3 Money Myths Christian Women Believe

by Lucy | May 16, 2017 | biblical counseling, whole health wellness

Money: Don’t believe these three myths and begin enjoying financial freedom.

Years ago a family member racked up four-digit credit card debt on vacations, birthday gifts, and eating out. She paid only the minimum amount due on her credit cards. Then she made a plan to buy only what she needed using cash. Living within her means, she paid the balances within a year.

How this Christian woman loved financial freedom!

Watch out! 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, NIV

Myth 1: Godly Christians Are Financially Wealthy

Truth: Godliness is not a means to financial gain as some health-and-wealth gurus suggest. The apostle Paul tells his young friend Timothy: False teachers. . .”who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain” (1 Timothy 6:5).

Ask yourself what money symbolizes to you

Security?

Love?

Pleasure?

Read Matthew 6:19-20 and consider what Jesus says about earthly treasure:

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19-20)

Myth 2: Money Is Evil

Truth: Money does great good when handled as God intends — as a means to show love to one’s neighbor, especially widows, orphans, and the poor, and to take care of your immediate family.

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. (1 Timothy 5:4)

The Bible warns against the love of money is “the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10

Myth 3: Money Satisifies

Truth: Money lovers always want bigger bank accounts, a nicer car, a fancier vacation, a larger house. Solomon who asked God for wisdom put it this way:

Whoever loves money never has money enough;

whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.

(Ecclesiastes 5:10)

The antidote is recognizing who owns everything in the world including every dollar, euro, peso, and ruble: God! He says,

The world is mine, and all that is in it. (Psalm 50:12)

And, after recognizing that God owns everything, give thanks for what he has given you. Jotting down reason for thanks daily helps you develop an attitude of gratitude.

One-Minute Money Makeover

Consider these questions. Then plan your makeover:

1. Do you have a budget? If not, make one. Here’s a free Money Map at Crown Financial.
2. Are finances tight? Get creative save money and make money. Check Pinterest for gift-making ideas. Turn your hobby into cash. For instance, one of my friends has a full-time position and refurbishes furniture for resale. Another friend sells books on Amazon. I occasionally edit books. What is something you like to do that bring into extra cash?
3. Do you have extra cash from a bonus or an inheritance? Put it in your emergency fund, or set it aside for retirement or your kids’ college tuition, or share with financially-strapped families in your church (most churches have a Benevolence Fund) or with a charity that helps the hurting in your community or overseas. My husband and I sponsor a child through World Vision, and there are other excellent Christian charities.

Sharing Hope with Your Heart,