, and helping others to do the same.

Eternal Perspective Ministries

Articles

The measure of godliness is our contentment, not our bank balance. And that is the great gain.

Contentment Is the True Measure of Godliness

__“You always know when you’re doing something for the first time, and you almost never know when you’re doing something for the last time.”__

That’s the way blogger [David Cain](https://www.raptitude.com/2021/09/the-last-time-always-happens-now/) paraphrased an important life lesson he heard from author/professor William Irvine. It’s spot on, isn’t it?

We know when we’re trying a food we’ve never tried before, but we have no way of knowing whether we’ll ever visit a favorite vacation spot again or, unimaginably worse, whether we’ll see a member of our family again after they head out for work or school at the beginning of another day.

It’s hard to think about that, but it’s also helpful.

__Room 126__

Once a quarter, I bring communion to members of our church who can’t get to church. They’re usually people who live in nursing homes. Yesterday was my day.

First up was the stereotypical nursing home. People in wheelchairs parked near the nurses station, staring blankly as an awful smell hung in the air. After some conversation with Ed, communion, and a time of prayer, I asked what I could do for him. Was there a certain food he’d like me to bring or something to read? Ed joked that he’d like the key to the front door, but I knew he wasn’t really kidding.

It made me wonder about the last day that he spent wherever he used to live. Did he know he wouldn’t be coming back? And I thought about what might have led him to this place.

My last stop for the afternoon was at a nursing home that was nicer than the first, but only *a little bit*. In Room 126, I found Chuck and Annette. Chuck has been bedridden for several years. While his words came slowly, there was still a sparkle in his eyes as he quoted Scripture. His love for his wife and for the Lord were very clear.

Annette, nine years Chuck’s junior, spoke with energy and humor. She talked with me about their 60-year marriage, their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

Chuck spent much of his career on staff with our church, leading its various education programs. Together, he and Annette had toured the country, leading marriage workshops.

Even though Chuck was in a nursing home, I was reminded of [Psalm 16:6](https://biblia.com/bible/niv/Ps%2016.6): “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.” In all the ways that matter most, that seemed true for Chuck and Annette.

Still, it made me wonder about the last marriage workshop they ever led and the last night they ever spent together in their home. Did they know those would be the last times for each? And I thought about what led them to where they are right now — not so much the nursing home, but in their marriage and their faith.

__In all things__

One of *The Seven Habits for Highly Effective Living* that Stephen Covey made famous was to “begin with the end in mind.” Many years before he coined that phrase, the Greek philosopher Solon said something very similar: “In all things that you do, consider the end.”

To be honest, visiting people in nursing homes is somewhat jarring because it brings me face-to-face with what the end of life looks like. And it leaves me more than a little reflective.

This weekend, it brought to mind something [Tony Hixon](https://tonyhixon.com/gradually-then-suddenly/) wrote about recently. Thinking about a recent trip to the Grand Canyon, he noted that its formation took place slowly over a long period of time. “Ultimately, this is how the world changes — slowly, gradually, one smallstep at a time…but it adds up.” And that’s how *we* change as well.

Our “boundary lines” won’t just “fall” in pleasant places by accident. While salvation is not a matter of works, so much of the fruit of our lives will come about through abiding in Christ and through faithfulness, which is what Eugene Peterson wrote about in his aptly named, *A Long Obedience in the Same Direction*.

Doing the right things slowly, repeatedly, over a long period of time. It’s how a vibrant relationship with Christ is formed, a strong marriage, good health, and a solid financial foundation.

__What if?__

It’s true that we always know when we’re doing something for the first time, and we almost never know when we’re doing something for the last time. That idea is somewhat startling, isn’t it? Haunting, even. It’s a simple idea, but it carries a lot of weight.

My three biggest takeaways are:

__It’s not a call to live in fear.__ I don’t want to get to the end of my life and say, “Whew, made it. I survived, got here safely.” While I’m not interested in taking reckless chances, I don’t want to play life too cautiously, either. I want to follow God’s call with boldness and a sense of adventure.

