Financial Principles of  Christ: An introduction.

It’s the love of money that is “the root of all evil,” not money itself. Money, as a tool, is not inherently filthy. How people choose to use it, or manipulate others to gain it, that creates this concept of “filthy money.” On the other hand, there are many people who create “clean money”—honestly earned funds used to buy food, clothes, and shelter, and with which to make contributions to better the world in which we live. “Good money” is the pay we receive for honest work, labor and our efforts. Money becomes filthy only when it is obtained by lying, cheating and stealing – not by the sweat (efforts) of our labors. Through the ages of time man has received more than money/bread for his labors. He has received happiness in service – contributing to family, the community in which he lives, neighbors and friends.

Neither wealth nor poverty is an indication of individual value or worthiness. Some great men of God have been wealthy, and some have been poorer than a church mouse. The amount of money we have is not important, but rather how we obtain and use it. Of course, we need to earn a living. God told Adam that by the sweat of his brow he should eat bread all the days of his life. It is important that we are qualified and become self-reliant. Yet none of us ever has enough money—at least that is what we think. No matter our financial circumstances, we want to improve them.

This, too, is good if it is not carried to extremes. God does not wish His children to walk in poverty. Having earthly possessions can help us through life’s journey so long as our hearts remain on seeking first the Kingdom of God. We should not get caught up in the things of this world where moth and dust doth corrupt. Let our hearts be focused on love, serving and the principles Jesus Christ lived and taught. Since the beginning of time we’ve been told that God made male and female and that a man is to leave father and mother and marry and to have children providing for all their needs – physical, spiritual, educational, emotional and mental. And if we find ourselves blessed with excess or more than is enough for our needs – let us use our time, talents and resources to bless the lives of all our neighbors!

Join me, as we learn from Christ’s principles on how to approach our finances, build security and extend our resources to helping others.

— Allen Kreutzkamp