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 is not the root of all evil. Money itself is neutral, like a brick. A brick can break things or build things, depending on how it is viewed and used. If a brick is weaponized, it becomes destructive. If it is seen and used as a part of a good and helpful project, it is a tool for goodness.
The LOVE OF MONEY is the problem. Simply having money is a necessity for navigating life. Loving money, however, occupying our minds with thoughts of what we have and how to get more and more, hoarding what we have or spending it lavishly on temporary things just because we can, is an issue. The cartoon character Scrooge McDuck has illustrated for years the ridiculousness of elevating money – how much we have and focusing on getting more and more however we can – but no one has ever changed because we see ourselves in him. But it is important that we view and use money correctly. The critical warning is that craving money can lead me away from the true faith and cause me to wound myself with many sorrows.
How can I know if my relationship with money is unhealthy and a spiritual problem? Honest evaluation. Privately spend some time with God on this, and if you have a difficult time being objective, ask a very safe, wise, and honest Christian friend to help you. Here’s a place to start. Misplaced trust: You find security, peace, and happiness in your bank account and possessions rather than in your faith or relationship with God. Your trust is in riches. Insatiable desire and discontent: Your finish line keeps changing. No amount is ever enough, leading to a constant craving for more, bigger, better, newer, the best. Neglect and stinginess: You hoard your wealth and guard your “stuff.” The love of money causes you to neglect important relationships or responsibilities. Compromised values: You compromise and excuse your ethical or moral principles, values, and relationships in pursuit of financial gain. Your major life decisions are affected, potentially causing you to sin (e.g., cheating on taxes, bending rules). Anxiety and stress: The pursuit of money or the fear of losing it causes you anxiety, stress, or emotional turmoil. You may constantly check your status, your accounts, interfering with peace. Pride and self-sufficiency: Wealth leads to arrogance or a sense of entitlement, making you look down on those with less. You think you are self-sufficient and proud of it. The accumulation of material possessions and wealth becomes a primary life goal.
- Why do I spend money the way I do? Does status or serving drive me? Does money affect my self-esteem or sense of value? Am I more excited by a financial win or by an opportunity for spiritual growth or service? When things go wrong, do I turn to my money or to my faith for help and security?