4 Ways the Gospel Transforms Your Relationship with Money

Do you struggle with money? Is debt weighing you down? Do you buy way too many things?

If so, what’s the first thing you should do?

Should you create a budget? Payoff debt? Destroy your credit cards?

While these things are helpful, and in many cases necessary, these activities are not the first steps you should take. The first thing you need to do to change your relationship with money is to seek Jesus.

Many things can lead you to struggle with your relationship with money, and you can address every single one of them. However, if you only address the specific issues, then you will never get to the heart of the problem, which is why you must seek Jesus first (even while you are addressing your problems).

Here are four ways Jesus transforms your relationship with money.

#1. The gospel gives you a love for God

The first place you need to start with your relationship with money is with your heart. In Christ, you are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). Through faith, not the things you do, the curse of sin is crushed, and you are given a desire to glorify God.

#2. The gospel gives you a desire to please God

You are created by God, which means you have a desire to know God (Acts 17:22–27). Your passion for God may be non-existent, faint, or growing in Christ. You may be tempted to satisfy the desire you have for God by obtaining more money or buying more stuff, and doing this may provide you with a moment of relief. But your desire for God can only be satisfied by him.

#3. The gospel erodes your love for money and possessions

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Tim. 6:10). In Christ, you are made free from the bondage of sin. You no longer have to live your life shackled by its power. In Christ, you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live and love like Jesus.

If you have or do struggle with the love of money, then trust God to give you the strength you need to overcome this sin in your life.

#4. The gospel opens you up to giving

In Christ, you will be transformed into a generous giver. He will turn you into a gracious and generous giver. The act of giving can help you become a giver. But only Christ will open you up to permanently become a generous giver.