Rooting Path · Christian Living · Lesson 4 of 7 · Money · about 5 min
From The Christian Life Catechism, Q84
How should I think about money?
Charge those who are rich in this present age that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 · WEB
Work brings in income. This lesson is about money—nothing shows more clearly where a person’s heart is.
Money is a subject the Bible talks about often. It is not an ‘unspiritual’ topic; quite the opposite—money shows most clearly what a person’s heart is leaning on.
The book’s answer to Question 84 does not say money is bad. It says: “that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19) Notice the word ‘enjoy’. Ecclesiastes also says that to eat, drink and rejoice in one’s labor—“this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19) To enjoy without being ruled by it: in Proverbs someone prays, “Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me,” and then gives the reason—lest being full he deny God, lest being poor he steal. Poverty and riches each bring their own temptations.
The problem is not money but what we rely on. Proverbs says: “it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.” (Proverbs 23:4-5) Jesus is more direct still: “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) In the same letter, before his charge to the rich, Paul first says: “godliness with contentment is great gain,” and “having food and clothing, we will be content with that.” Contentment does not mean not trying to improve; it means not letting ‘a little more’ rule your heart.
So how should it be used? The same passage goes on: “that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19) This lesson does not discuss ‘how much to give’—churches understand that differently (the book’s Questions 73–75); please ask your own church. This lesson asks just one thing: what is my heart relying on?
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21 · WEB
Look through the past month’s spending and ask just one question: where has my money been flowing? Then, for one concrete need near you, give something freely—how much is up to you.
Just this one thing. When you do it, tap that day below; if you don’t, that’s all right—try again next week.
Good. Tap each day you do it this week:
Putting down roots is not something you do alone. Find a brother or sister you trust (ideally of the same sex) and talk this question over this week:
What about money do you usually tell no one? If you said it out loud, what would you most fear being seen?