Rethinking How Christians Handle Money
In 2025, advertisers in the US are projected to spend nearly $500,000,000,000 (that’s $500 billion, just wanted you to see all those zeros) to get your attention in this world. That spending fuels consumerism, promotes financial self-sufficiency, and subtly convinces us that life is about personal success. And they key to doing all that? Spending more and more. However, It’s hard to escape that we as Christians are called to live differently — even in how we handle money. Money management is not just a practical issue; it is a spiritual one. Scripture teaches that how we use wealth (all assets that we have) reveals whom we serve and what kingdom we live for.
Here are 5 reasons Christians must manage money differently than the world — and what that looks like.
1. Different Ownership: God Owns It All
The world teaches that money is ours — earned by our hard work and kept for our desires. But Scripture declares:
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) - He created them, therefore they are His.
"The earth is the Lord’s, and the world and those who dwell therein." (Psalm 24:1)
“...for all of the earth is mine…” (Exodus 19:5)
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours…Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all…” (1 Chron. 29:11–12)
“For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.” (Psalm 50:10-12)
"'The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts.'" (Haggai 2:8)
The Bible repeatedly affirms that everything belongs to God - not just spiritually, but materially. For Christians, money isn’t a personal possession. It’s God’s property, He owns it. And since He has ownership and we don’t, that makes us stewards, not owners. A steward is someone who is fully entrusted to care for and manage the possessions of another. This foundational truth should transform how we think about earning, spending, saving, and giving. Every financial decision is ultimately a spiritual decision.
2. Different Purpose: Money Serves God’s Kingdom
The world views money as a tool for personal fulfillment — comfort, protection, luxury, power, or status. The more someone has, the better. But Christians are called to see money as a means of God’s provision and to advance God's purposes:
Meeting your needs (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
Meeting other’s needs (Acts 2:45, 1 John 3:16-18)
Funding ministry and missions (Philippians 4:15–17, 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15)
Caring for the poor and oppressed (Proverbs 19:17, 28:17, 31:8-9)
Building eternal treasures (Matthew 6:19–21)
If our financial goals mirror the culture around us, we must ask: whose kingdom are we really building? Christian money management focuses on eternal returns, not just earthly rewards.
3. Different Heart: Trusting God, Not Wealth
The world teaches security through wealth — bigger savings, diversified investments, stronger financial independence. But scripture warns:
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
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. (1 Timothy 6:17)
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? (Luke 16:10-11)
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)
For Christians, money must never become an idol or our source of ultimate security. Our hope is anchored in God’s provision, not in account balances. Our finances should be governed by faith - not fear, and certainly not by greed.
4. Different Practices: Generosity Over Greed
In a world obsessed with accumulating more, Christians are called to radical generosity. The early church was marked by believers who gave sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8:2–3). God loves a cheerful giver, not a reluctant spender.
Christian money management prioritizes:
Tithing and offerings as acts of worship (Malachi 3:10)
Open-handed generosity to those in need (2 Corinthians 9:6–8)
Contentment rather than endless upgrading (1 Timothy 6:6–10)
When we live generously in a greedy world, we embody the gospel in action.
5. Different Accountability: Answering to God
The world’s standard of success is net worth; God’s standard is faithfulness.
Jesus told the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30) to show that each of us will give an account for how we managed what He entrusted to us — not just in spiritual matters, but in financial matters too. Not everyone is a five-talent person — and that’s okay. Faithfulness with two talents can still earn a “well done.” Stewardship isn’t about how much you have, but how you use what you’ve been given.
Christians manage money knowing we will one day stand before Christ to give our account, not Wall Street.
Money Is a Testimony
Our wallets tell a more honest story than our words. Stewardship may be the one spiritual discipline that can't be faked — just check your bank statements.
The world’s story is about self.
The Christian’s story must be about Christ and bringing Glory to God..
Managing money differently isn’t optional for followers of Jesus — it’s essential. Stewardship is part of our spiritual journey. We likely won’t do it perfectly, but we should pursue it faithfully. When we handle our finances God’s way — with surrender, generosity, contentment, and eternal focus — we bear witness to His glory and reveal where our true treasure lies.
If you have any questions or want to talk through your financial stewardship as a Christian, feel free to reach out: Jarrod@ChisholmWM.com
