As soon as the money reaches the money-box, the soul leaps into heaven!

“One doesn't speak about money, one has it.” (Jean Paul Getty (1892-1976), American Oil Industrialist and millionaire)

It is a difficult issue, this money. In the three quotes by Tetzel, Jesus and Getty, we find three different manners in approaching this subject. What does money mean to you? Regardless of whether you have a lot or a little, managing it doesn't become easier. Is it a necessary yet immaterial thing in your life, or is it your god?

Whether we are financially poor or rich, as a Christian we must not forget one thing: Everything you assume to own, is not your property, it is borrowed from God to deal with in wisdom.

When we finally realize that our money does not belong to us, we are able to deal with it differently. Many Christians prefer tithing their tenth, so to give 10% of one's income to the community. Others leave the Church because they don't want to continue supporting it with their money. They rather help those less fortunate or invest it in social projects. However, some also hoard their money for themselves.

I believe that it is indisputable that we, as Christians, should do something good with our money and not just let it be to our own advantage. However, where we should invest it, is not found in great detail in the Bible. The offering box in Luke, for example, was the so-called box belonging to God. It wasn't for social projects, the money was only for use for the temple. In other instances in the Bible, we find statements about giving our money to the poor. The Bible thus gives us different ways in which to deal with our money.

That Tetzel is certainly wrong, we see in the story where Jesus tells the rich youth (Mark 10:17) to sell his goods, take up his cross and follow Him. First the following then faith saves us. We should do good, but it cannot save us.

How do you manage your money? Do you invest it in heavenly things or more in earthly consumption.

I wish you a blessed day and the wisdom in managing your money!

Rainer Gigerich