Boundaries for Money

Matthew 6:19–24 NIV84

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters. 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 both God and Money.

As a parent, I noticed that my children's rooms are filled with the things they treasure the most - their favorite toys, books, and drawings. It's a clear demonstration of how their hearts are attached to their treasures, just like the Bible teaches, whatever you treasure contains your heart.

1. Cultivate Boundaries with Material Possessions

Matthew 6:19-21 teaches us not to store up treasures on earth but in heaven.

Jews of the time typically perceived the heart as the seat of intelligence and will. Jesus’ teaching reflects this view: People’s choices and actions are shaped by the things they cherish most

Sub-point 1.1: Avoid Materialistic Focus

Luke 12:15 “15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.””

Sub-point 1.2: The Danger of Riches

1 Timothy 6:9–10 “9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Sub-point 1.3: Seeking First the Kingdom

Matthew 6:33 “33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

2. Set Boundaries to Avoid Serving Money as a Master

Sub Point 2.1: Understand the our duty to God and country

Mark 12:14–17 “14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.”

Sub Point 2.2: Recognize the importance of contentment

1 Timothy 6:10 “10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Sub Point 2.3: Trust in God's provision rather than wealth

Philippians 4:19 “19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

Malachi 3:10–12 “10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.”

3. Create Healthy Boundaries Around Our Attitude Toward Money

2 Corinthians 10:5 “5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

teaches about taking every thought captive.

Sub-point 3.1: Renewing the Mind

Romans 12:2 “2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Sub-point 3.2: Setting Our Minds on Things Above

Colossians 3:2 “2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Sub-point 3.3: Thinking on What is Noble and Right

Philippians 4:8 “8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

4. Develop Boundaries for a Generous Heart Toward God and Others

Sub Point 4.1: Give cheerfully and sacrificially

2 Corinthians 9:7 “7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Sub Point 4.2: Store Up Treasures in Heaven for a secure investment

Matthew 6:20 “20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Sub Point 4.3: Be sensitive to the needs of those around you

Proverbs 19:17 “17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.”

Luke 6:38 “38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.””

Conclusion

As we set boundaries in accordance with God's Word, we find true freedom and joy in our walk with God