Money Isn’t Supposed To Blow Up Your Marriage

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, NLT)

The marriage and money statistics are concerning. The blend of these two elements often leads to instability in marital relationships. You’ve likely heard stories of heated money disputes between spouses, perhaps even experiencing them firsthand. It can feel like money is the oil in the water of marriage—inherently incompatible.

But did God provide us with financial resources just to ignite conflicts within our marriages? Certainly not.

In the Parable of the Three Servants (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus imparts several crucial lessons about our relationship with money.

First and foremost, God is the ultimate owner; we are the stewards. Possessing resources doesn’t equate to ownership. While we may hold financial means, God remains the true owner.

Secondly, we learn that God entrusts us with his resources to fulfill his mission. Our role is to execute his plan and purpose for these provisions.

Lastly, we grasp the concept that God assigns us a mission. As the owner, God equips us, the stewards, with resources to grow his Kingdom—sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with more people. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he reiterated this mission in what is known as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

God entrusts married couples with financial resources, not to cause relational chaos, but to create a force for gospel advancement. God did not entrust you with money to create division but unification around a mission of eternal importance. Imagine viewing money not as a point of contention, but as a means to pursue something significant together. Envision money as a tool that sheds light on why God brought you and your spouse together initially. See money as a mechanism that solidifies you and your spouse as a united force for the divine mission of expanding God’s Kingdom.

God’s design for marriage centers on unity. When two individuals join forces, understanding and embracing God’s mission, a potent synergy emerges to advance his Kingdom.

So, how does this translate into your lives? It commences with an agreement that the financial resources aren’t intended for personal agendas, but rather for God’s purpose. It begins by aligning your financial decisions with His mission. Start a dialogue with your spouse: “How can we utilize our finances to further God’s Kingdom?” Engage in a conversation about uniting as a couple committed to the Great Commission—a mission-driven partnership.

Reflect Together:
After discussing the importance of uniting as a couple for the sake of the Great Commission, spend some time praying together. Pray that God will help you both recognize that money has not been provided to you for division but unification around a mission of eternal significance. Pray that God will open both your eyes and hearts to the gospel opportunities in which you can financially participate.