In the kind of world we live in, especially with the popular “hustle mentality”, many people, especially young people, are driven to the point of acquiring money at any cost. The life of glitz and glamor has become so popularized that it is not uncommon to hear whispers like, “He wasn’t like this before; it is because he has money now.” It is a tale as old as time.

Sometimes, as people journey towards wealth, they change. It is not that they become inherently bad, but the lure of riches can blur their vision. Suddenly, the person we once knew seems different, as if their values have shifted along with their bank balance.

As believers, it is crucial to remember that when we received the life of Christ, we invited Him into every aspect of our lives, including our finances. Money is a sensitive aspect of our lives; we need it for our daily needs, and we work hard to earn it. However, no matter how important money is, it should take the place of God in our hearts.

Matthew 6:24

New King James Version

24 ‭No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

It is a clear message!
We cannot serve both God and money. But what does it mean to serve money? It is not just about the physical act of working for money, but rather, it is about where our heart lies in relation to it.

If we are constantly consumed by thoughts of money, if our actions are solely driven by the pursuit of wealth, then money has become our master. It controls our decisions, our priorities, and our lives.

King Solomon was one of the wealthiest men in the world, yet he wrote:

Ecclesiastes 5:10

New Living Translation

10 ‭He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.

The love of money is not just about having a lot of it; it is about the attitude we have towards it. When money becomes our primary focus, it can lead us down a path of destruction.

I Timothy 6:10

New International Version

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.

Notice it says the love of money, not money itself, is the root of evil. It is the attachment to wealth, the craving for more, that can lead us astray.

A well known man of God often says that our spending habits reveal our true priorities. If we check where our money goes, we will see what we value most.

Are we investing in things that glorify God? Or are we merely satisfying our own desires?

In a world where the allure of wealth is strong especially in these trying times, the temptation to chase after money can be overwhelming. We see people compromising their values, engaging in dishonest practices, or neglecting their families and communities, all in the pursuit of financial gain.

But as Christians, we are called to a different standard. Our worth does not come from our bank accounts or possessions. It comes from our identity in Christ. The world would try to trick you into thinking that you are nothing if you do not have copious amounts of money but that is the farthest thing from the truth. Your true worth first and foremost, is determined by none other than the God that bought you with His blood.

So, let us wake up to the truth. Money is a tool and not a master. God wants us to be financially prosperous, not so we can indulge in selfish desires, but so we can be a blessing to others and advance His kingdom.

Proverbs 3:9

New King James Version

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;

The Bible says that we are to honor God with our finances, meaning that if your bank statement was to be printed today, it should be obvious where your allegiance lies. Let us not allow the love of money to control us. Have money but do not let money have you. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all these things – including our financial needs – will be added unto us (Matthew 6:33).

Prayer Point:

Father, help us to surrender our finances to You completely, trusting in Your provision and using our resources to glorify Your name.