Introduction

These five reflections from scripture through the prisms of Jesus, Paul, Solomon, and Wesley, plus the subject of debt, are not exhaustive and, for the sake of continuity, are selective. I am not trying to say everything, but I hope what you read will bring a biblically faithful perspective, if not the whole story.

Jesus and Money

Don’t quote me, but I do recall someone stating that ten percent of the teachings of Jesus were about money. Now, if memory serves me, that was said in this context: because Jesus mentioned it so often, he must have a positive take on money, or at the very least, he is less nervous about it than most church leaders are. Fair point, but probably missing the point.

In establishing the separation of God’s people, the Mosaic Law said the Lord gave them the power to get wealth to confirm the covenant. (Deuteronomy 8.18) Wealth, however, does not establish the new covenant. That is the prerogative of the Holy Spirit, aside from the same chapter in Deuteronomy also warned of the damning dangers of wealth – something often left out when Deuteronomy is appealed to, to substantiate wealth/blessing in the new covenant. (Deuteronomy 8.11-20)

Jesus picked up this theme of caution (his Bible was the Old Testament) in his consistent warnings about the idolatrous tendencies of wealth and the wealthy. By calling money, mammon, Jesus was hardly claiming neutrality for wealth, nor was he being complementary. It was a derogatory term expressing extreme world-think. (Luke 16.9-11)

The rich young ruler, who ostensibly was a very good person, walked from an offer from the young rabbi to be his disciple. He walked away sad as he was very wealthy and didn’t want to be anything but. (Luke 18.23)

Yes, Jesus spoke a lot about money, but often in the context of it being the natural human rival for worship that is to be accorded to God alone. He said you can’t serve God and money. He didn’t juxtapose God with anything else – just money because wealth appears to provide many of the qualities of God (or a god): security, contentment, and power. Wealth potentially makes us less mindful of our need for God and arrogant at the same time. At this point, wealth is an idol. (Matthew 6.24)

But Jesus said some remarkable things about money/provision to those who had left everything to follow him, but he didn’t tell them until they had left their security and often home. His promises are for the committed, those who take the risk of discipleship. To them, to us, he promises much more, along with troubles. (Luke 18.18-28)

And he clearly stated that we reap what we sow. (Luke 6.37-38) The context comprises judging others, forgiving others, and giving to others, but it does include giving. To the giver, a harvest is a reasonable and natural expectation.