Let’s be real—money talks. It has influence, opens doors, and can even make people listen who wouldn’t otherwise give us the time of day. However, the truth is that financial wealth isn’t our master, and it’s not our source. God is our source; placing our trust in Him instead of in our bank account is the key to unlocking true prosperity.
Who, or What, do We Trust?
We’ve got to ask ourselves, “Do I rely more on God, or on money?” When the pressure hits, the bills pile up, and the job feels shaky, our reflexes tell the truth. Do we lean on our bank account, or do we lean on the promises of God? This is where trust shows up.
Jesus made it plain in His teachings. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19, 20). He wasn’t just talking about storing up spiritual rewards, but about where our heart is. If our money goes to the things of God, our heart is already in the things of God. If it goes elsewhere, that’s where our heart is too.
This played out in the conversation Jesus had with the rich young ruler. Jesus told him to sell what he had, give to the poor, and he’d have treasure in heaven. However, the man walked away sad because his trust was in his riches (Mark 10:17-23). Jesus wasn’t condemning wealth but exposing misplaced trust.
Our Relationship with Money
We mustn’t get it twisted. Money itself isn’t evil; it’s simply a tool. The problem arises when we start trusting the tool more than the one who gave it. This was why Jesus said it was hard for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God.
Loving God more than money gives us the right perspective. Financial giving matters, not because we’re buying favor, but because we’re building trust. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much…” (Luke 16:10). Money is the least; if we can trust God with the least, we’ll trust Him with the greater.
Faith on Display
If we say we trust God, our actions should show it. “…Faith without works is dead…” (James 2:26). Giving with no regrets is one of those actions. Financial generosity isn’t about proving something to God; it’s our way of proving to ourselves who, or what, we really trust.
We must be honest with ourselves because our hearts know the truth. “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey…” (Romans 6:16, NKJV). If we serve money, it becomes our master. If we instead serve God, we walk in freedom, not bondage.
God: The Source of Every Blessing
God’s track record is solid; He freely blesses His servants. In the Old Testament, Isaac was so wealthy, the king told him to leave because he had too much (Genesis 26:12-16). Jacob was another who increased exceedingly (Genesis 30:43). This is favor, not luck.
Neither can we forget David, who gave the equivalent of more than six billion dollars in one day (1 Chronicles 29:1-5). Solomon, David’s son, had even more. This goes beyond prosperity to the level of supernatural abundance. God’s hand was involved in blessing His people.
Completely Trustworthy
God knows us better than we know ourselves. “For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14). He knows we’re prone to fear, especially when it comes to money. That’s why He made so many promises about provision.
It’s imperative that we stop compartmentalizing our trust. We say we trust God with our health, our marriage, our kids, but we hesitate when it comes to money. That hesitation reveals where our trust really lies. When our hearts condemn us like this, it’s hard to believe Him for the greater things.
The Game-Changer in Our Finances
We live holy so our hearts won’t condemn us, not to impress God. Trusting Him with our finances is foundational. Performance accomplishes nothing; our focus should be on positioning ourselves to receive what grace has already made available.
Trusting in money makes things impossible, but trusting in God opens up every possibility. This was what Jesus emphasized to His disciples. “…With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27). He’s the game-changer.
Our Priorities Matter
We prosper and succeed when we stop chasing money and start chasing God. We miss Him when we seek wealth. By contrast, wealth follows when we seek Him. “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day” (Deuteronomy 8:18).
The good news is that God’s blessings can’t be reversed. Once He blesses us, it’s permanent and irreversible. The only thing that can stop it is our own unbelief.
The world has a backward view of wealth. When Jesus told the parable of the unjust steward using money to prepare for his future (Luke 16:1-9, NLT), He wasn’t endorsing dishonesty but highlighting wisdom. Wise people use money to shape the future. We can use our resources to touch lives, support the gospel, and build eternal impact so that when we die, those we’ve helped will be waiting in heaven to thank us.
The Financial Basics
It’s time to stop side-stepping the issue. Relying on God in our finances is square one. We can’t skip it and expect to trust Him in the greater things. It starts here, with our money, our giving, and our faith.
We’re surrounded by people who fear not having enough money, but this isn’t God’s will. He has a plan for each of us. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT). His plan is bigger than our dreams, but our character and our trust determine how quickly we walk into it. Leaning on Him in this area causes things to happen we never dreamed possible.
