Drink from The Well

As a professing Christian, J.R.R. Tolkien is well known for his epic fantasy novels, with the most famous being his trilogy—The Lord of the Rings. In the trilogy, Tolkien incorporates themes such as good vs. evil, courage, and sacrifice. In the first book, there is “The One Ring” that symbolizes ultimate power, temptation, and corruption. Ultimately representing how evil seeks to dominate all wills, even those with good intentions. Being destructive to people, the decision was made that the ring was to be destroyed. So, Frodo, one of the main characters, volunteers to go on a quest to destroy the very powerful and magical ring. The story builds on this, and we see the temptation that Frodo himself faces and how it almost destroys him. In essence, the Ring embodied the destructive nature of absolute power and the struggle against inner evil, showing that the desire for control inevitably leads to enslavement by that control.

Like the ring itself, there is nothing inherently evil about money. Also, like the ring, money is a small, seemingly simple object that promises control and security but can quietly reshape our hearts. At first, it appears useful—capable of solving problems, opening doors, and protecting against fear—but its true power lies in how it tempts us to prioritize possession over purpose. Over time, though, it can start convincing us that having more will finally make everything okay, even as it quietly changes how we treat others and what we care about. If we hold on to it too tightly, we risk becoming obsessed like Gollum (another character in the novel) with the Ring. We become defined by what we have instead of who we are. But if we treat money as a tool rather than a master, like the Ring-bearer striving to let go, we glimpse the possibility of freedom from its destructive pull.

The phrase “show me the money” often evokes a sense of relentless pursuit—a cultural mantra that places financial gain above all else. For the Christian, however, this pursuit must be carefully examined against the clear teachings of scripture. Money is a tool, not a master, and how we view and use it reveals the true posture of our hearts.

The Idolatry of Money

Jesus was direct: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24). The temptation to idolize wealth—to believe that security, identity, and happiness flow from a bank account—is a spiritual trap. When the accumulation of money becomes our primary goal, we are, by definition, serving it. This idolatry has dire consequences. As Paul warned, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10). The problem is not the money itself, but the love of it—the obsessive attachment that promises satisfaction but delivers spiritual emptiness. As the wise Preacher observed, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with its income; this too is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

The Right Biblical Use of Money

For the believer, money is a resource—a means by which we can participate in God’s redemptive work. It is not something to be hoarded out of fear but stewarded with faithfulness and generosity. Scripture calls us to an attitude of contentment and trust, not anxiety and greed. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”” (Hebrews 13:5). This contentment is rooted in the certainty that God is our ultimate provider. Furthermore, those who do have wealth (which is pretty much all of us) are given a specific command: “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life“ (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Money’s highest purpose is to enable good works, generosity, and sharing.

Investing in Kingdom Purposes

The true Christian “investment strategy” is not centered on maximizing personal return but on maximizing Kingdom impact. This means channeling financial resources towards purposes that advance God’s will on earth. The principle of giving is laid out clearly: “Remember this:Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and 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.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Generosity is an act of faith, trusting that God will multiply the seed that is sown. Investing in Kingdom purposes involves:

1. Offerings: supporting your local church, which is the primary vehicle for ministry and discipleship.
2. Missions and Outreach: funding the spread of the Gospel locally and globally.
3. Caring for the Poor: following Christ’s example by providing for the needy, the widow, and the orphan.
4. Sponsoring Good works: contributing to faith-based ministries and organizations dedicated to justice, education, and compassion.

When we invest in this way, we are, as 1 Timothy 6:19 suggests, “storing up for ourselves the treasure of a good foundation for the coming age.” Our true, eternal wealth is being deposited not in fluctuating markets, but in God’s unfailing economy.

Trusting the Provider

Ultimately, the Christian approach to money is a reflection of trust. We are called to work diligently, be wise stewards, and be radically generous, all while resting in the promise of God’s provision. We don’t chase money out of fear; we release it out of faith, knowing that the God who provides for the lilies and the birds will certainly provide all we need (Matt. 6:26-33). So, friends, we see that in the end we don’t need to be shown the money; we need to show the world how a life submitted to Christ uses the money—as a powerful tool for generosity, a symbol of contentment, and a means of investing in what truly lasts. 

The invitation stands: come, and drink from The Well (Christ)!

My Worth Is Not In What I Own by Keith & Kristyn Getty