Wealth RedefinedSýnishorn

Money as a Master

Since ancient days, the exchange of goods has existed in all cultures. Commerce begins when someone exchanges their chicks for your corn, or you give them milk for their oats. This is called barter. As commerce expanded, it became necessary to exchange barter for something that everybody could carry around in their pockets, which gave birth to various kinds of currency. Though the objects used as money have changed over the centuries, our desire to obtain and accumulate what is considered valuable has remained.

This world has made the accumulation of resources the most important goal. There is nothing wrong with having riches. However, many people run after riches, thinking these will satisfy all their needs and give them assurance for the future. In doing so, they take their trust off God. But is money really the enemy? Is material success the adversary?

Whether you are wealthy or not, the real danger is what Paul calls “the love of money.” Wealth is a problem if it becomes your master. Jesus warns us about this situation by saying that where our treasure is, our heart will also be. It is the posture of our hearts, not our material possessions, that is to blame when we start to turn away from God’s will.

To identify whether your treasure is in your money or in the Lord, ask yourself: “What is my money for? What does it help me do?” Some of the answers might be to make more money, to keep my status, to secure my future, to help others, to make me feel powerful, or to worship God. Be honest—not about what you wish you could use it for, but about how you, in fact, do use it.

This is one of the challenges of material success: You must constantly be accountable to the Master you are serving. If you serve the gospel, you are establishing God’s kingdom on Earth, and all your resources are helping to achieve Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 20:19).

Lord, thank You for the opportunity You are giving me today to focus my heart once again on You. Today, I choose to serve You and not the riches of this world. Please show me how I can direct my resources towards heaven. There is no better master than You.