Jesus spoke about money more than any other subject. He told nearly half of his parables about it! People often accuse the church, “All you care about is money!” In a sense this is true. How can we not care about it when our Lord taught about it so often?

Jesus doesn’t care about our money because He wants it for Himself. He cares about it because He knows how important it is. This area of our life (more than any other) shows if we are submitting to His lordship in the practical matters of daily life.

Discipleship is a financial as well as spiritual process. If you are truly committed to obeying Jesus, that will be reflected in how you choose to make and spend money.

Jesus Changes Your Priorities
When Jesus saves you, He changes your priorities. You are no longer preoccupied with gaining wealth, living comfortably, and retiring early. Instead, your highest priority becomes doing whatever it takes to advance His kingdom.

He says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). In other words, our spending reveals our priorities.

He goes on to say, “No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matthew 6:24). In other words, you cannot pursue the kingdom of God and the American Dream. You must choose His cause over your own comforts.

Jesus Takes Charge of Your Possessions
When Jesus saves you, He takes charge of your possessions. You are no longer preoccupied with buying the latest and greatest or improving your lifestyle. Instead, everything you own is now a resource at His disposal.

He warns, “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). He goes on to condemn a rich man man for hoarding wealth and concludes, “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).

In other words, life isn’t about getting more stuff. Nor is it about upgrading your stuff or making yourself more comfortable.

Jesus Chastises Materialistic Christians
You might not consider yourself wealthy. But if you live in a first-world country, you are. If you have a permanent home, a closet full of clothes, and a refrigerator full of food, you are royalty compared to most of the world’s population!

The problem is that our material riches blind us to spiritual realities. They make us self-centered and self-sufficient. We forget that Jesus wants us to use our money to help others rather than just helping ourselves.

Some of the sternest words in Scripture are spoken to rich Christians. Jesus rebukes the church in Laodicea: “So, because you are lukewarm…I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3:16-17)

What would Jesus say to you if He took a look at your checkbook? What does your spending reveal about your priorities? If He is Lord of your life, is He Lord of your wallet?

How has Jesus changed your finances? Leave your thoughts with a comment below!

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