HOLDING MONEY WITH OPEN HANDS
Money is one of the quietest tests of the heart. It rarely announces itself as an idol; it simply asks to be trusted. Scripture never teaches that money itself is evil—only that loving it is. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Money is a tool, a servant meant to be used wisely; it becomes a tyrant only when it takes the place of God.
Jesus spoke about money often, not because coins mattered to Him, but because hearts do. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Money reveals what we lean on when the future feels uncertain. It exposes whether our security rests in savings accounts or in the faithfulness of God. The issue is never possession, but position—who sits on the throne.
Scripture does not call us to abandon responsibility or despise provision. Wisdom plans. Diligence works. Stewardship honors God. “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty” (Proverbs 21:5). Faith is not recklessness dressed in spiritual language. Jesus Himself acknowledged daily needs—food, clothing, shelter—yet He warned us not to let those needs become our masters (Matthew 6:31-33). We are to handle money carefully, but hold it loosely.
The tension is this: money must be in our hands, but never in our hearts. God does not ask us to pretend bills do not exist; He asks us to trust Him more than our income. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). That trust becomes visible when we give, when we obey, when we refuse to panic, and when we choose generosity over fear.
Jesus’ words are direct and searching: “You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). Mammon is not just wealth; it is the promise that money whispers—I will take care of you. God makes the same promise, but unlike money, He keeps it. Finances fluctuate. Markets collapse. Jobs disappear. God remains. “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Notice the source—His riches, not ours.
Giving is one of God’s great heart-correctors. It breaks money’s illusion of control. When we give freely, we declare that our future is not held hostage by what we keep. “Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase” (Proverbs 3:9). Giving does not purchase blessing; it aligns us with trust. God is not impressed by amounts—He looks at surrender.
At the same time, Christ warns us against anxiety masquerading as wisdom. Worry is not preparation; it is prayerlessness turned inward. Jesus spoke tenderly to fearful hearts: “Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:32). The God who feeds birds and clothes lilies is not indifferent to rent payments or grocery bills. He invites us to bring our needs to Him, not carry them alone.
To use money without loving it is to see it clearly. It is temporary. It is limited. It cannot heal guilt, calm a conscience, or raise the dead. Only God can do that. Money can fund good works, bless others, support ministry, and meet real needs—but it was never designed to bear the weight of hope. That weight belongs to God alone. “Command those who are rich in this present age not to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God” (1 Timothy 6:17).
When money is submitted to God, it becomes peaceful instead of powerful. We work faithfully, give generously, save wisely, and rest confidently. We plan—but we pray more than we plan. We budget—but we trust deeper than numbers. We live with open hands, knowing that whatever passes through them ultimately comes from Him.
In the end, money is a test of allegiance. It asks quietly, Who do you trust? And every act of faith answers back: The Lord is my portion (Lamentations 3:24).
Father, teach me to see money clearly—to use it wisely without loving it wrongly. Free my heart from fear and my hands for generosity. Help me trust You more than provision, and obey You more than logic. You are my source, my security, and my peace. Amen.
BDD
