The Bible and The Correct Use of Money
Jesus said it was harder for a rich man to enter heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. Some Christians have a lot of money, but the important things is to put God first before their money:
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
Matthew 6:24
Jesus told the following story to show what happens if people try to store up more wealth than they need while on earth:
Speaking to the people, he went on, "Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot."
Then he told them this story: "The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: "What can I do? My barn isn't big enough for this harvest.' Then he said, "Here's what I'll do: I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll gather in all my grain and goods, and I'll say to myself, Self, you've done well! You've got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!'
"Just then God showed up and said, "Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods--who gets it?'
"That's what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God."
Luke 12:15-21
The following passage is often misunderstood. The instruction Jesus gave was specifically aimed at the rich man who wanted to please God. Jesus knew that the man's wealth was more important to him than pleasing God. When you read his reaction to Jesus' order, you can see Jesus was right. Christians shouldn't get too attached to their wealth.
Jesus looked him hard in the eye--and loved him! He said, "There's one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me."
The man's face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go.
Mark 10:21-22
Moses taught that it was wrong to lend to someone who is poor and charge interest:
If one of your fellow Israelites falls into poverty and cannot support himself, support him as you would a foreigner or a temporary resident and allow him to live with you. Do not charge interest or make a profit at his expense. Instead, show your fear of God by letting him live with you as your relative.Remember, do not charge interest on money you lend him or make a profit on food you sell him. Leviticus 25:35-37
