Integrity In Finance

Psalm 15:5

who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.

Christianity means many things. We are called to be so many things, but if I were to summarize it: we are called to emulate Jesus Christ, in all circumstances, as well as we can for as long as we can.

The above Psalm gives very straight-forward advice about handling money: don’t charge interest to those who can’t afford it. But if you dig deeper, and in the context of Psalm 15 as a whole, it is stating that a person of true integrity will be permitted to dwell in God’s sacred tent, and to live on His holy mountain.

Integrity With Money

The Bible says many things about money, and I think that is because God knew it would be such a struggle for us. We are warned to serve only one master (Matthew 6:24), and that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). This doesn’t mean that we are to avoid money in its entirety, but instead we are called to control money in a Godly way: with integrity.

We are to treat money as a tool, and use it for good. We are not to dishonor God by mismanaging it, and that includes compromising our integrity for worldly gains – especially at the expense of the most destitute.

Evangelizing With Integrity

One of the most powerful ways to witness to people about your faith in the Christ Jesus is to display your faith in the way you live. If others see the same greed in you that they see in anyone else, then are they getting the true picture of Jesus Christ?

But if you display an inexplicable honor & integrity in your financial dealings, then people will wonder where it comes from. For many, money is the truest test of what you truly believe:

Matthew 6:21

21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

If you use money as a tool, and only a tool, then people will wonder where your heart truly is, because it will clearly not be worshipping at the altar of money and greed.

City on a Hill

Remember, we are called to be a city on a hill. Our light is to shine brightly. For some, that means openly talking about their faith, but for others, that might mean living out your faith, and letting your actions be your words.

If people see the integrity you display in your finances, the peace that you have, and the control you display, then how could they not want that? No one likes being controlled by their money, but it’s a battle fought by the majority everyday!

Be a beacon of light in a dark financial world, and show them what true, biblical money management can accomplish. Display honor and integrity, and be the town on a hill that you were called to be!

Matthew 5:14-16

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

What is your experience with handling your finances with integrity? Let us know in the comments!