Wealth, Giving, and Eternity
Michael Lee
The apostle Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy 6:17–19 offers a timeless challenge for every generation: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”
This passage frames a radically different vision of wealth—one that stands in stark contrast to the instability and obsession with riches that define modern culture.
The volatility of wealth is easy to see. Perhaps you heard about Elon Musk. Last month, briefly became the world’s first trillionaire when SpaceX went public, only to lose $54 billion in two weeks. His net worth quickly dropped to $957 billion—still unimaginably high, yet a vivid reminder that even the greatest fortunes shift like sand. Scripture calls this “the uncertainty of riches,” a warning that wealth is never a secure foundation for life.
And yet, money is unavoidable—we earn it, spend it, save it, and worry about it. Scripture mentions money directly around 140 times and refers to wealth, possessions, and riches more than 2,300 times. Why? Because money reveals the heart. Show me how you spend your money and I will tell you what is important to you. The way we use money is not merely a financial matter; it is a spiritual one.
“The way we use money is not merely a financial matter; it is a spiritual one.”
From this foundation, let me give us four biblical principles for understanding wealth and practicing faithful giving:
1. God Owns It All.
God is the Creator and therefore the Owner of everything. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (Ps 24:1). God reinforces this in Ps 50:10–12: “Every beast of the forest is mine… If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.”
Because God created all things, He has absolute rights over all things. Deut 10:14 declares, “To the Lord your God belong the heavens… the earth and everything in it.” Even rulers and nations are under His authority. Dan 2:21 says, “He removes kings and establishes them.” What, then, is truly yours? If God owns everything, then everything we possess is on loan. Cultivating this mindset is the first step toward biblical stewardship.
2. We Are Stewards.
If God owns everything, then we are not owners—we are stewards. A steward manages what belongs to someone else. Biblically, this includes money, time, talents, relationships, and opportunities.
A steward is faithful, accountable, generous, and full of integrity. He or she manages the master’s property according to his will and desire. Scripture gives vivid examples. Joseph managed Potiphar’s household with excellence (Gen 39). Jesus’ Parable of the Talents teaches that God expects His people to use His resources productively and responsibly. Stewardship today means managing finances wisely, giving generously, planning carefully, and living with the awareness that everything we have is entrusted to us for God’s purposes.
3. We Are Generous Givers.
Generosity is not merely an action—it is a heart posture shaped by God’s own generosity. “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” (James 1:17) God’s giving is abundant and undeserved, culminating in the gift of His Son (John 3:16). Because God gives freely, His people give freely. Think biblically about generosity with me:
Generosity begins in the heart. It is “a disposition, not a transaction.” Jesus praised the widow who gave two coins—not for the amount, but for her surrendered heart.
Generosity is cheerful and voluntary. “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor 9:7)
Generosity is sacrificial. The Macedonian believers gave “beyond their means… in extreme poverty,” begging for the privilege of helping others (2 Cor 8:1–5). True generosity costs something.
Generosity notices need. A “bountiful eye” sees what others overlook. The Good Samaritan is the model of compassion that crosses boundaries (Lk 10:25-37).
Generosity trusts God. “A generous soul will prosper… he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Prov 11:25)
Even in our church covenant, we see this. We commit to give “cheerfully and regularly” to support ministry, relieve the poor, and spread the gospel. And of course, people often ask, “How much should I give?” The New Testament emphasizes intentional, joyful giving. Believers today should give what they have “purposed in their heart,” perhaps with 10% serving as a practical starting point for many.
4. We Live With an Eternal Mindset.
The final principle is perspective: Christians give with eternity in view. Consider this picture:
Do you know what that represents? Your life in the fullness of eternity. The dot is this life; the line is eternity. Christians live for the line. What lasts forever? Only the Word of God and the souls of people. Therefore, believers invest in eternal matters: the preaching and teaching of Scripture, local and global missions, church planting and revitalization, evangelism, gospel‑centered relief efforts, training for pastors and church leaders, etc.
Let this be a litmus test for giving: Is it eternal? Rom 10:17 reminds us why this matters: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Conclusion: Who Is Truly Wealthy?
We began with Elon Musk’s fortune. But is he truly the wealthiest man on earth? Scripture’s answer is clear: true wealth is not measured in dollars but in relationship with Jesus Christ.
Remember: God owns it all. We are stewards. We are generous givers. We live with an eternal mindset. This is the biblical vision of wealth—one that frees us from the uncertainty of riches and anchors us in the unshakable riches of God.
Footnotes