Money is a good thing; that is why God gives it to us. However, the love of money is a deep evil which we must daily guard against and overcome. Otherwise, many aspects of our lives – including relationships – will be ruined. Worse still, we will end up in hell.
The best way to overcome the love of money is by recognizing (and then resisting) the signs when it is seeking to enter our lives. These signs include:
- Attaching monetary value to everything, even people and relationships.
- Having little or nothing to do with those less fortunate than us since we do not see any financial benefits in them.
- Thinking that those doing better than us financially owe us help.
- Sadness when thoughts come to us to freely, without strings attached, give some of our money away.
- Reluctance or refusal to pay for services we requested, received and enjoyed.
- Borrowing with no intention of paying back.
- Borrowing and not paying back.
- Not doing well or at all the work we were paid for.
It is written: “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” (1 Timothy 6:10). We should believe the Bible and heed its warning when it teaches us that many Christians were overcome by ‘money’ and departed from the faith. They are living in great sorrow now and are therefore on their way to hell. However, for most of them (or us), there is still opportunity to overcome the spirit of mammon.
First and foremost, we must recognize that our salvation is very precious and worth more than money (silver and gold). “Ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold . . . But with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19). Therefore, we mustn’t trade our faith for money that is way inferior. For that matter, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). In other words, “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10).
Secondly, just as we can not put a money tag on our salvation, we should also not place a monetary value on people. People, rich or poor, must be celebrated for this one reason: they were created in the image of God. Therefore, instead of plotting to only associate with those who we hope to receive or steal from, let us seek to be a blessing to all, the rich and the poor. Remember that: “The rich and the poor have this in common, The LORD is the maker of them all” (Proverbs 22:2).
Thirdly, realize that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Therefore, always seek to give, instead of waiting to be given.
Lastly, remember that all thieves will not inherit the kingdom of God. When you refuse, or dodge to pay for services you requested and received, you are a thief. When you borrow money and deliberately do not pay back, you are a thief. When you do not deliver services for which you were paid, you are a thief. When you do shoddy work or intentionally offer substandard services while expecting full payment you are also a thief.
God bless you.