You Put Your Money Where Your Heart is

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:20-21)

You always put your money where your heart is. Jesus said what you sow financially into shows where you place your trust and your heart. If you want to know what a person is really about, just follow the money.

In very practical ways, Jesus’ lesson in this verse invites us to look at our financial stewardship through a spiritual lens. If we really want to grow in the things of God, we should take the time to consider whether our financial decisions really align with God's kingdom's values.  Are we patronizing places that specifically and vocally oppose kingdom values? Are we prioritizing the advancement of God's kingdom over our own desires?

Jesus challenged us to cultivate a mindset that puts God’s kingdom first in everything - especially our financial decisions. We are called to invest our resources wisely, not just to fulfill our temporary needs, but rather to fulfill the purpose of growing the kingdom of God.

Practical Application

What companies are you sowing into regularly that are vocally and purposely fighting against God’s principles? Decide to evaluate what you are sowing your support for and make adjustments when the Holy Spirit reveals to you those areas that are against God’s Word and God’s way.

Isaiah 33:6; Proverbs 3:18

Money’s Testimony

A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. (Ecclesiastes 10:19)

The word answereth in the Hebrew means it announces, or it testifies. So, Ecclesiastes 10:19 doesn’t mean that money is the solution to all things. It means that it announces and tells on us.

The truth is that money enables us to meet our basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing. It can give us access to education and opportunities for personal and professional advancement. Money does serve as a tool. But more than that, money serves as a teller.

Money tells on us. Each time we spend some of our wealth, there is a ledger that testifies to our underlying motives.

Money is needed and useful in this world and can be a wonderful blessing. But an even greater blessing is a feast full of laughter. How we give our money and how we spend it can sow honor into our lives and allow others to see the character that we really have. It’s important that we recognize that our generosity not only meets immediate needs but can also make an eternal impact on the life of someone else.

Practical Application

How can you sow into someone’s life this week or into an institution or group that supports kingdom principles? Ask the Holy Spirit to place someone or some organization on your heart so that you can sow with purpose. Money is a tool that testifies to your faith.

Psalm 112:9; Ecclesiastes 7:11

A Proper Perspective on Money

For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. (Ecclesiastes 7:12)

Take a moment to think about how you view and treat money. Do you want more of it? I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who did not want more money. God’s Word has much to say about finances. In fact, it tells us many ways people can increase in wealth. Some of those are good and some are evil. You can increase in wealth God’s way and add no sorrow to your life, or you can increase in wealth apart from God and bring curses along with the money.

How you view money makes all the difference. Do you view it as a source of security or a defense in your life? How we view money truly influences not only our financial decisions but our values and behavior every day of our life.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 says that money is a defense. It can be used as a tool to protect you, but money will not be your protector. Do not allow your money to be your god, but also don’t make money the devil.

Money is a tool that is meant to be used for the kingdom. God wants to increase you, protect you, provide for you and many times, how He does that is through money. When we live our lives in fear of the Lord—respecting His authority, seeking His guidance, and aligning our actions with His Word — we gain access to the treasuries of heaven that provide for us the resources we need for protection and prosperity. Don’t seek money; seek wisdom from God’s Word. Money is a side effect of a life that prioritizes God.

Practical Application

The best financial literacy comes from finding what God’s Word has to say about money. The Bible is full of wisdom, insight, and the dangers and pitfalls that come from how we handle money. Search the Word for scriptures that have to do with God’s view on finances; it will help you handle money the right way.

Isaiah 33:6; Proverbs 3:18