In today’s economy, many of us as Christian moms are looking for ways to stretch every shilling. Between daily expenses, growing families, and unexpected needs, managing money with limited resources can feel overwhelming. Even when the essentials are covered, there are often small desires or goals that could enhance our family’s quality of life or even open doors to earn more sustainably. That’s why many Christian moms make money from home—to meet needs, steward their resources well, and glorify God through their efforts.
But the question remains: Can Christian moms make money in ways that are truly pleasing to God? In a world full of quick-money schemes, corrupt opportunities, and blurred ethical lines, how do we discern what is truly biblical and what isn’t?
In this blog, we’ll explore four popular but questionable money-making avenues and contrast them with biblical principles.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom looking for side income or a Christian woman trying to discern if a new opportunity is God-honoring, this post is for you.
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Betting and Gambling: A Trap Disguised as Opportunity
One of the most common ways people try to make quick money today is through betting. It’s been branded as a “billion-shilling industry” in many countries, and many are tempted to participate—sometimes even from Christian circles.
But while some might argue that betting is just like casting lots in the Bible, scripture shows that casting lots was used to seek God’s direction, not to gain wealth. The disciples cast lots to choose a new apostle (Acts 1:26), but they first prayed and trusted God’s will—not chance.
Growing up, even when I didn’t know much about betting or gambling, I had relatives who participated in betting. I witnessed again and again the disappointment that would often come when they missed the opportunity to win.
Betting thrives on the idea of luck and gain without labor. That alone should raise a red flag for those who want to see Christian moms make money through honest, God-glorifying efforts.
It’s not just about the risk; it’s about the heart behind it. Are we trusting God or taking shortcuts?
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Get-Rich-Quick Schemes: A False Promise
From pyramid schemes to high-return “investment clubs,” many opportunities claim to double or triple your money with minimal effort. These get-rich-quick offers often sound too good to be true—and usually are.
Several years ago, I recall a pyramid scheme in our country that gained popularity within church circles. Many in the church rejoiced at the fact that “God had come to redeem His people from poverty.” Really?
My husband and I were planning our wedding at the time and one of the sisters in the Lord encouraged my husband to invest our wedding planning money in the pyramid scheme so it would double as we neared the wedding.
Because of some of the principles we’re sharing, my husband graciously declined. A few months later, the schemes came crashing down.
It took months if not years for those who lost finances to recover from this.
Scripture encourages diligence and patience, not instant wealth.
Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”
This means when Christian moms make money, it should reflect steady stewardship, not gambling disguised as “investment.”
Instead of chasing fast returns, consider skills-based work, service businesses, or content creation that aligns with your calling and values. These methods honor God and build lasting fruit.
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Corruption: Trading Integrity for Gain
Sadly, corruption has become a norm in many societies. Whether it’s bribing to secure a job, using dishonest connections, or manipulating a system for personal gain, this path is never God’s will—no matter how desperate the situation feels.
We have on several occasions encountered traffic police who wanted us to bribe to get out of trouble because of an issue they had with our car. It’s harder to choose to go to court or pay the fine. But as children of God, we’ve chosen to take the harder costlier route. It’s not easy. God’s blessing is on you when you choose to do the right thing.
As Christian women, we are called to walk in the light (Ephesians 5:8). That means saying no to shortcuts, even if they promise to make life easier.
A job obtained through bribery may look like a blessing, but it comes without the peace and favor of God.
When Christian moms make money by compromising their integrity, the consequences ripple through their families, their testimonies, and even their own peace of mind. God’s blessing lies in obedience, not manipulation.
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Exploitation: Profit at Someone Else’s Expense
Sometimes, the money-making method itself seems legitimate—a small business, a domestic service, a product for sale—but beneath it lies exploitation. Perhaps it’s underpaying a worker, delaying wages, or ignoring fair labor practices to increase profits.
Scripture is clear: “Do not withhold wages from a hired worker overnight” (Leviticus 19:13). When Christian moms make money, we must ensure it does not come at the cost of someone else’s dignity or provision.
Ask yourself: Am I being fair in my dealings? Am I honoring God with how I treat those who help me build my business or home? Fairness and integrity are part of the calling.
Why Christian Moms Must Choose Legitimate Ways to Make Money
So why are these four approaches—betting, get-rich schemes, corruption, and exploitation—so problematic?
