Written by BibleOne Team
October 26, 2025
The Pursuit of "More"
Our work, our money, and our desire for success occupy a huge portion of our lives, our thoughts, and our energy. From a young age, we are taught to climb the ladder, to earn more, to achieve more, and to build a comfortable and secure life. These are not inherently bad things. The Bible has a very high view of work and does not condemn wealth. The danger, however, lies in where we find our ultimate identity, security, and purpose. The world tells us that our value is determined by our job title, our bank account, and our list of accomplishments.
The Bible offers a radical and freeing redefinition of these earthly pursuits. It teaches that our work is a calling, our money is a tool for stewardship, and our success is measured by a different standard altogether. For the follower of Jesus, these areas are not separate from our spiritual lives; they are primary arenas where our faith is lived out and our hearts are revealed. This article will explore a biblical framework for work, money, and success, helping us to honor God in our daily grind and to invest our lives in that which has eternal value.
1. A Biblical Theology of Work
For many, work is simply a necessary evil—a way to pay the bills until the weekend arrives. But the Bible presents work as something good, meaningful, and integral to God's design for humanity.
Work Before the Fall
Work was not a result of the curse. In Genesis 2:15, before sin ever entered the world, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it." Work was part of the perfect paradise. It was a good gift from God, a means by which humanity could partner with God in cultivating and ruling over His creation. This tells us that work has intrinsic dignity and value, regardless of the type of work it is. All ethical work reflects, in some way, the creative and sustaining work of God Himself.
Work After the Fall
The curse of sin did not create work, but it did make it toilsome. Genesis 3:17-19 describes how the ground would now produce "thorns and thistles," and work would be characterized by "painful toil" and "sweat." This is the reality we all experience. Our work is now often marked by frustration, difficult relationships, mundane tasks, and a sense of futility.
Work as Worship
For the Christian, our work takes on a new, higher purpose. It is not ultimately for our boss, our customers, or even ourselves. It is for the Lord.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." - Colossians 3:23-24
This transforms every task, no matter how mundane, into an act of worship. Changing a diaper, writing a line of code, driving a truck, or preparing a spreadsheet can all be done for the glory of God. This mindset calls us to a high standard of excellence, integrity, and diligence in our work, because we know we are representing our King.
2. A Biblical Theology of Money
Few topics are discussed more in the Bible than money and possessions. Jesus spoke about money more than almost any other subject. The Bible's teaching on money can be summarized in one core principle: We are not owners; we are stewards.
God's Ownership, Our Stewardship
The Bible is clear that God is the ultimate owner of everything. "The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" (Psalm 24:1). The money, possessions, and resources we have are not truly ours. They are a trust, given to us by God to manage on His behalf, for His purposes. This mindset of stewardship changes our relationship with money completely. It's no longer about asking, "How much of my money should I give to God?" but rather, "Lord, how do You want me to use all of *Your* money that You have entrusted to me?"
The Dangers of Wealth
The Bible consistently warns about the spiritual danger of loving money. Paul famously writes, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). Notice he does not say money itself is evil, but the *love* of it. Jesus warned, "No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24). The desire for wealth can easily become an idol that competes with God for the allegiance of our hearts. It promises security, significance, and satisfaction that only God can truly provide. This is why Jesus said it is "hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:23).
The Purpose of Wealth: Generosity
If we are stewards, not owners, then the purpose of our resources is not simply to accumulate more for our own comfort. The purpose is to use them for God's glory and the good of others. The Bible commands radical generosity. We are called to provide for our families, to support the work of the local church (through the tithe and offerings), and to be generous to the poor and those in need.
"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." - 1 Timothy 6:18-19
3. A Biblical Definition of Success
The world's definition of success is often tied to power, possessions, and position. It's about climbing the ladder, achieving recognition, and ensuring our own comfort and security. But Jesus turns this definition completely upside down.
Success as Faithfulness
In God's kingdom, success is not measured by the size of your house, but by the faithfulness of your heart. It's not about what you achieve, but who you become. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the master rewards the servants who were faithful with what he had given them, regardless of the amount. The praise is the same for both the one who earned five talents and the one who earned two: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!"
This is liberating news. It means a faithful janitor is just as successful in God's eyes as a faithful CEO. A stay-at-home parent who faithfully raises their children to love the Lord is just as successful as a world-famous evangelist. Success is simply being faithful to the unique calling and the resources God has given you, right where you are.
Success as Service
Jesus also redefined greatness. When his disciples were arguing about who was the greatest, he told them, "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:26-28). In God's kingdom, the way up is down. True success is found not in leveraging our power for our own benefit, but in leveraging our position, our resources, and our talents to serve others.
Conclusion: An Eternal Investment Portfolio
Jesus gave a profound piece of financial and life advice: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).
This is the ultimate biblical framework for work, money, and success. We are called to see our earthly lives as a short-term investment opportunity for an eternal return. Every act of faithful work done for God's glory, every dollar given generously for His kingdom purposes, and every moment spent serving others in the name of Jesus is an investment in "treasures in heaven." This perspective frees us from the anxiety of the world's rat race and empowers us to live with a joyful, open-handed, and eternal purpose. It allows us to hold our earthly jobs, possessions, and ambitions loosely, knowing that our true identity and our ultimate reward are secure in Christ.