Is it okay to enjoy your money?

“A wise person should have money in their head, 

but not in their heart.”   Jonathan Swift

Money is NOT the root of all evil. There are some common sayings attributed to the Bible that are untrue and just aren’t in the Bible. Money is not inherently evil. Many misquote 1 Timothy 6:10 which actually says: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” It’s not money that’s a problem. It’s loving it. It’s making it an idol and letting it have precedence in your heart before God.

  We’re faithful managers of God’s money when we live within our means. We’re faithful managers of God’s money when we save for the days to come. We’re faithful managers of God’s money when we focus on paying down debt. We’re faithful managers of God’s money when we pay our bills and when we expend effort in attempting to reduce our bills. We’re faithful managers of God’s money when we avoid all those deep-debt, high-interest, I-need-more-stuff ways to live. We’re faithful managers of God’s money when we give generously to the Lord’s work. We’re faithful managers of God’s money when we help someone in need. Ultimately, we’re faithful managers of God’s money when we live with an awareness that money is a terrible god but a beautiful means of serving God.

  But along the way, we can develop a very formal and professional relationship with money, where money becomes little more than a tool. Every dollar has a job—paying the bills and paying down the mortgage, and saving for retirement, and supporting the missionaries. Every dollar has a job, but not many of those jobs are fun. We use our money dutifully, but rarely have fun with it. Money then ceases to be a tool and becomes a taskmaster. That’s not God’s plan! God wants us to enjoy this gift!

  Many are away this Labor Day weekend enjoying their money. God wants us to do that! Money is a gift from our Heavenly Father, every penny of it. When you give a gift to your child don’t you want them to enjoy the gift? Absolutely!

  Scripture gives us a theology of money and management. We’re to handle what God has entrusted to us wisely and in a way that pleases Him. As God enjoys being generous, there is true enjoyment that comes from using our resources to be generous as God has been generous to us.

  Yet, a biblical fact that is often overlooked and rarely taught is that God wants us to enjoy the money He has given us. Many Christians live in guilt or feel guilty about enjoying the money that their Father gave them. When was the last time you just enjoyed your money? Money is a tool. But that’s it — it’s just a tool. Feel free to enjoy it.

  recently, Jane and I were vacationing in Northern Minnesota where we spent time with some dear friends, Tom and Leesa Drury. During that time I preaching for two of my friends: Tom Drury and Mike English. It took money to make this trip and we enjoyed spending it. Jane and I always look for unique restaurants and interesting stops along the way. All of that takes money. And while we were up there, we did some fishing (be prepared for some fish stories). Minnesota charges for a fishing license. For the sheer enjoyment, it’s money well spent.

  Too often the Church’s teaching on money is similar to much of the Church’s teaching on sexual intimacy. It’s spoken of so negatively with so much guilt and pressure attached to it, that God’s intent of enjoyment is missed. Sexual intimacy is a gift from God. God has three purposes for sexual intimacy: procreation, unification, and recreation. God gave it to us for enjoyment. Like money, when it is used properly within God’s plan of marriage, it’s intended for pleasure.

  Too often the teaching about wealth is negative and even toxic. Some have been hit with the “money is evil” message so often and so hard that they feel guilty if they enjoy money as a gift from God and miss out on His will. If money were inherently evil, why does the Bible contain so many examples of faithful men and women who had massive wealth and yet whose devotion to God is never questioned? Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, David, Solomon, Joseph of Arimathea, and Lydia are a few examples of biblical heroes who were wealthy, loved God, honored Him with the wealth He gave them and enjoyed God’s good gift of wealth.  

  Our Heavenly Father didn’t entrust us with money to endure it but to enjoy it. Are you enjoying yours? When was the last time that you let yourself enjoy the money God gave to you? When was the last time you gave each of your kids (or grandkids) $20 and set them free in the toy store? When was the last time you enjoyed a truly relaxing vacation? When was the last time you went to the specialty store and bought some amazing crackers and cheese? When was the last time you sat and savored a slightly-too-expensive yet an almost-too-delicious cup of coffee? When was the last time you bought a new book just because? When was the last time you bought an extravagant bouquet of flowers for your wife? When was the last time you allowed yourself to really enjoy your money?

  Many of us have debt for houses, cars, or college debt. We need to pay our bills and have a plan. Even if you owe bucks deluxe, if you never let yourself enjoy your hard-earned money for something within reason, debt can devolve into a source of irritation and even bitterness. Yes, we need to exercise self-control with money and put it to good use. It’s also good and God’s plan to enjoy it. It’s more than a tool; it’s also a means of pleasure.

  And here’s the wonderful reality: The better you manage your money as God’s money, the greater your enjoyment of these little pleasures. When all you want to do with your money is to seek indulgence, it will deliver ever-diminishing pleasures. When you faithfully manage it, those small pleasures are far richer and far sweeter. So use your money, and use it wisely, and use it for God’s glory. Remember though to enjoy it as well. It’s a gift from your Heavenly Father. He enjoys it when His children enjoy and are grateful for His gifts!

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address.