Money can be a sensitive topic. For one person it is mostly stress. For another person it is something you would rather not talk about. Still, God knows that you need money. You need it for food, drink, clothes, and other things.
The Bible does not act as if money itself is "dirty." Money is a tool. It is like a chameleon. A chameleon adjusts to its surroundings. In a way, money "takes the color" of the owner's heart.
In one hand, money can break things. Think of sin, cheating, or abuse. In another hand, the same money can do something beautiful. Think of bread on the table for a family that is lacking. Or help at the right moment. The difference is not in the money, but in the attitude of the heart. That is why I want to share three warnings with you. Not to be strict or critical, but to help you stay alert.
1. Watch out for wealth without God
If you zoom out for a moment, you see how rich we often are in the West. Many people do not feel rich. Still, an honest comparison shows something else. If you look worldwide, you discover that wealth is sometimes closer than we think.
Someone who has about 800 euros/dollars to spend each month is already among the richest 20% worldwide. Someone who receives around 2,000 euros/dollars per month is even among the richest 7% in the world. And with an income of 3,000 euros/dollars per month, you are already in the top 3%. These are numbers that make us pause for a moment.
When you compare this with many other countries, but also with earlier generations, we live in great wealth. The danger is not that we are rich, but that we no longer see it. Or that we start to think that everything is the result of our own mind, our effort, and our hard work. The Bible warns us about this: that we do not forget God in times of prosperity. Not because wealth is wrong, but because thankfulness and trust in God can disappear so easily when things go well for us.
"then you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.' And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day." (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)
"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy." (1 Timothy 6:17)
2. Watch out for greed
The second danger is greed. God blesses you not only so you can enjoy, but also so you can share. Yes, you may enjoy what God gives you. Your house, your vacation, your car, or whatever you have. That is not wrong.
But if you never share, something goes wrong. Then money can slowly become a wall. A wall between you and people in need. And in the end, even a wall between you and God.
God invites you to be generous. Not by force, but from love. Simply: live with open hands.
"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)
"He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given." (Proverbs 19:17)
"But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (1 John 3:17)
3. Watch out for the love of money
Money is a tool, but it must never become your master. The love of money often starts small. Think of being jealous of someone who already has something you do not have yet. And before you know it, your life is only about "more." And you are never satisfied with what you do have. Then there is no rest. Because "more" is never enough.
Jesus is very clear about this. You cannot serve two masters. If money sets your direction, it will cost you your relationship with God. That is why this is not a small topic. It is about who sits on the throne of your heart.
"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24)
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:10)
"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:25)
So yes: it is good to watch out for money. But not because money is "always bad." The danger is wealth without God, greed, and the love of money. If your heart stays close to the Lord, money can become a tool to do good.