This past month, I have been speaking about money and giving. I know when I do this, that it is uncomfortable for me.

I know these feelings are fed by fear, not by faith. They are the result of thousands of years of people using religion for their own personal agenda, and they get rich doing it. Jesus states that the Pharisees “loved money,” and that this love has persisted century after century in the lives of people who claim to follow God. So, when I speak, it is easy to be perceived by outsiders as another religious charlatan trying to fill his own bank account.

The harsh truth is that Jesus did not shy away from talking about money. The thing that makes it a touchy subject is the very reason we need to talk about it. Money can wrap itself around our souls, and we can covet, lie, cheat, steal, and hurt the people we love.

The other reason it needs to be addressed is that the Lord’s work depends on the generosity of his people. If we want to do more ministry—reaching the lost, helping the hurting, discipling the saved, teaching children, and reaching teenagers with the life-changing message of Jesus —we need money to make it happen.

We need money for the building maintenance and utilities. We need books, sound equipment, and often food. The list of possible ministry expenses is lengthy and requires generous people to make things happen.

Ultimately, I preach about money because the Bible repeatedly teaches about it. Almost every book of the New Testament mentions giving or money in some way. And so, I will preach about it. Not because I love this topic, I would much rather talk about Jesus as our Savior. I will keep speaking because the ministry requires it, Jesus taught about it, and the Bible refuses to leave it alone.

We are not called to hear messages we enjoy about topics we like. Instead, we are called to grow in our faith, even in our finances.