By: C.J. Lloyd July 26, 2024

As I have worked in finance and accounting every day of my career, I have been surrounded by money and numbers. I have learned that everything that occurs in a company has financial ramifications, good or bad. In the same vein, I have a family I want to provide for and ensure we stay solvent. Based on this, one question I have struggled with and still struggle with is, do I care too much about money? Am I so ingrained in my thinking and work that I put more weight on money than I should? Thankfully, I know I am not alone in this struggle.

Although I wish I could say I have now cracked the code to ensure my heart is always in the right place and I am obedient to all of God’s words, I cannot. However, I want to share some biblical applications that can be of help.

1. Set Clear Priorities
   • Faith and Values First:
     • Matthew 6:33 NASB20: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be [fn]provided to you.”
     • Prioritize your relationship with God and His kingdom above financial success.
   • Spiritual Disciplines:
     • Psalm 119:105: “I am exceedingly afflicted; Revive me, Lord, according to your word”
     • Regularly engage in prayer, Bible study, and worship to keep your focus on God.
2. Reflect on Your Attitude Towards Money
   • Self-Assessment:
     • 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs”
     • Regularly assess your attitude towards money to ensure it does not become an idol.
   • Contentment:
     • Philippians 4:11-12: “You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone”
     • Cultivate contentment and trust in God’s provision.
3. Maintain Accountability
   • Trusted Advisors:
     • Proverbs 15:22: “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed”
     • Share your financial decisions with trusted friends or mentors for accountability.
   • Regular Check-ins:
     • Hebrews 10:24-25: “not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near”
     • Have regular discussions with a spiritual mentor to maintain balance.
4. Seek God’s Guidance
   • Prayer:
     • James 1:5: “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him”
     • Pray regularly for wisdom in financial matters.
   • Scripture Meditation:
     • Joshua 1:8: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success”
     • Meditate on scriptures related to money, stewardship, and generosity.

While the struggle to maintain a proper perspective on money is ongoing, these biblical principles provide a solid foundation. By setting clear priorities, regularly reflecting on your attitude towards money, maintaining accountability, and seeking God’s guidance, you can navigate the financial aspects of your career and life without letting money overshadow your faith and values.