Musing – Why is “Money Talk” taboo in Church?

Hebraic Musing – Why is “Money Talk” taboo in Church?

“Money and possessions are the second most referenced topic in the Bible – money is referenced more than 800 times, the message is clear.”*   So why is the topic avoided in Church?  When Pastors talk about money, the topic is interpreted by the congregants as “Give more in the offering.”  That’s a very unfortunate reaction since the Bible is an excellent financial adviser, whether or not you are religious!  Is it “MY money” that the pastor is asking for?  Or is he asking for us to be good stewards as we handle “God’s money”? 

Pastors are speaking to congregations in which there is probably a very small number, if any, who are millionaires or who are financially secure – who saved and now have no debt, a cash emergency reserve, retirement funds being built and a will.  BUT unfortunately, all too many of the members are in debt, some way over their heads in debt!  Money slips out of their slippery undisciplined fingers because spending is too easy with availability of credit cards and installment sales.  These Christians burdened with debt may genuinely want to honor the tithing message but simply can’t, or think they can’t, or don’t know how. 

Why did Jesus tell his disciples "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” NIV  in Matthew 19:23-24?  Let’s refresh our thinking about some obvious characteristics about money:

Money is a distraction, a powerful force, warping our Christian morality “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.  Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.  If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes…” James 2:1-3   I think we have all experienced inappropriate favoritism in some way!

Some Biblical money talk is speaking to an agrarian society, but these are still very obvious stewardship principles.  We are responsible for possessions entrusted to us, be they sheep, cows, things or money.  Proverbs 27:23 says “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.”  We are called to manage money, not let money manage us.  Ever notice that sheep don’t care for themselves?  Maybe money needs to be managed and cared for diligently 24/7 like a shepherd cares for his sheep?

Proverbs talks about money in pithy ways.  Proverbs 21:20 “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.”  Shouldn’t we be managing and budgeting our spending and be building up an emergency funds?  Do we get distracted because of “Instant Gratification” tendencies?

Many people do not keep track of their spending.  Jesus knew that when He was teaching to a crowd.  "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?  For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,…” Luke 14:28-30   Jesus believed we should manage our resources; especially critical if we consider the need to “finish”.  Did Jesus understand the need to fund a retirement plan?

I’ve heard it said “If you live rich, you will be poor; but if you live poor you’ll be rich”.  Maybe Proverbs 28:19-20 is trying to tell us that.  “He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.”  Consider the implications in Proverbs 28:6  “Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.”

Have you noticed that nowhere in Scripture is debt viewed in a positive way?  Maybe that is why Proverbs 22:7 is my favorite “Money Management” verse.  “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”   That explains why the “MasterCard” is so popular!!!  Jesus set us free; so why be a slave?

Points to ponder

Who does “My Money” really belong to?

Do we manage money, or does “our” money manage us?

Waiters get 15% for so-so service; God only asks for 10% of HIS MONEY for His perfect service!

♫ “Cause money, burns a hole in my pocket” ♫  (Dean Martin oldie but goodie)

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                               February 5, 2019  

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Source – Most of the points come from “Financial Peace University” presentations – Dave Ramsey
* Forbes - “I get my financial guidance from the Bible,” May 24, 2012 Grandich.