Money Matters
What the Bible says about money
Our society says that "money makes the world go round." We feel proud if we have lots, and ashamed if we don't have enough.
But Jesus says...
Money can take you away from God
"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15
"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matthew 6:24
Money is a gift from God
"Everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer." 1 Timothy 4:4-5
Money can build the kingdom of God
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted..." Luke 12:32-33
Confidential debt advice
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a national organisation that provides confidential debt counselling, with local teams in the Maidenhead area. Don't hesitate to get in touch: www.capuk.org
Seminar Jan 2023
Here is the handout from the St Mary's seminar in January 2023. It includes some Biblical teaching on money, and some practical tips on how to handle our money wisely.
Advice on giving
In the Old Testament, a "tithe" of 10% income was required. Christians are not under compulsion, but we are taught to give generously from the heart. Because we know that Jesus gave us his life, that we may enjoy eternal life with Him. Our giving should be joyful, proportional to our ability to give, and sacrificial - trusting in the Lord who provides for all our needs.
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9
"Each person should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7
"As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21:1-3
Giving to good causes is a matter of wisdom. So pray for wisdom! (James 1:5). And bear in mind these five Biblical principles:
- Don't become financially dependent on others (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
- Make sure your dependents are provided for (1 Timothy 5:3-8)
- Support the local church (Acts 2:42-45)
- Then support gospel ministry elsewhere (Matthew 6:19-21)
- Do good to others, but especially poor and vulnerable Christians (1 John 3:17-18, Galatians 6:10)
Some specific information on giving to St Mary's is here.
