Money, Generosity, and the South African Christian: A Practical Guide to Stewardship

Money is one of the topics that most South African churches avoid. The avoidance is not because the Bible is silent about money. The Bible is not silent about money. The Bible talks about money more than almost any other topic. The avoidance is because the conversation about money is the conversation that goes wrong quickly. The conversation about money is the conversation that gets hijacked by the prosperity gospel. The conversation about money is the conversation that gets hijacked by the legalism.

This post is an attempt to have the conversation the Bible way. The conversation that is not about the prosperity gospel. The conversation that is not about the legalism. The conversation that is about the stewardship.

What the Bible Actually Says About Money

Malachi 3:10 — Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 — Whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 1 Timothy 6:10 — For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Luke 12:15 — Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. Matthew 6:24 — No one can serve two masters. You cannot serve both God and money. Acts 2:44-45 — All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Proverbs 22:7 — The borrower is slave to the lender. 1 Timothy 5:8 — Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith. Hebrews 13:5 — Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.

The Five Money Myths That Have to Die

Myth 1 — "If You Give More, You Will Get More"

This is the prosperity gospel. The prosperity gospel is not the Bible. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:6 that whoever sows generously will also reap generously. The verse is not a transaction. The verse is a principle.

Myth 2 — "The Tithe Is 10% and That Is the Whole Duty"

The strict 10% tithe is a starting point. The strict 10% tithe is not the whole duty. The Christian who has given only 10% and has not given to the neighbour has not given the whole duty.

Myth 3 — "Debt Is Always a Sin"

The Bible is not anti-debt in principle. The Bible is anti-debt-as-a-way-of-life. The mortgage on the house in Sandton is not a sin. The bond is the way most South Africans buy a house. Romans 13:8 — Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another. The verse is about the relationship.

Myth 4 — "Poverty Is a Sign of Spiritual Failure"

The other side of the prosperity gospel. The Bible says in Luke 6:20 — Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. James 2:5 — Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith?

Myth 5 — "Money Is a Private Matter"

The Bible is clear that money is not a private matter. The Bible is clear that the Christian is to give account of the money. The Bible is clear that the church is to be involved in the money.

A Practical Money Plan for the South African Christian

The 10% Tithe

The first 10% of the income to the work of the church. The foundation.

The 10% Savings

The second 10% for the future. The emergency fund. The house deposit. The retirement. Proverbs 6:6-8 — Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise.

The 10% Giving Beyond the Tithe

The third 10% to the neighbour. The family. The missionary. The cause. The poor. The overflow.

The 70% Living

The house, the food, the transport, the school, the medical aid, the clothing, the everyday life. Luke 16:10-12 — Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.

The Three Practices That Have Helped the Bible Study Members

Practice 1 — The Monthly Budget Meeting

Sitting down once a month to review the money. The open conversation. The shared decision.

Practice 2 — The Weekly Tithe

The giving of the first 10% before the rest of the money is spent. The first fruits.

Practice 3 — The Annual Giving Review

The review of the giving once a year. The question: What have you done with what I have given you?

A Prayer for the South African Christian and Money

God of the money — we confess that we have made the money the master. We confess that we have worried about the money. We confess that we have compared ourselves to the neighbours. We ask you to forgive us. Help us to see the money as the tool. Help us to see the money as the stewardship. Help us to see the money as the gift. Help us to give the tithe. Help us to save the future. Help us to give to the neighbour. Help us to live on the rest. In the name of the one who had nowhere to lay his head, and who said that the meek will inherit the earth. Amen.

Johannesburg Bible Study Church meets online every Wednesday at 7:30pm. The conversation about money is the conversation that the Bible is not afraid of. Call +27 77 487 1295 or +27 67 442 4461 to join.