Beyond Budgeting: 5 Biblical Attitudes Towards Money for Christians

Discover 5 biblical attitudes towards money that go beyond budgeting. Learn how to be generous, content, good stewards, grateful, and have faith with your finances as a Christian.

Money is a crucial aspect of our lives. It is something that we need to survive, but it can also cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Many of us struggle with our finances, and it can be challenging to know where to turn for guidance. As a Christian, we know that the Bible has a lot to say about money and finances. In this article, we will explore five attitudes towards money that go beyond budgeting and that are rooted in biblical principles.

1. Generosity

One of the most important attitudes towards money that we can have as Christians is generosity. The Bible tells us that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). This means that when we give generously to others, we are not only blessing them, but we are also receiving a blessing in return. We should view our money as a tool to help others and to further God's kingdom.

Proverbs 11:25 says, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." When we are generous with our money, we can experience the joy of helping others and the blessings that come from it. We should be willing to give sacrificially, just as Jesus gave his life for us.

2. Contentment

Another attitude towards money that we should have as Christians is contentment. It can be tempting to always want more money and to never be satisfied with what we have. However, the Bible tells us to be content with what we have and to trust in God's provision.

Philippians 4:11-12 says, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

We should strive to be content with what we have and to trust that God will provide for our needs. This does not mean that we should not work hard or strive to improve our financial situation, but it does mean that we should not be consumed by the desire for more money and possessions.

3. Stewardship

As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources that God has given us. This includes our money and our possessions. We should view our money as a gift from God and use it in a way that honors him.

Matthew 25:14-30 tells the parable of the talents, where a master gives his servants talents (money) to invest while he is away. Two of the servants invest their talents and receive a return, while the third servant buries his talent in the ground. The master praises the first two servants for being faithful stewards, but he rebukes the third servant for not using his talent.

We should strive to use our money in a way that honors God and furthers his kingdom. This may mean giving to our church or to a charitable organization, investing in our education or career, or saving for the future.

4. Gratitude

Another important attitude towards money that we should have as Christians is gratitude. We should be thankful for the money and possessions that God has given us, even if we do not have as much as we would like.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." We should be grateful for what we have and trust that God will provide for our needs.

Gratitude can also help us to avoid comparing ourselves to others. It can be easy to look at what others have and feel envious or dissatisfied with our own situation. However, when we focus on being grateful for what we have, we can avoid falling into this trap.

5. Faith

Finally, as Christians, we should have faith when it comes to our finances. We should trust that God will provide for our needs and that he will guide us in our financial decisions.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

We should seek God's guidance when it comes to our finances, through prayer and reading the Bible. We should also be willing to take risks if we feel that God is leading us in a certain direction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as Christians, we should have attitudes towards money that go beyond budgeting. We should be generous, content, good stewards, grateful, and have faith. These attitudes are rooted in biblical principles and can help us to honor God with our finances.

FAQs

1. Is it okay to save money?

Yes, it is okay to save money. In fact, Proverbs 21:20 encourages us to save money: "The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down."

2. Should Christians invest in the stock market?

There is no biblical prohibition against investing in the stock market. However, it is important to do so responsibly and to seek God's guidance in our investment decisions.

3. Can Christians be wealthy?

Yes, Christians can be wealthy. However, it is important to remember that wealth is a blessing from God and should be used in a way that honors him.

4. Is it wrong to have debt?

There is no biblical prohibition against having debt. However, we should be responsible with our debt and strive to pay it off as soon as possible.

5. What should I do if I am struggling financially?

If you are struggling financially, seek God's guidance through prayer and reading the Bible. You may also want to seek the advice of a financial advisor or a trusted friend or family member. Remember to trust in God's provision and to be content with what you have.