Do you make "good" money?
on making enough
What’s “good money” to you?
Several friends shared what we thought it meant to make “good” money. The person who makes “good money” has what they need and probably the things they really want.
After seeing how different our answers were among the closest friends, we began asking other people what “good money” was to them.
How much would they make to have “made it”?
Answers varied by 100’s of thousands of dollars and the reasons for each person’s price tag came with a bevy of explanations.
What is “good money” for the follower of Christ?
The Bible has a ton to say about money. 1 Timothy 6 is particularly powerful passage in evaluating good money…
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
The Christian definition of good money comes from a place of humble contentment. The World’s definition is shaped by need and self-sufficiency. The World looks to get more by wealth and need less by wealth.
The Christian knows that lasting gains won’t be acquired by riches. The Christian knows that true security is found in Christ.
8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Paul’s bar for good money is shockingly low for our luxurious day. Paul believes he’s made it when he’s fed and clothed.
Before you throw a stone at Paul, remember He’s just following His Master who didn’t have a place to lay His head.
Paul’s following Christ’s example, but He’s also listening to Jesus' warnings about riches.
Jesus said,
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Luke 12:15
and Jesus warns,
18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Mark 4:18–19
Paul reminds the disciples,
9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:9–10
Setting our hearts on the good money and good life of this fallen world will suck us into this world’s destruction. The treasures of earth will rot and be stolen. Chasing riches is chasing destruction.
As Christians, we remind each other that good money is a deadly plot from our Enemy.
Prayer is a bold statement against the economy of riches. Money allows you to move things. When you have the money, you don’t have to depend. Prayer requires God to move while we wait.
When God entrusts us with wealth, we can kill its deceitful power by praying over it! We can enjoy the gifts God gives and embrace the dependence we need to have the life that is truly life!
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:17–19