Growing up, our parents most likely did their best to instill godly values in us. That may have included money-related lessons such as putting financial wealth in its proper perspective. Eventually, however, we started hearing the world’s message about trusting money’s ability to buy everything we want in life and to make us happy. We then faced the decision whether to trust in God or in money.

The world operates according to the “Money isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” mindset. This is what motivates most people to depend on their own efforts to achieve financial security, but it often doesn’t work out as expected. There are consequences for everything we do; it may be tempting to reach for as much as money as we can get, as fast as we can get it, but this type of thinking can backfire on us. “Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty…Greed causes fighting; trusting the LORD leads to prosperity” (Proverbs 28:22, 25, NLT). Believing God to prosper them never crosses most people’s minds.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having money, as long as we don’t prioritize it above everything else. God is well aware of how much we need money; He promises to take care of our financial needs if we trust in Him, and not let money hijack that trust. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). God wants to bless us financially. Allowing Him to get involved in our finances lets Him do so.

We may be surprised to know that God wants to get involved in our lives even on this level, because religion says He wants nothing to do with money. Nothing could be further from the truth. The allure of money can lead us to believe we don’t need God, but blessings from Him lead to wealth that will last. “With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full” (Proverbs 8:18-21, NIV). This is something the world can’t provide.

Money has the ability to cloud our better judgment and cause us to do foolish things. We’ve all heard stories of people going broke because they mismanaged their financial resources, went into heavy debt because of an unwise business venture, or gambled away the cash they needed to pay their bills. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows…Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:10, 17). Money is fickle and undependable, but God will always be there to help us when our mistakes put us in a tight spot.

Money can’t buy everything. Good health, peace of mind, joy, and people who love us are necessary for a good life. These are priceless, and only God can give us these things. When we trust God more than money, the wealth of blessings we receive covers every area.