I’m encouraged by some insights from my friends, John and Joan. While raising their children, a book they read, *Just Courage* by Gary Haugen, helped change their hopes for their kids.

“He talked about how common it is for parents to pray for their kids to be happy, healthy, and safe,” Joan said. “He challenged readers that it would be more powerful if we prayed quite differently for our kids. So I started praying they would be brave, courageous and dangerous young men and women of God.” John and Joan encouraged their kids to look for needs they could meet, like sitting by a kid who is alone in the cafeteria, and to be bold in living out their faith.

__It’s a reminder to be intentional about cultivating helpful habits.__ The implications of many of life’s “last times” and how well we accept them will be impacted greatly by habits we’re practicing now. What are we doing now to strengthen our relationship with Christ and the people who matter to us most of all? How well are we taking care of ourselves? Are the financial habits we’re practicing today likely to lead us to a good place or a bad place 10 or 20 or 40 years into the future? Which of those habits could stand a little improvement?

__It’s an encouragement to live with gratitude.__ We’re not promised tomorrow or even our next breath. Every day is a gift. But we have to decide to see it that way. As Andy said in *The Shawshank Redemption,* “I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living or get busy dying.”

To grumble and complain and take life for granted is to die. To ask God to fill us with His Holy Spirit each day, and to be attentive and responsive to His leadings, is to live.

“You always know when you’re doing something for the first time, and you almost never know when you’re doing something for the last time.”

__What are the implications for you?__

__[Image](https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/the-last-time)__ used with permission

Since 1990, do-it-yourself Christian investors have relied on SMI for proven strategies and trustworthy guidance.

Sound Mind Investing

Faith and Finance

To grumble and complain and take life for granted is to die. Instead, ask God to fill us with His Holy Spirit each day.

The Last Time

__According to Hebrews 11:1, *“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”*__

Faith is the heartbeat of our walk with God. Our confidence, or faith, that God is who He says He is and that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life are rooted in God’s word.  We have purpose and hope because of our faith, which touches every area of life, including our finances. __We can look at Genesis to find out how faith in the area of *giving* played a part in the story of brothers Cain and Abel.__

Cain and Abel were sons of Adam and Eve, born after the couple sinned and were driven from the Garden of Eden. Their story is found in Genesis 4. It’s a tragic tale of resentment and murder. Cain killed his younger brother Abel because of an *offering*.

Genesis 4:2-5 tells us, “*Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.*

You know this story. Both brothers were prepared to give to the Lord— so far so good.  Cain was a farmer and he brought some of his produce. Abel was a shepherd, so he brought his offering from what he had and this is where things went wrong.

Look at the difference between the *quality* of their offerings. Cain brought “*some of the fruits of the soil*” as an offering to the Lord. Abel, on the other hand, brought God the best parts of the best animals he had, “*fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.*”

The words make it obvious that Abel and his gift were somehow more pleasing to God than Cain and his offering. As a kid, hearing the story in Sunday School, I thought it seemed unfair that God didn’t accept both boys’ offerings. I thought maybe God just didn’t like vegetables, but if you look a little more closely, you can see why God favored Abel. Hebrews 11:6 gives us a clue: *“Without faith, it is impossible to please God.”*

God, who always sees the heart behind our actions, was not pleased with Cain’s gift, because Cain’s offering demonstrated a lack of faith. Abel’s gift was *full* of faith.  Abel’s desire to give his best demonstrated his trust in God’s provision and submission to God’s authority.

Abel chose to sacrifice some of his prime animals that could have brought a handsome price. Cain, on the other hand, was content to bring just “some” produce and not even his *first* fruits.  Cain’s offering was a reflection of his faithless attitude toward God.

Hebrews 11:4 makes the connection between Abel’s faith and God’s favor, “*By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings.”*

We all know what happened after the brothers made their offerings. Cain was furious that God approved of his little brother, and not him.

