How the Bible Affects Our Money

Seventh-day Adventists believe that the Bible affects our lives not merely in theory but in even the most practical ways. From diet to dress, dating, parenting, education, and more, we believe the Bible has valuable things to say. Indeed, we believe that every area of life should align with Scriptural principles.

But what about money?

There’s nothing more universal and practical in the human experience than money. It influences just about every decision, whether big or small. It is only fitting for us as Seventh-day Adventists to ask: What does the Bible say about our relationship with money, and how should a biblical worldview influence the way we handle it?

In this article we will explore 10 timeless principles that form a biblical foundation for integrating faith and finance.

1. God Is the Creator and Owner of All

By virtue of being the Creator, God is also the owner of all. The psalmist succinctly states, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein” (Ps. 24:1). Every asset, every paycheck, every crumb on the kitchen counter—all ultimately belong to Him. Everything else regarding biblical stewardship flows from this truth.

2. We Are Stewards of God’s Resources

Consequently, nothing that we “own” is truly ours. We are simply stewards—managers entrusted with God’s assets. Our possessions ultimately are not indications of our personal achievements, skills, or greatness, but rather resources and responsibilities given to us in trust by a loving God (1 Chron. 29:14). As stewards we are accountable to our Master, and one day we will give account to Him for how we managed what He placed in our hands.

There’s nothing more universal and practical in the human experience than money.

3. Stewards Are Aligned With the Owner’s Interests

If God is the owner and we are the managers, then our purposes must be aligned with His interests. Our finances must be spent in ways that honor God and reflect His priorities. Scripture cautions, “It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2). So to spend God’s resources for selfish gratifications contrary to God’s will is embezzlement.

4. God’s Assets Are for God’s Work

Thus, the resources under our management are primarily intended for advancing the work of God on earth. From caring for those who are poor and needy (Matt. 25:35-40; 1 John 3:17, 18) to proclaiming the gospel to the world (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20), this is the reason for living modestly and giving generously.

Scripture is also clear that prioritizing God’s work in no way should diminish our care for our families. Paul counsels, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8).

5. The Owner Is Due His Dividends

As human business owners receive dividends from their business’ profits, tithes and offerings are like dividends returned to God, the owner. Ten percent is not a ceiling, but rather our minimum obligation—and a helpful reminder that God owns all 100 percent (Lev. 27:30; Mal. 3:8-10). This helps us maintain a healthy perspective of our role as stewards while stemming the tide of greed.

6. God Expects a Return

Just as managers in any business must generate returns for their employer, so too we are expected to yield a return for God. Jesus’ parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30) underscores this expectation: Resources should be multiplied for His purposes, not buried in the name of undue caution. Whether it is a return on our financial resources or on the spiritual growth of the church, the principle is the same: God expects a return on His investment.

7. Don’t Lose the Owner’s Capital

Worse than failing to provide a return on the owner’s capital is to actively lose God’s money! Without even going so far as actual theft or fraud, whether it’s overleveraging with debt, not saving for the future, neglecting our health, exercising a poor work ethic, unwise speculation, or other forms of financial irresponsibility, all are losing the Lord’s talents.

Biblical stewardship includes far more than just tithes and offerings—it involves the full slate of life’s decisions.

8. Faithfulness Depends Not on Amount

God’s expectations do not fluctuate with the size of our portfolios. Whether He has placed little or much in our care, the entire sum remains His. Yet we are told, “To whom much is given, . . . much will be required” (Luke 12:48). Greater assets bring greater responsibility—not for self-exaltation, but for blessing others and furthering God’s work. Not all are given the same responsibility, so rather than comparing with others or coveting what they have (Prov. 30:8, 9), God’s stewards are faithful with what they’ve been given, whether it be much or little (Luke 17:10).

9. Plan for the End of Our Management

Should time last, our terms as managers will one day end. Before the close of life’s journey, intentional thought and planning should go into what to return to God. The measure of faithfulness is not the size of our estates, but whether our resources have been surrendered for His purposes. Will we leave behind a legacy whose impact continues to bless others in God’s name?[1]

10. Training for Eternity

Heaven is a real place, and God will continue to have work for us there. He is shaping our character in this life for responsibilities in the one to come. Faithfulness now, in matters large and small, is training for future trusts in eternity.[2] There’s no doubt that the angels are faithful workers for God, so may we cultivate the diligence, discipline, industry, and faithfulness to fit in as colleagues with them there. We should ever keep in mind that wherever our treasure is, there will our hearts be also (see Matt. 6:21).

A Spiritual Barometer

As these principles have shown, we are not the owners, but God’s stewards; not mere self-gratifying consumers, but cooperating contributors to God’s unfolding mission in the world. Biblical stewardship includes far more than just tithes and offerings—it involves the full slate of life’s decisions. As finances influence so many of those decisions, how we manage them becomes a practical exercise of faith.

In fact, our financial stewardship is an active barometer of our spiritual health. How we relate to money reflects whether our innermost desires and motivations are fully surrendered and aligned with God’s higher purposes. From matters as small as saving on groceries to those as great as life-altering career choices, each reveal whether His Word is our standard and guide. May the Lord find us good and faithful stewards when He comes!

[1] See Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 4, pp. 482, 483.

[2] See Ellen G. White, Education (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1903), p. 13.