One’s view of God can be impacted by what they have heard God thinks about money. I can quote a lot of bible verses to discuss what God thinks about money, whether God wishes all to be rich or have just enough, but honestly the Bible can be used to prove about anything. The Bible was never meant to be a Book of rules for our personal circumstances but stories about God to reflect on positive changes in our life. What do you think a loving God thinks about money?
Let’s dispel the myth that God wants you rich and if you aren’t, than you don’t have enough faith in God. A person who believes that all their troubles will be swept away through a relationship with God is left with the logical explanation that God has failed them. The Scriptures speak not of God as a genie in a bottle who controls the world but as a Presence in our lives whatever our circumstances. I am not sure what Bible false teachers are smoking who imply lack of faith is the reason for economic hardships.
Let’s dispel the myth that money is the root of all evil. The Bible actually says “for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (I Tim. 6:10). The context suggests contentment whatever one’s situation is true freedom. If money truly led to happiness all the rich people we know and read about would be the happiest people alive. How is it evil when one who has a lot of money leads to giving money to those less fortunate in hopes that one day they don’t have to worry about having food on the table or clothes on their back?
I am not convinced God hates or loves money. Lack of money can rob one of their dignity and having too much money can turn a amiable person into an unpleasant individual by thinking of themselves more highly than they should. It is what you do with money that God cares the most about. Maybe God wishes richer those who can handle prosperity to help others and thinks poorer is best for those when money results in problems because of attitudes of never having enough.
I don’t want to make a mountain out of a molehill but Jesus once said to pray to God: “Give us today our daily bread” (Mt. 6:11). Jesus didn’t say God thinks it is wrong for one to have more than they really need for daily sustenance. But, Jesus surely understood not having enough to survive is unbearable. I have no doubt God has a special place in their heart for the poor. It isn’t favoritism when you want all to not have the worries of survival.
For those who are fortunate enough to have more than they need, God does seem to encourage a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7). Our motive for giving matters. Giving can puff us up and make us despicable people. So, for some just keep your money! Even poor people don’t want your money if strings are attached for selfish reasons not in the interest of those you are helping. God will guide you as to whether to give nothing, 10%, 50% or whatever of your abundance.
It isn’t what you have; it is what you do with what you have. There are advantageous to having just enough money. Believe it or not there are burdens when you have a lot of money. Those who live day to day can often have a greater impact in helping others because they walk in that person’s shoes. Those who suffer often get the most help from others who have suffered their same situation. Those who have lots of money can seek to make changes where people don’t have to spend their time worrying about how to keep food on the table or clothes on their back.
What God May Really Be Like - Misbeliefs About God 