There’s no denying that money is an important resource. We all like to see cash flowing into our bank accounts; however, few people learn how to correctly manage it. Many of the world’s financial experts have backward ideas on wealth management. Our culture teaches us to value it highly, but this type of thinking can backfire on us; if we don’t apply biblical principles to wealth management, the things we think will make us rich can turn into a curse.
On the surface, money is simply paper and coins, yet it wields a strange power over those who don’t understand its spiritual connection. Some people are willing to compromise their morals and sacrifice everything dear to them for a price; these individuals 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 of a wrong relationship with money 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 worldly 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).
The saying “money is the root of all evil” that people like to repeat isn’t quite correct. It’s the love of money that’s evil. There’s nothing wrong with having money if we control it without letting it control us. “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 lasting riches are found in God’s Word.
Most people don’t think of money in terms of blessings or curses, but the relationship we develop with it influences how it impacts our lives. Jesus warned against 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). We work hard for it, couples fight over it, and some individuals have even committed crimes for it, but there’s more to life than money. Having a biblical perspective in the financial realm puts us in control of our money.
