In a world where financial success often seems to dominate our pursuits, it’s natural to wonder—does God care about money? Should we? At Biblical Money, we believe the Bible offers rich lessons that guide us in both living and giving, especially when it comes to our financial lives. By exploring the stories of biblical heroes and the teachings of scripture, we can gain valuable insights into how to approach money and wealth in a way that aligns with God’s values.
From the very beginning of the Bible, we learn that God created man and woman with a specific purpose: to care for the Garden of Eden. In Genesis, God commands them to work, cultivate, and guard the garden. This task wasn’t just about tending plants but also about managing the world responsibly. The work of creation, in this sense, is not just a means of survival but a reflection of the divine image in which humanity was made. As beings created in the image of God, we are called to be creators, to engage with the world, and to make it better.
In biblical times, commercial activity was largely agricultural, but in today’s world, it might involve working in an office, running a business, or contributing to society in various ways. The essential truth remains: work, and the wealth generated from it, is a God-honoring endeavor. As we go about our daily tasks, whether planting seeds or leading teams, we are engaging in a sacred activity.
This understanding ties into the biblical concept of Shabbat (the Sabbath). God commands His people to rest on the seventh day, a day dedicated not to idleness but to reflection and renewal. The call to rest isn’t a rejection of work but an invitation to recognize the divine purpose in our labor.
A closer look at Genesis reveals something fascinating about God’s view of creation. The word “good” appears seven times in the first chapter, signaling God’s satisfaction with His creation. When God describes the Garden of Eden, He speaks of the rivers that flow from it, including the river of Pishon, which encircles the land of Havilah—a place rich with gold. Surprisingly, God calls the gold of this land “good.” This moment raises an important question: why would God call gold, a material often associated with wealth and worldly pursuits, “good”?
The answer lies in the broader biblical perspective on resources and wealth. Just as God calls the rest of creation “good,” He similarly views gold as part of His creation. This suggests that wealth, when understood and used rightly, can be aligned with God’s purposes. Far from being inherently evil, money is a tool that can be used for good when managed in accordance with biblical principles.
So, does God care about money? The short answer is yes. God values wealth, but He also sets expectations for how we should handle it. Throughout the Bible, we are reminded of the importance of generosity, stewardship, and a proper attitude toward material things. Money is not to be hoarded or worshipped but used wisely to serve others, support the work of the Kingdom, and reflect the love of God in our daily lives.
Ultimately, the biblical approach to money is about balance. It’s about recognizing that, as stewards of God’s creation, we are called to use all resources—time, talents, and treasure—for His glory. So, as we navigate the complexities of finances in today’s world, we must ask ourselves: are we using our wealth in a way that honors God and reflects His goodness?
The Bible teaches us that wealth, when used wisely, can be a powerful tool for good. As we align our financial decisions with God’s purpose, we find that money becomes not just a necessity but a means to fulfill our divine calling.
