The Proper Perspective on Money

You can be materialistic but not have a lot, and you can have a lot but not be materialistic. Material things are neither good nor bad in and of themselves.

Yet some people think they’re quoting the Bible when they say, “Money is the root of all evil.”

However, the Bible doesn’t say that. But it does say this: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10 NLT).

Money isn’t evil; money is neutral. And the reality is that God can bless you financially.

But if you’re spending your time thinking about how to get material things, it will mess up your life.

Instead, take that passion, turn it toward Christ, work hard at whatever you do, and invest wisely. I think if you do that and you’re faithful to give to the work of God, then He will bless you. This is something the Lord can do in our lives.

Of course, God will bless some with more material things than He blesses others with. Yet the Bible says, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NKJV).

The key is that we don’t let things become our god. Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV).

What “things” was Jesus referring to? It’s the things we eat, the things we drink, and the things we wear. These are not evil desires. In fact, they’re desires that God can meet. But let’s keep them in priority and put God first.

It comes down to this: we should love people and use money, not love money and use people.