A Reflection On Money

When I need to address the materialism in my life

There is false worship in every human heart, and Jesus knows that all of it has some component of wealth. We either seek wealth and materialism as an idol in itself, or we have other idols that we cannot support without more money (approval of others, achievement, education, lifestyles, hobbies, food, fashion, and so forth). Almost any idol we can conceive of revolves around money as its object or for its sustenance. And when we harbor such idols, the Kingdom of God is like the eye of a needle to us. We just can’t fit.

What idols grip your heart? Whatever they are, cut off their supply. They are fed by wealth, and they consume the Kingdom’s resources, giving nothing of substance in return. Salvation is a matter of the heart, not the bank account. But if we are to live as Kingdom citizens, we must turn our hearts toward Kingdom purposes. Our wealth, our time, our abilities—all resources God has given us—must be invested in lasting goals. Our treasure will be where our heart is. And our hearts are in the Kingdom.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!”

Mark 10:23