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Money is the biggest cause of stress in America today. A survey done in 2014 stated that 64% of adults claimed that financial worries served as a significant source of stress. Money was the biggest cause of stress (work – 60%, family responsibilities – 47%, and health concerns – 46%) (American Psychological Association). Nearly 3 out of 4 reported feeling stressed about money at least some of the time, while 1 in 4 said they experienced extreme stress over money during the past month (CBS News).

Money plays a big role in our lives as we have to possess it to live. I’ve seen people’s moods change depending on how much money they have in the bank. Life can be stressful if you are barely making ends meet and living pay check to pay check. It’s easy for us to become so consumed with our portfolio or with always wanting more money to feel secure that we let money rule and control us. Money can become the main topic of conversation and the first and last thing we think about each day.

Money can be viewed as the following…

• As Status – The things I have define who I am.
• As Security – “If only I have ____ dollars in the bank, I’m okay.”
• As Enjoyment – “Life is meant to be fun, so money will get you there.”
• As Control – “I’m in control of my life and can influence others if I have ____ dollars.”

What’s the right perspective of money? The Bible tells us the following...

1. Our Money Belongs to God. 

Everything we have is God’s. Our money, our talents, our possessions: everything (Psalm 24:1; Deut. 8:17-18).

2. You Will Never Have Enough Money.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 says: “Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness.”

JD Rockefeller said: “I have made millions, but they have brought me no happiness.”

3. Don’t Love Money.

Money is not evil. The love of money is. I Timothy 6:10 says, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (See I Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:5).”

Jesus says you can’t serve two masters: God and money. You must choose: God or money (Luke 16:13).

4. You Won’t Have Money When You Die.

Someone once said, “He who dies with the most toys is still dead.”

Jesus says, “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths eat from and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-20).”

5. Give Away As Much As You Can.

Randy Alcorn said, “Don’t wait until you feel like giving – it could be a long wait! Just give and watch the joy follow (2 Corinthians 9:7).”

When you give, not only does it help others, but it also helps you remember that the money you have is not yours. It’s also fun to watch the Lord open the floodgates by providing for our needs when we decide to give faithfully, generously, and sacrificially.

6. Save Enough for a Rainy Day.

Proverbs 21:20 says, “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all that he has (see also Proverbs 6:6-8; Proverbs 13:11).

Anytime we receive a paycheck, we should give, save, and spend in that order (Dave Ramsey). It’s important to have an emergency fund, and also to save for retirement, major purchases, and your kid’s college fund.

If you follow the principles of the Bible with regards to money managment, it will help prevent stress and keep you focused on God.