Is It Wrong to Make Money as a Christian?

Quick answer: No, it isn't wrong to make money as a Christian. The Bible praises honest work, diligent planning and profit, and says the ability to produce wealth comes from God (Deuteronomy 8:18). What Scripture warns against is the love of money, getting it unjustly and trusting it instead of God (1 Timothy 6:10). Money is a tool for stewardship, not a master.

I've sat with a lot of believers who feel guilty every time they raise their prices. Somewhere along the way they picked up the idea that a "good Christian" stays broke. I understand it. I also think it's keeping a lot of called people from building what God put in their hands.

What does the Bible actually say about money?

A lot. Here's the short version, verse by verse:

Notice the pattern. The warnings are about the heart: love, trust, greed, injustice. The instructions are about the hands: work, plan, multiply, give.

What does Luke 19:13 mean for Christians in business?

This is the verse my whole message is built on. In the parable of the minas, a nobleman gives each servant money and tells them to put it to work until he comes back. At Build Until we say it this way: "Do business with this until I come back."

When he returns, the servants who multiplied what they were given are trusted with more. The one who wrapped his money in a cloth and hid it, because he was afraid, is the one who gets rebuked. The parable doesn't punish profit. It rebukes fear and waste.

That's why I tell builders: don't build for a season. Build until.

Is it a sin to want to be rich?

Wanting more isn't automatically sin. Wanting more for yourself, at any cost, as your source of security is where it turns. Paul says those who desire to be rich fall into temptation (1 Timothy 6:9). The question to ask yourself is honest and simple: if God asked you to give it away tomorrow, could you?

I'd rather you want more capacity than more stuff. More capacity to provide for your family, hire people, give generously and fund the mission. That kind of wanting is stewardship.

How do you keep money from becoming an idol?

• Give first. Many believers start with a tithe and grow from there. Giving breaks money's grip before it forms.
• Plan on purpose. Know what your purpose will cost, then build toward that number instead of chasing an endless one.
• Price honestly. Charge fairly for real value and say every cost up front.
• Keep a Sabbath. If you can't stop working, money may be serving you less than you're serving it.
• Stay accountable. Let someone you trust ask you hard questions about your spending and your heart.

Where to go next

If you lead a church and want to teach this, our free Financial Purpose Academy walks a group through Luke 19:11-27 in eight sessions (church hosting details). If you're starting something, read how to start a business God first. And if you're ready to build your brand and business on purpose, my 8 week live course is Build On Purpose. My book, The Purpose-Driven Business Builder's Blueprint, lays out all seven steps: Become Aware, Unplug, Identity First, Lay Framework, Do Work, Expand Capacity, Rise and Build.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a sin to be rich as a Christian?

No. The Bible doesn't call wealth a sin. It warns against loving money, trusting riches and getting wealth unjustly. Abraham, Job and Lydia had wealth. The question Scripture asks is who you serve and what the money is for.

What does the Bible say about making money?

It says the ability to produce wealth comes from God (Deuteronomy 8:18), honest work is good (2 Thessalonians 3:10), diligent plans lead to profit (Proverbs 21:5), and the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

What does Luke 19:13 mean for business?

In the parable of the minas, a master gives his servants money and tells them to do business with it until he returns. The servants who put it to work are praised. The one who hid it out of fear is rebuked. It's a picture of faithful stewardship.

Can a Christian charge for their services?

Yes. Jesus said the worker deserves his wages (Luke 10:7). Charging a fair price for real value is honest. Overcharging, hiding costs or taking advantage of people is not.

How much money should a Christian give?

Many Christians start with a tithe, 10 percent of income, as a first step, and give beyond it as they're able. The New Testament emphasizes cheerful, generous giving from the heart (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Money was never the point. Faithfulness is. Put what's in your hands to work, and keep your heart where it belongs.

Let's build together.