Genesis 4:6-9 continues, “*Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.*

*“Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”*

Not only was Cain faithless and false toward God, but he also broke faith with his brother by killing and denying him. So, God judged Cain and sent him into exile.

__Our relationships with each other are as important as our motivations and attitudes when it comes to giving.__  Restore faith with your brothers and sisters in Christ before you bring in your own offerings to church. Here’s what Jesus says in Matthew 5:23-24:

“*Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”*

__As Christians, we have opportunities every day to “do what is right.”  By the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we can choose to *walk in faith*, as Abel did.  As with Abel, our faithful giving results in God’s favor.  That’s the *“well done*,” that we all long to hear from our heavenly Father.__

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=Faith%20Full%20Giving&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

FaithFi

We have opportunities every day to “do what is right.”  With the Holy Spirit in us, we can choose to walk in the spirit.

Faith Full Giving

__Have you ever found yourself thinking if you just had a little more in your savings account, then you would feel secure? Or if you had a certain amount in your retirement account, then all of your concerns would vanish?__

You’re not alone.

Though the American dollar reads, “In God We Trust,” many Americans have greater faith in the green paper it’s printed on.

Most people would rather feel they are in control of their situation. We’d all like to believe we can handle whatever life throws our way.

This significantly affects the way we handle our finances. We often view money as the solution to our problems and our protection against the unforeseen. We lean on money for comfort, security, peace, and sustenance.

And because we’ve placed our hope in our financial security, like the rich, young ruler we’re reluctant to part with any of our resources.

In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul tells Timothy to communicate a message to those who are considered rich in his church.

As you read verses 17 and 18, focus on what Paul says about trust:

*Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.* - 1 Timothy 6:17-18 (NLT)

Money is untrustworthy and unreliable. If you put your trust in money, you will find your feelings of security fluctuating with the stock market. When the market’s up, you feel good. When the market drops, so do your spirits. That’s a terrible way to live.

I have met many people who seem to think that a certain level of income or money in the bank will eliminate all their concerns. But when they get that increased paycheck or achieve their savings goal, their concerns do not subside. They may even get bigger, because now there’s more to lose. So they continue their pursuit of an even bigger paycheck or even more money in the bank. It is a brutal, disappointing, and never-ending cycle.

The goal posts shift. Enough is never enough. The human heart never has its fill.

Giving is not about providing for God’s needs. He already owns everything. He’s not waiting for your financial gifts so he can finally move forward with his plans. He can and will move forward regardless of your generosity.

Giving is ultimately for *your* benefit. It is an act of trust. It is a visible demonstration of your reliance on God’s provision and promises. God uses giving to mold your heart into a heart that trusts him more.

Giving says to God, “I trust you more than I trust myself or money.”

Giving causes you to lean into God. Hoarding pulls you away from him. Giving demonstrates that your reliance on God. Hoarding demonstrates self-reliance.

__God’s Promises__

Throughout the Bible, when God tells us to trust him with our financial resources, there is often a promise tied to our act of trust.

What promises and provisions are we trusting when we give generously to God? We’re trusting that he will provide, that he will multiply, that he will enrich.

__God Promises that He Will Provide__

Malachi 3:10 is one of the better-known verses on generosity.

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”

Typically, this verse is used to demonstrate the importance of proportional giving—that is, giving according to what God has given us. And while proportional giving is important, we sometimes miss the second half of the verse, which includes a significant promise.

God doesn’t tell us to give and then just leave us hanging. No, he ties a promise to our generosity. He promises to pour out an abundance of blessings on us. And he tells us to *test* him in this, to give him the opportunity to show that he will make good on his promise.

Let me repeat that: God tells us to test his promise. That’s incredible.

Does this mean that giving generously to the church will finally get you that red Lamborghini you’ve dreamed of? Does it mean you’ll have more than enough in your retirement account? Does it even mean you will get the pay increase you desire?

