Money: What is its place in the Church?

For as long as I can remember, the topic of money has always been a 'touchy' subject in the church.  Even more so these days with the emergence of mega churches promoting the prosperity gospel, that many pastors strongly disagree with.  I have even been in churches where pastors skirt around the issue of tithing for fear of offending anyone in the congregation.

The views expressed are entirely my own opinions and though many may agree with me, I am quite aware that some won't.  However, at the end of the day, the Word of God is the determining truth.

Written By Chrys-Ann Ambrose

Author of Operation Game Plan,

Motivational Speaker & Life Coach

The bible requires that we give one tenth of our earnings to God.  This money is to be submitted first before anything else is budgeted for as it does not belong to us, it belongs to God.  I have heard many arguments and justifications by both Christians and non Christians why they have decided not to tithe, because of the church officers and pastors taking the hard earned tithes of the members to live lavish lifestyles while the people live in lack.  It is my firm belief that as Christians, we should do the right thing and tithe anyway. If the money is misused by church authorities, God will deal with them accordingly. At least we did what was required of us by God.

I believe that God's people should never be in lack.  Our Father is King of kings and Lord of lords and we should live accordingly.  Sadly, as I said before, money matters are hardly discussed in church because of the misquoted verse that 'money is the root of all evil'.  If the money taboo can be removed, it will open the doors for basic money management and investment skills to be taught to God's people, thereby making us more successful in life.  

I am in no way suggesting that it should replace or overshadow other biblical teachings. I am merely saying that it should be given a place in the church. It just amazes me (in a horrific way) that so many 'church folk' have no idea how to balance a home budget (that's if they have one).  I am also mortified at the fact that most people do not even have an emergency account much less $1000.00 saved (in any currency), then when an emergency rears its ugly head and money is needed they simply say that God will provide.

Some churches even go as far to teach their members that it's God's will for them to be poor so that they can remain humble.  My problem with this is that poverty is a curse. How can we the church be of any use to ourselves and to the needy if finances are lacking? The church will condemn riches yet in the next breath turn around and appeal for financial help from who they call the more fortunate.  The same people they deemed evil and worldly because they practice proper financial management. How hypocritical is that? 

The devil will twist and misquote scriptures to confuse the Christian into believing lies like this to arrest the development of God's church and missions.  How can we be a blessing to others without the relevant finances?

As entrepreneurs, my husband and I teach our children to be a blessing to others and we make sure that we lead by example.  Time and again we have randomly paid for other people's groceries at the supermarket. We have even randomly paid off vehicle loans for strangers and the next goal for us is to pay off someone's mortgage.  While we do this, our main focus is to educate the masses on personal financial management and personal development as we believe the Chinese proverb 'give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to fish and you feed him for life'.  

Money can be mismanaged, yes.  Christians can get greedy and puffed up, yes.  At the same time, education and balance is key.  It's time for us to get the money issue right. Even the Proverbs 31 woman was a business woman who saw to it that her household wore and ate the best.  She sold fine linen and even invested in a field to plant a vineyard that made money.

As Christians, we need to re-think our views on finances and have it be an integral part of our Christian knowledge so that we will be well balanced and live the life that Christ died for us to live according to 3 John 1:2 and John 10:10.