The subject of money is something that is often tiptoed around in the church. It is something that must carefully be approached by a church body because of the effect it can have on many people. Sadly this means that the dangers that come from money is rarely brought up for fear of offending or losing members.
Of course, money is an important tool for every Christian and every faith-based organization. In fact, it is by using money that we are able to further the Gospel. But at the individual level, we must be aware of the danger involved and always keep in eye on how our wealth is affecting our hearts.
Scripture is very clear that money can be a very dangerous thing. Stating plainly that if not treated correctly it can lead to destruction. Jesus even taught that money is one of the things that will cause people to walk away from their faith. Scripture even says that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
1 Timothy 6:9–10 (ESV)
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
Matthew 13:22 (ESV)
22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)
24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Not only we are told in the Bible of the dangers of money. But within its pages, we see multiple lives that fell to it. Simply look at the rich young man who asked Jesus what he would have to do to receive eternal life. His life had been lived in accordance with the commandments but when Jesus said that he only lacked one thing. Giving all that he had to the poor and following after Him. The young man simply turned and walked away because he was not willing to give up earthly possessions for heavenly ones.
Matthew 19:20–24 (ESV)
20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Or take Ananias and Sapphira a couple enrolled with the first church and chose to sell a piece of property. While the money was there to do with as they pleased. They chose to give a portion to the church but claimed it was the entire amount. Because they allowed money to cloud their judgment and lied not only to the Apostles but as scripture says to the Holy Spirit. They met a tragic early demise.
Acts 5:1–5 (ESV)
1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it.
Acts 5:8–10 (ESV)
8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
The life of Judas and his betrayal of Jesus also shows us the danger of money. Scripture shows the love of money that Judas had. At one point complaining about perfume used to anoint Jesus. Because of its price not because he wanted to see that money benefit poor but for the fact that he was the one who held the money bag. It was this same love of money that caused him to blindly betray God in the flesh.
John 12:5–6 (ESV)
5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.
Luke 22:4–6 (ESV)
4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.
Each of these accounts shows what happens when someone allows money to rule in their life. The Bible never says Christians should completely stay away from money. But it is always there to point out the dangers involved. Which is that it can and will lead you away from God if you allow it to. Instead of allowing our focus to fall on money and possessions. Every Christian should choose to focus on being content with what they already have.
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)
5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
The truth is that money is never going to be enough to satisfy you. Don’t live a life that chases wealth and causes you to learn this tough lesson the hard way. Skip the pain and learn from King Solomon who had everything he desired. But still did not find fulfillment in all of his possessions and great wealth.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 (ESV)
10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.
Don’t fall in the same way that those mentioned in this article did. Understand that money is dangerous and we must never allow it to lead us away from our faith. If you have been blessed with wealth that great. But don’t hoard it use it as we are taught to in God’s word. Remover the teaching of Jesus and don’t attempt to store treasure on earth where it will rust away.
Proverbs 3:9 (ESV)
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
Luke 6:30 (ESV)
30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.
Luke 6:35 (ESV)
35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV)
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
Matthew 6:19 (ESV)
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
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