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(10) We should pay government taxes (Matthew 22:17-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26).

(11) We should use money for trading purposes (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27).

(12) We should not obtain money by committing crimes (Matthew 26:15; 27:3-10; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:5).

(13) Satan can use money to keep people quiet (Matthew 28:11-15).

(14) God is not limited by our monetary means (Mark 6:37; John 6:7).

(15) Forgiving a monetary debt generates love (Luke 7:41).

(16) We should use money to meet the needs of others (Luke 10:35).

(17) Money should not be treated as of no value (Luke 15:8).

(18) Giving is valued in the sight of God according to how the gift compares with the total means of the giver (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4).

(19) Christ appreciates monetary sacrifices for his sake (Mark 14:5; John 12:5).

(20) We should not falsely charge people with seeking to avoid paying taxes (Luke 23:2).

Many other thoughts can be obtained from the passages quoted, but these may indicate that Scripture has something to teach us about the use of money. Money itself is not an evil thing - it is morally neutral. The danger of it is the hold it can get over us. We are, as Christians to use it properly, for meeting our needs, paying our way and for the benefit of others, as did the good Samaritan. Paul and the other New Testament writers expand on the use of money in their epistles.

April 1998