The Bible teaches that while wealth is a stewardship entrusted by God, the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Believers are called to practice moderation, faithfulness, and generosity, recognizing that all worldly goods are fleeting and that one cannot serve both God and mammon.
The Scriptures warn us that our hearts are prone to wander, and the pursuit of wealth can easily become a snare. The Apostle Paul teaches that while godliness with contentment is great gain, the desire to be rich often leads to foolish and hurtful lusts. We must remember that we brought nothing into this world and can carry nothing out. As stated in 1 Timothy 6:10, the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, which has led many astray from the faith. This serves as a vital reminder that our true security is found not in earthly possessions, but in the gospel of Christ.
In the Reformed tradition, we understand that we are stewards, not owners, of the resources God places in our care. In the parable of the shrewd manager, Christ calls his disciples to be faithful in the use of 'worldly wealth,' noting that those who are unfaithful with that which is another's will not be entrusted with true riches. The Westminster Larger Catechism Q.141 underscores this, noting that our duties include 'moderation of our judgments, wills, and affections concerning worldly goods' and 'giving and lending freely, according to our abilities.' We are to seek to further the wealth and outward estate of others alongside our own, laboring in a lawful calling with diligence and frugality, ultimately serving God rather than money as emphasized in Luke 16:13.
Ultimately, our attitude toward wealth is a reflection of the gospel. Because we are 'more sinful and flawed than we ever dared believe, and more accepted and loved in Christ than we ever dared hope,' we are freed from the cycle of greed. We give not to earn favor, but because we have been recipients of infinite grace. Our generosity toward the poor and the support of the ministry—as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2—is a tangible fruit of this grace. As noted in Matthew 25:40, Christ identifies himself with the least of these, meaning our kindness toward our neighbor is an act of worship toward our Savior.