Money is an important resource, and although we all eventually feel its financial impact, very few people learn how to correctly manage it. We work hard for it, couples fight over it, and some individuals have even committed crimes for it. It’s ironic that school teaches us about so many different topics, except one of the most important lessons we need to learn—how to think about and handle money. If we don’t apply biblical principles to it, money can turn from a blessing into a curse.

On the surface, money is simply paper and coins, yet it seems to have a strange power over some people who are willing to compromise their morals and sacrifice everything dear to them for a price. These are the ones who have unwittingly made money their god. Others have a completely different perspective. They realize it’s just a tool, and they know that some things in life are far more important than riches. “Doth not wisdom cry? And understanding put forth her voice? Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness” (Proverbs 8:1, 10, 11, 18).

Indications that people have a wrong relationship with money could include an interest in get-rich-quick schemes, an addiction to gambling, financial hoarding, or a desire to “keep up with the Joneses.” All these types of behavior are unbiblical, and we only hurt ourselves when we fall into any of these traps. Money is great to have, but we must remember our priorities and put God first if we want to see increase in that area. Financial blessings come from him, not from ourselves. “But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day” (Deuteronomy 8:18).

We may have heard the saying “money is the root of all evil,” but that’s not quite correct. It’s the love of money that is the root of all evil. It’s okay to have money, if we control it without letting it control us. We see people do all sorts of things to hurt themselves or others for the sake of wealth, which is a tip-off that they’re thinking incorrectly in this area. “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; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:10, 17-19). Wealth comes and goes, but true riches are found in the eternal word of God.

Most people don’t think of money in terms of blessings or curses, but the relationship we develop with it can influence how it impacts our lives. Jesus himself advises us to avoid greed. “And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses’” (Luke 12:15, NKJV). There’s more to life than money!