Someone wrote: “A person who is right about the question of money is likely to be right or easily led to be right on every other question. On the other hand, a person wrong about money is likely to be seriously wrong about every other question.”

What is the right use of money? What does the Bible say about the right use of wealth? First, we are to enjoy our money. “[God] gives us richly all things to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17) What a new twist to our Christian thinking! The Bible actually says that God has given us all things for our pleasure. It is not wrong to enjoy the fruit of our labor. It is not sinful to reap the benefits of our work. So, enjoy what God has given you. Second, we are to share our money. “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.” (v. 18) We are to share what we have with other people and become rich in good works. Material possessions are never an end in themselves. Use them as tools to help other people, and you will be using them in the right way. Third, we are to invest our money. “Storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (v. 19) We are creatures not only of time but also of eternity. We can use the material things of this world for an eternal investment, if we use them to help others. That’s the real way to keep what we have. Jay Gould, the railroad financier, lost most of his wealth during the Great Depression. Later he said, “The only thing I have left is that which I have given away.” One day we will all say the same thing. Use your money wisely—enjoy it; share it; and invest it!

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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