Not necessarily. We don’t see the widow with the two coins at the Temple treasury in Luke 21:1-3 suddenly become a gazillionaire. We don’t see the poor but generous Macedonians in 2 Corinthians driving brand new, gold-plated chariots.

God’s blessings can be financial and material. But they can also be spiritual. Maybe God gives you the contentment you have been chasing for years, the same contentment you once sought from money. Maybe God shows you how to become part of something far more significant than your own momentary life on earth.

Can God provide material needs? Of course. And he often does. As Jesus said,

*Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?* - Matthew 6:26(NLT)

God often provides something that resonates more deeply within our souls. This book is ultimately not about money or generosity. It’s about your heart. God wants your heart to reflect his heart. And your heart wants to reflect God’s heart. God uses financial generosity to satisfy that longing.

“Test me,” God says. “I will provide. I will bless.”

But it takes trust.

__God Promises He Will Multiply__

In John 6:1-15, Jesus and his disciples are watching a crowd that has been following Jesus. Jesus asks Philip, one of his disciples, where they can buy bread to feed everyone, for the crowd had not eaten in a while. Philip points out the obvious impossibility of providing everyone with bread.

Can you relate to the boy the disciples find with the five loaves and two fish? You look at your meager resources and wonder what God could ever do with them in the face of such a great need. What difference can your generosity make?

A big difference, it turns out, because our God is a multiplying God.

When the boy generously gives up his food, Jesus takes the meal, blesses it, and begins to break it into pieces.

And the breaking doesn’t stop. Jesus keeps multiplying the bread and fish until everyone in the crowd has eaten their fill. Even then, there are twelve baskets full of leftovers.

Or, what about the widow and Elijah in 1 Kings 17:7-16?

A drought has struck the land, and Elijah finds himself by a dried-up brook. God tells Elijah to travel to Zarephath, near Sidon, where he will meet a widow who will provide him with food. Elijah does as he’s told and locates the widow whom God has mentioned. When Elijah asks for some water and bread, the widow reveals her dire situation.

*I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.* - 1 Kings 17:12 (NLT)

Elijah encourages her not to fear but to trust in God’s provision—first preparing food for Elijah and then for herself and her son. That was an uncomfortable request. He was asking her to sacrifice her final meal. Yet, the widow does as Elijah requested. She provides him with water and bread before making bread for herself and her son.

And God multiplies her faithful offering.

Though the widow assumes this will be the last meal she and her son will consume, God has a different outcome in mind. The jar of flour and the jug of oil do not run empty. God continues to fill both containers with the necessary means to bake more bread—not just for that meal, but for the duration of the drought.

God promises multiplication when we trust him. Second Corinthians 9:10 says, *“God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.”*

God will take whatever you give and multiply your resources to accomplish his purposes. That is a promise from God.

But it takes trust.

__God Promises He Will Enrich__

You probably enjoy getting a good return on your investments (ROI). You put your money where you hope its value will increase, and you pull your money from investments that decrease in value.

You like a good ROI. I like a good ROI. And so does God.

Therefore, God promises to enrich those who give. In 2 Corinthians 9:11, Paul writes to those who trust God with their money: *Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous* (NLT).

We find a similar promise in Proverbs 11:25: *The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed* (NLT).

And we see this promise again in the parable of the servants, when the master takes silver from the servant who did nothing and gives it to the servant who most greatly multiplied his resources.

God wants a good ROI. Therefore, he enriches those who trust him and give generously.

God does not enrich the generous so that can have bigger homes, faster cars, and more exotic vacations. He enriches them so that they can always be generous (2 Corinthians 9:11).

God gives so that we can give. He blesses so that we can bless others.

God is looking for conduits of generosity, channels through which his blessings can flow. He is looking for men and women whom he can enrich so that others may be blessed.

Do you want God to enrich you? I cannot tell you how God will enrich you. But here’s what I do know—He has promised to do this.

But it takes trust.

__Generosity Is an Act of Trust__

Generosity shifts our hearts from reliance on ourselves and money to reliance on God. Generous giving visibly demonstrates our trust in God and his promises to provide.

