How can we develop a better relationship with money?

5 Feb, 2025

How might our view of God, ourselves, and the world affect the way we use money? Follow along with our Communications Specialist, Cassie, as she explores this question.

My relationship with money isn’t as balanced as it should be.

You would think, working for a charity that specialises in financial capability, that I would be well-versed in all matters related to money. But alas, my bank account doesn’t reflect the same.

I’m just as vulnerable as the next person to spending beyond my means, going into debt, or hoarding money for fear that I won’t have enough.

I spend money on things I don’t really need because the advertisements told me they’d “make my life easier” or “I’d be happier with it”. I admit to the odd layby or Afterpay purchase here and there so I can have things quicker than I can afford them. Even in healthy financial seasons, I keep my finances close to me ‘just in case’.

All this to say, it’s one thing to think differently about money and another to act differently with money. If we are to find more balance and develop a better relationship with money, we need to work out what our values are and, most importantly, live them.

But first, I think we must understand that the way we view God, ourselves and the world around us has a direct impact on the way we use money.

An unhealthy VS healthy view

An unhealthy view of God might lead us to believe:

  1. God is not powerful, not good, and not involved in our lives.
  2. On this side of Heaven, we are on our own.
  3. Life to the full is found in our own control, self-built comfort, and achievement.
  4. We should maximise income, assets and experiences, and acquire all that we desire.

By comparison, a healthier view of God might lead us to believe:

  1. God creates and owns everything, and He is active in His world that is full of potential.
  2. We are made in the image of God, and He is our generous provider in this life.
  3. Life to the full is found in right relationship with Him (John 10:10).
  4. We should receive from God with thanksgiving and steward His resources on earth.

Biblical stewardship – and by extension, a better relationship with money – begins when we recognise that we have an unhealthy view of God, ourselves and the world, and take an active approach to developing a healthy one.

How might we develop a healthy view?

Our actions are a product of the way we think and feel. With God’s help, we have the ability to change the way we think and feel through our actions.

As we choose to act differently, we start to think and feel differently. And as we start to think and feel differently, we slowly become more Christ-like in our actions.

What actions might we take to change the way we think and feel?

The Biblical story shows us that followers of Jesus are called to prioritise and practise simplicity, generosity and hospitality.

Simplicity as a practice for ordering our relationships

Simplicity is far more than minimalism. It’s the practice of ordering our relationships the right way: our relationship with God, our relationship with ourselves and others, and our relationship with the environment we live in.

In ordering our relationships to prioritise what holds true value, we can simplify our lives and move away from giving money power over our hearts and minds.

Generosity as a reflection of God’s love

Generosity is an expression of faith in God as our provider. It’s a testament to His goodness and an opportunity to share His love with others.

By giving to those around us, we can avoid fears of scarcity and develop a healthier attachment to money – one that’s ultimately used to bring glory to God.

Hospitality as a cornerstone of community

Hospitality is an opportunity to move towards others in need. It’s a living expression and embodiment of the gospel, calling us to give of ourselves and welcome others into His loving Kingdom.

Prioritising this value in our lives means that we shift from an inward focus (“I don’t have enough”) to an outward focus (“I can share what I have with others”). This frees us from hoarding money for ourselves and helps us use it for the benefit of others.

Engaging in practices that change our thinking and feeling is the key to developing a healthy view of God, ourselves, and the resources we steward. It’s the difference between living at the mercy of our finances, or in freedom under God.

Words by Cassie Holland, with contributions from Claire Ince