Money Matters: Devotions from Time of Graceনমুনা

Making Money God’s Way: Is It Okay to Want to Build Wealth?

Loving money more than God is indeed a sickness. St. Paul warned in 1 Timothy 6:9-11 that some who had been eager to get rich had fallen into traps, temptations, and many desires that plunged them into ruin and destruction. Some had wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

However, the fact that money is abused does not mean that it is evil in and of itself. Money is not intrinsically evil. Money is like electricity--it is portable, convertible energy that can get things done.

Money is one of God’s gifts, and as such we receive it with gratitude and joy. I have never met anyone who had absolutely nothing. Even the poorest people I’ve ever known had a little and had to manage it wisely. Properly understood, money can be used in godly ways, such as to ensure security of your family. There is nothing at all to be ashamed of in seeking to build your family’s financial strength.

In fact, God helps you do that with his blessings. “Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous” (Proverbs 13:21). “The blessing of the LORD brings wealth” (Proverbs 10:22).