If you are a Christian, you have already trusted God with your soul. It’s time that you trusted him with your money.

Are you ready to take the leap? Are you ready to experience what God wants for you, the thrill that accompanies open-handed living? It is time to get off the ledge and take the plunge. Don’t worry—you can trust God.

__*This is an excerpt from Art Rainer's book, [Money in the Light of Eternity](https://www.amazon.com/Money-Light-Eternity-Financial-Resources/dp/1496473760/ref=sr_1_2?crid=B7CXG6614OE3&keywords=art+rainer&qid=1696276663&sprefix=art+rainer%2Caps%2C252&sr=8-2). *__

*[Image](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/978a5c_a0d1f54192394c798226a25c32ce1500~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1108,h_746,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/978a5c_a0d1f54192394c798226a25c32ce1500~mv2.jpg) used with permission. *

You were meant for more. Your money was meant for more. You and your money are meant for an exciting, adventurous, and satisfying purpose. You were designed to live and give generously. And deep inside you know this and want this.

Christian Money Solutions

The More Than Money Podcast helps listeners get financially healthy for the sake of giving and living generously. In each episode, Art Rainer provides fun, practical, biblically-based financial advice through interviews and listener questions. Our goal with this podcast is for you to understand God's design for you and your money as you learn to give generously, save wisely, and live appropriately.

More than Money

Have you ever found yourself thinking if you just had a little more in your savings account, then you would feel secure?

Generosity is an Act of Trust

__THE WORLD'S MESSAGE VS. JESUS' CALL:__
- The world encourages material accumulation and personal success for happiness, but this stands in contrast with Jesus' call to follow Him for abundant life.
- Material success is fleeting and ultimately insignificant in the light of eternity, and while happiness is ambiguous, abundance as promised by Jesus is desirable and everlasting.
__THE CONCEPT OF ABUNDANCE:__
- The Old Testament presents abundance in material terms, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:11 and Psalm 31:19, with the caveat that it required faithfulness to God.
- Despite this, human nature led to repeated loss of abundance due to disobedience.
__JESUS' REDEFINITION OF ABUNDANCE:__
- With Jesus, abundance is redefined from material wealth to a focus on a relationship with Him.
- Matthew 6:33 highlights that by seeking God's kingdom first, material needs are met, allowing a life of true satisfaction in Christ.
__BARRIERS TO ABUNDANT LIFE:__
- Human self-centeredness can make us lose sight of the fact that life is about Jesus, not ourselves.
- Lack of personal engagement with God and relying on second-hand religious experiences prevent a deeper understanding and maturation in faith.
- Half-hearted commitment to Jesus, seeking Him for absolution without full submission, limits the experience of abundance.
__THE ESSENCE OF TRUE ABUNDANCE:__
- True abundance is found in Jesus Himself, not in money, success, or possessions.
- Prioritizing Christ above all brings a 'Kingdom shine' to life, and it is accessible to anyone willing to say "yes" to Jesus as both savior and Lord.
- Jesus' call to abundant life is an invitation to a satisfying, joyful, safe, and eternal life, beginning in the present.
__On today’s program, Rob also answers listener questions:__
- I'm financially tight with only $2,000 cash; is it a good idea to buy a car now, used or new, since sharing one car is challenging?
- I own a home and my girlfriend does too; if we get married, is it wise to use my dividend income to pay off her house and rent it out?
- I have enough savings to pay off my mortgage; should I pay it off and then use a line of credit for future needs?
- Given my husband is 68 and receiving minimal Social Security, and I have 10 years to work, should we use our savings to pay off our mortgage, considering we have no other debt?
- If I sell my ocean-near apartment, should I buy a condo or rent considering the current high-interest rates, and what should I do with the mortgage as I approach retirement?
- How should I best plan for retirement considering our assets, the potential of selling our apartment, and the idea of being debt-free at retirement?
__RESOURCES MENTIONED:__
- [Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor](https://www.faithfi.com/find)
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the [Moody Radio Network](https://www.moodyradio.org/programs/faith-and-finance/) as well as [American Family Radio](https://afr.net/podcasts/faith-finance/). Visit our website at [FaithFi.com](https://www.faithfi.com/)where you can join the FaithFi Community, [and give](https://faithfi.netviewshop.com/donate2) as we expand our outreach.

