Finances: A Biblical Perspective

The April 15th tax deadline is looming just over the horizon. Therefore, it is healthy to consider what God’s Word has to say when it comes to our finances. Much of what Jesus taught involved money. Years ago Randy Alcorn wrote a little book titled The Treasure Principle. In it he highlights six principles which are helpful to us as we consider the subject of our finances.

Treasure principle number one: God owns everything. The parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30 comes to mind here. Alcorn says, “Whenever we think like owners, it’s a red flag. We should be thinking like stewards, investment managers, always looking for the best place to invest the Owner’s money”.

Treasure principle number two: My heart always goes where I put God’s money. Jesus says it like this in Matthew 6. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys, where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is there will your heart be also”.

Treasure principle number three: Heaven, not earth, is my home. Hebrew’s 11:16 says, “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one”.

Treasure principle number four: Live for the line, not the dot. From the dot – our present life on earth – extends a line that goes on forever. Are you living for the dot? Is that really a wise choice?

Treasure principle number five: Giving is the only antidote to materialism. Here the parable of the sower comes to mind. Jesus spoke of the seed that was choked by the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches. Materialism is a sin we don’t hear much about these days, but it is a sin as deadly as any other. Remember our Lord’s Words when He said “It is more blessed to give, than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Do you believe that?

Treasure principle number six: God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving. Ephesians 4:28 puts it this way, “He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need”.

Paul sums these principles up in 1 Timothy 6:17 with the following exhortation;

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.