7 Ways Christians Should Use Wealth

You probably know the names and stories of missionaries, Bible translators, and pastors, who have led many of the great movements of God in history. The names we often miss are the people behind these heroes of the faith—those who encouraged and even fueled their work.

From the merchant who supported William Tyndale’s translation of the Bible into English, to the young, wealthy widow who funded George Whitfield and America’s Great Awakening, and the wealthy British businessman who funded the spread the hymn Amazing Grace, God raises up men and women who go first in giving.

I call them Gospel Patrons, people whose generosity changed the world. All throughout history these Gospel Patrons have used their wealth to fuel God’s work around the world.

I believe using wealth to fuel God’s work and bless others is a high biblical calling. For Christians, wealth is a tool. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 gives us a wonderful summary of seven ways God would have his people to think about and use wealth.

1. Do not be arrogant.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant (1 Timothy 6:17)

In an economy based on competition and performance, it can be hard to remember that our success is a gift from God. God gives us the skills, relationships, energy, resources, and opportunities. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us that God gives us the power to get wealth. Psalm 24:1 reminds us that everything belongs to God. When we understand the true source and owner of our riches, we’re not arrogant, we’re thankful.

2. Hope in God, not your wealth.

… nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, (1 Timothy 6:17)

I love that the Apostle Paul candidly reminds us that no matter how much wealth we may have, wealth is not our security. It’s too uncertain. Proverbs 23:5 says wealth sprouts wings and flies away. Therefore, God is simply a better hope. We don’t need to watch our bank balances like a hawk. God is the rock of our security and anchor of our confidence, and he cannot be shaken.

3. Enjoy God’s good gifts.

… who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (1 Timothy 6:17)

Some of the money God gives you is for your enjoyment of life. We rarely talk about this, but Scripture calls us to be generous, not ascetics. The gifts of heaven drip like rain all day long. Those who walk with God see and know that all these are intentionally orchestrated notes by heaven’s conductor. When we notice and enjoy his good gifts, God is glorified, and we realize that no gift could ever compare to the Giver.

4. Do good.

Command them to do good, (1 Timothy 6:18)

We get to make a difference. We get to leverage our lives to do good in the world. It’s amazing that we can trade money for goodness. Lives can be touched and changed. The suffering can be served. The gospel can be advanced. We are to aim our lives at doing as much good as we can. Romans 12:21 reminds us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

5. Be rich in good works.

… to be rich in good deeds, (1 Timothy 6:18)

Paul defines rich, not financially, but eternally. Worldly wealth will perish but we have the unique privilege to give our lives and our wealth to change communities, cities and nations by lifting up the name of Jesus and supporting those leaders and ministries who do the same. The spread of the gospel is exclusive to the people of God. No one else will do it and no one else will fund it. If we redefine riches in light of good works, we’ll give our lives to things that glorify God, bless people, and last forever.

6. Be generous.

… and to be generous (1 Timothy 6:18)

Generosity means above and beyond. It’s abundant giving. Generosity stretches. This is what we are called to. Generosity honors God because it imitates God. God is the most generous being we could ever imagine. No author or filmmaker could invent a more generous character. When we were at our lowest, lost in sin, God stretched from heaven to earth, becoming a baby in a manger so he could become a king on a cross. Radical generosity is normal Christianity, and the people of God ought to be the most generous people on the planet.

7. Be ready to share.

… and willing to share. (1 Timothy 6:18)

Remember the stories from the early church when the first Christians shared what they had with anyone in need? They had possessions but held them loosely. The good of others became more important than their increasing lifestyles. God is transforming you and me into the kind of people who are not reluctant givers, but ready givers. We love to give, plan to give, and spontaneously give. We meet the needs of people around us and freely and willingly share God’s abundance with others.

The result? Treasure forever and life that’s truly life.

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 6:19)

Jesus called us to lay up treasure for heaven and, here, Paul unpacks how we do that. In God’s economy, our pursuit of doing good and being rich in good works, generous, and ready to share accumulates an eternal treasure that will be ours in heaven. We can deposit wealth into our future accounts now by what we choose to do with wealth on earth. Investing in eternity is the best long-term investment available.

As we invest our lives in eternity by serving God and others, we don’t earn our salvation, but we discover the life that is truly life. Everyone longs for purpose, joy, meaning and fulfillment. The surprising twist is those are found by giving your life away.

We have a beautiful calling to bless others with our stewardship of wealth. Each of us can join God in a life of extraordinary purpose and extravagant generosity. God is still writing history. Who knows? Your next step of faith and generosity might just lead to a song we’ll all be singing or a move of God we’ll be celebrating a generation from now.