Faith & Finance is a daily radio ministry hosted by Rob West. The program offers a practical, biblical and good-natured approach to managing your time, talents and resources.

Faith & Finance with Rob West

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  But he wasn’t talking about money.

Living the Abundant Life

According to the Bible, is money evil? Rob West points out the mis-translation of a common verse about money and urges us to apply verses like these correctly.

The Faith & Finance Minute is a great way to be reminded of God's financial principles with actionable items you can easily apply to your daily life.

Faith & Finance Minute

According to the Bible, is money evil? Rob West points out the mis-translation of a common verse about money and urges us to apply verses like these correctly.

Misused Money Verses

The Bible has a lot to say about money and possessions with more than 2,300 related verses! Applying the power of God’s Word to money can transform your finances while drawing you closer to Him. But three of those many money-related verses are sometimes misused or misunderstood. Rob West will clear up the confusion!
To be sure, the Bible is clear in its meaning. It has no hidden codes that we have to decipher. So it’s only our interpretation of it that sometimes gets us into trouble. Let’s look at three passages where that sometimes happens.
<ul><li>3 COMMONLY MISUNDERSTOOD VERSES: </li><li>1. 1 Timothy 6:10. Probably the most misunderstood verse in all of the Bible would be 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”</li><li>Now, that seems pretty clear. However, it is often misquoted as “Money is the root of all evil.” The incomplete reading of that verse misses the point entirely. Money is simply a tool that can be used for good or ill. But the LOVE of money is always destructive and sinful, because it replaces our love for God. It’s a form of idolatry. </li><li>That misinterpretation has also led some to think that people with few resources are somehow more godly than affluent people. The Bible never teaches that.</li><li>And if you need any further clarification about the meaning of 1 Timothy 6:10, the second part of the verse provides it. It says “Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” That’s what the love of money will do to you.</li><li>2. Luke 18: 24-25. These verses state “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”</li><li>Some people interpret this to mean that there's righteousness in being poor, and that being rich is a sin. But that’s certainly not what Jesus is teaching. He’s calling out those who think their riches, their works, will buy their salvation.</li><li>Those who heard Jesus say those words were confused, too. They asked, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus goes on to say, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” The teaching there is fundamental to the doctrine of grace. We can’t get to heaven by our own efforts, but only by the grace of God through faith.</li><li>And in the very next chapter, Luke 19, Jesus further makes this point in his encounter with Zacceaus, the crooked, but repentant tax collector. The man was probably still quite rich even after returning more than he’d stolen, but Jesus said his faith had saved him.</li><li>3. Luke 12:34. The verse tells us “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” </li><li>Again, it seems clear enough, but some people get confused and think it’s saying the opposite. They mistakenly believe the verse is saying there’s a difference between your treasure and your heart. They think they can separate their earning and spending from their love of God. But we can’t.</li><li>Our monthly bank statements are a reflection of what we hold in our hearts. If we’re spending money in a way that dishonors God, it’s an indication of our spiritual condition.</li><li>Are you glorifying God or giving in to material desires? </li></ul>On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: 
<ul><li>How do you budget for healthcare if you don’t have health insurance? </li><li>How long should you wait to draw Social Security and why? </li><li>Will posting payments early to principal-only accelerate the repayment of a loan? </li><li>What is the best way to use an inheritance on behalf of a teenage relative? </li><li>MENTIONED DURING THIS PROGRAM: </li><li><a href="https://chministries.org/">Christian Healthcare Ministries</a>, Christian medical cost-sharing program</li><li><a href="https://www.ssa.gov/">SSA.gov</a> to contact the Social Security Administration </li></ul>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to <a href="mailto:questions@moneywise.org">Questions@MoneyWise.org</a>. Also, visit our website at <a href="http://moneywise.org/">MoneyWise.org</a> where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion! Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the <a href="https://moneywise.netviewshop.com/donate2">Donate tab on our website</a> or in our app.

