The Lodestar

Beliefs about money decide our giving. Money beliefs are our subconscious thoughts and attitudes about money that influence our financial behaviours. They are often formed in childhood and shaped by our family, culture, and individual experiences. Some common money beliefs include the notion that money is scarce, money is evil, money is power, money is security, and money is happiness, among others. These beliefs can affect how we view ourselves, others, and the world in relation to money.

For example, if we believe that money is scarce, we may feel insecure about giving it away because we fear that we will not have enough for ourselves. If we think money is evil, we may feel insecure, thinking it will corrupt us or attract negative consequences. Some, therefore, resort to an ascetic life.

However, the Bible teaches us to use money without fear or anxiety for the sake of the kingdom of God.

The little congregation in Philippi knew this secret. The first convert in Philippi was a woman, a trader of purple clothes, called Lydia. She was so generous that she opened her house for Paul and his colleagues to stay. Then, when he went on his way preaching the gospel in other cities, the congregation in Philippi continued to send financial gifts to support his mission (Phil 4:14—20). Paul calls these unsolicited generous gifts “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” (Phil 4:18).

While thanking them for their gifts, Paul reveals a secret about giving to the Kingdom of God: givers are not losers. Although they may be giving away the money they had saved for their needs, he assures them that they should do it without anxiety because God will meet “every need.”

Giving is a privilege because God has entrusted us with the resources to share with others. In the Kingdom economy, no giver is a loser. We must give cheerfully and without fear.

Today, examine your beliefs about money. Are they driven by fear, scarcity, or trust in God’s provision? Choose to release what you hold tightly and invest it in what matters eternally. Give generously, cheerfully, and without fear — because no giver is a loser in God’s Kingdom.