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They reveal a love of money.
Scripture warns that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). The problem isn’t needing money—it’s how we desire it.
When we chase after it with desperation and ignore God’s timing, we miss the deeper work He wants to do in our hearts.
This desperation will often reveal the state of my heart – whether my allegiance is to God wholly, or the idol of money.
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They fail the test of biblical stewardship.
When Christian moms make money, it should reflect good stewardship of what God has already given.
When I take the money that should cater for my family’s needs and “invest” it in a bet or get-rich-quick scheme, am I wisely investing the resources God has given me? I’m I pursuing God’s way of investing legitimately?
Wasting resources on risky bets or dishonest schemes shows a lack of wisdom, not faith.
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They can indicate a lack of trust in God.
Many of us, myself included, have moments where we cry out to God and ask, “Why aren’t You providing?” But instead of taking matters into our own hands, we must trust that His ways—however slow—are best. He may be refining our hearts, building patience, or teaching us gratitude along the way.
I know from my own experience of walking with God that He has often used delay to build my character, refine my motive of why I want what I’m praying for (in some instances, I’ve abandoned the request, realizing I didn’t need it after all), and build my perseverance to learn to do without what I so desperately want until He provides.
Never take His delay or His no for granted. He is at work, constantly teaching us to trust His process.
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They hurt our witness and families.
When Christian moms compromise to make money, they set a precedent for their children and undermine their testimony. Even a “small” unethical decision can lead to larger spiritual consequences.
For instance, when my children struggle knowing I used the money they needed to bet, not only are they hurt, they might start thinking this is okay. This could cause them to go the way of selfishness, not thinking of others as they make financial decisions in future, which is ultimately a result of the love of money which the Scriptures warn us about.
I recently heard of a survey done among the youth in our country, asking them if they would bribe or engage in other forms of corruption to get a job. The response astounded me. It went something like: “As long as I’m not caught, it’s fine with me.”
Don’t you think this is mirroring the true state of our society, as we see the younger generation emulate what the older generation has modelled before them?
Sad to say but these approaches of wanting to get money fast are hurting our children, families and the generations coming after us.
God’s Way: Little by Little, in His Time
Scripture continually shows us that God values the mustard seed principle. Just like the tiny seed grows into a great tree, so does our faithfulness with little produce lasting fruit (Matthew 13:31–32).
When Christian moms make money little by little, through honest and diligent means, they honor God and set themselves up for sustainable provision.
Waiting is hard. Sacrifice is hard. But the blessing of peace, purpose, and God’s favor is far more valuable than a temporary financial windfall.
Practical Tips for Making Money God’s Way
If you’re wondering how Christian moms make money in ways that honor God, here are a few ideas to pray over and explore:
- Start a home-based business (baking, crafts, tutoring, online services).
- Use your skills to offer freelance work (writing, design, sewing, etc.).
- Create Christ-centered content for blogs, YouTube, or social media.
- Offer childcare or mentoring to other moms in your community.
- Sell products with integrity, avoiding manipulation or exaggerated claims.
I have shared the 5 ways I personally make money from home as a Christian stay-at-home mom in this blog here. I went ahead and wrote another blog, sharing 7 more ways other Christian women I know or have acquaintance with are making money from home in this blog here.
I pray the blogs will also be a blessing and the ideas I share in the blogs will help you as you look to God to help you trust Him to show you how to make money from home in a legit God honoring way.
The options I’ve shared above and in the blogs require time, effort, and prayer—but they also allow you to work with peace, confidence, and God’s blessing.
Final Encouragement: Trust God with Your Journey
You may be living on a tight budget right now. You may feel pressure to “do something” to meet your family’s needs. But remember this: If you have food, clothing, and shelter—even if it’s not perfect—you are already a recipient of God’s provision.
When Christian moms make money with integrity, even the little they earn becomes much in God’s hands. His ways are not the world’s ways—but they are always best.
“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.”
— Proverbs 16:8
So hold fast. Be faithful. Wait on the Lord. Trust that the seeds you plant in obedience today will bear fruit in His perfect timing.
Father, help us to glorify You in how we earn, spend, and steward our money. May we never chase wealth in ways that dishonor Your name, but instead reflect Christ even in the way we work from home. In Jesus precious name, Amen.
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