Whether it’s Proverbs or the parables of Jesus, God’s Word has a lot to say about money and possessions. But three of those many verses are sometimes misused. Rob clears up the confusion.

3 Misused Money Verses

Money is one of the most common subjects in the Bible with more than 2,300 verses related verses giving us a wealth of knowledge … pun intended. Whether it’s Proverbs or the parables of Jesus, God’s Word has a lot to say about money and possessions. But three of those many verses are sometimes misused. 
<ul><li>We all know the power of God’s Word changes lives in dramatic ways and we need to understand its teaching especially about money and possessions because both are so much a part of our lives.</li><li>The Bible is clear in its meaning it has no hidden codes that we have to decipher. It’s only our interpretation of it that sometimes gets us into trouble. You can’t properly apply God’s principles for managing money if you misinterpret the meaning of the verses.</li><li>Here are 3 passages where that sometimes happens:<ul><li>	1 - 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” - often paraphrased incorrectly as “Money is the root of all evil.” That misses the point entirely because money is simply a tool that can be used for good or bad. The love of money is always destructive and sinful, because it replaces our love for God and is yet one more form of idolatry.<ul><li>This misinterpretation has led some to think that people with few resources are more godly than the affluent. The Bible never teaches that. This was one of the issues that arose during the Reformation with reformers calling out so-called mendicant or poverty orders of priests and monks who begged for their sustenance but were corrupt and lived in luxury.</li><li>Many people whom God favored had significant resources David, Solomon and Job to name a few. God gives some people abundant resources so they can be generous to others in need. That, of course, is a very godly use of money.</li></ul></li><li>2 - Luke 18, verses 24 and 25 - “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” often misrepresented to mean that somehow there’s righteousness in being poor, and that being rich is a sin. That’s certainly not what Jesus is teaching as he calls out those who think their riches and their works, will buy their salvation.<ul><li>Those hearing Jesus say this were confused, too asking “Then who can be saved?” Jesus went on to say, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” We can’t get to heaven by our own efforts, but only by the grace of God through faith.</li></ul></li><li>3 - Luke 12:34 - “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” seems clear enough but is often taken to mean there’s a difference between your treasure and your heart meaning you can separate your earning and spending from your love of God. But you can’t.<ul><li>Our monthly bank statements are a reflection of what we hold in our hearts and if we’re spending money in a way that dishonors God, it’s an indication of our spiritual condition.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at Questions@MoneyWiseLive.org:
<ul><li>If you're investing with Merrill-Lynch and their fees are 6% for a taxable retirement account, is this normal or comparatively high?</li><li>If you are self-admittedly heavily in debt totaling about $100,000, some of which includes $80,000 of student loans, how do you begin to attack this seemingly impossible task?</li><li>If you're 75 years old and have income from Social Security and your pension and you have a $40,000 balance on a loan for a motorhome and can cover the minimum payment, should you draw funds from your money market to pay this off?</li><li>If you're 48 years old, have battled and paid off credit card debt in the past and are making a decent income now and would like to retire at 62 but don't have retirement set up, what are some first-steps to get started?</li><li>If you have 2 teen-aged daughters and have $16,000 you'd like to give to them, how should you do this?</li><li>If you're 71 and just sold your small business clearing $1.5M and have a monthly income of about $4,000/month from a rental property and Social Security, what is the best investment path for this money?</li></ul>Be sure to check out the rest of MoneyWise.org to connect with a MoneyWise Coach or access our books and our many free helpful resources. You can also find us on Facebook (MoneyWise Media) and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep MoneyWise on the air. And if you'd like to help, just click the Donate tab at the top of the page.

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