The following are some thoughts I recently shared at my own church’s men’s breakfast. It relates to a subject often not spoken about in polite Christian circles – money, and another that is closely related – stewardship. Check here for my last money related blog.

I began by playing “Money makes the world go round” from one of my favourite musicals from “back in the day” – Cabaret. I then reflected on “the rich man in his castle, the poor man at the gate” from the beloved, classical hymn typically once sung in school assemblies – “All things bright and beautiful” and on my own political journey and how that strangely related. I declared that this was going to be controversial and is one of those proverbial “elephants in the room”, and one needed to fasten one’s seat belts! What follows are my notes – make of them what you will but hopefully you will be wised up and encouraged.

Tithing and the heavy shepherding approach of some fellowships and organisations. Subject upsetting certain Christians. Our church accounts (noting positives and negatives). Use of Gift Aid.

Follow the money (termed coined during the Watergate scandal).

Tithing and the John Wesley approach: John Wesley’s teaching on money is often summarized by his famous quote: “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” He emphasized stewardship, simplicity, and generosity. As his income grew from book sales and preaching, he kept his living expenses minimal but increased his giving. Wesley lived simply, often on about £30 a year, and gave away most of his income, sometimes up to 90%. He believed Christians should prioritize giving to the poor and supporting ministry. His approach was practical: live simply, and give generously as God prospers you.

Tribute to Varghese Mathai (my late father-in-law) and his attitude toward money – he trusted the Lord to supply all his needs. He had little money and gave away what he had.

Jesus talked about money a lot – around 15% of his teachings were about money, and it was his most discussed topic. He mentioned it in 11 of his 39 parables, and there are over 2,300 verses in the Bible about money, wealth, and possessions. Jesus actually spoke more about money than hell (another hot potato subject). He mentioned money around 25 times in the Gospels, often using it as a metaphor to teach deeper spiritual truths about trust, priorities, and the heart. In contrast, Jesus spoke about hell around 13 times.

– The Danger of Wealth: Jesus warned that wealth can become an idol, distracting us from God (Matthew 6:24).

– Generosity and Stewardship: He encouraged giving to the poor and trusting God for provision (Luke 6:20, 12:33, Mark 12:41-44).

– Eternal Perspective: Jesus taught to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth, where they can be lost (Matthew 6:19-21).

– Stewardship: He emphasized being faithful with resources, using them for God’s kingdom (Luke 16:10-11).

Some notable instances where Jesus taught about money include:

– The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:19-24)

– The story of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-30)

– The parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21)

– The widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44)

Money related verses to ponder

Deuteronomy 8:18: You shall remember the Lord your God, it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

1 Chronicles 29:14: But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

Psalm 24:1: The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Proverbs 3:9-10: Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Proverbs 10:22: The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 13:11: Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.

Proverbs 22:1: A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:7: The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

Ecclesiastes 5:10: He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 10:19: A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.

Malachi 3:10: Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

Matthew 6:3,4: But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:19-21: Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:24: No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Matthew 25: 20,21: And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Luke 12:15: And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Romans 13:8: Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

1 Corinthians 16:2: On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.

2 Corinthians 9:6,7: But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Philippians 4:19: And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 5:8: But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Timothy 6:6-7: But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

1 Timothy 6:10: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Hebrews 13:5: Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”