For the Christian, wealth requires extreme caution.

While wealth is not evil or bad in and of itself, in the parable of the sower and the seed Jesus warns how the deceitfulness of wealth and the desire for other things of this world cause many to become fruitless. (Mark 4:19).

If you're constantly striving for earthly success - more money, more stuff, more status, or even overly obsessed with paying off debt you're in dangerous waters. Paul states it clearly in 1 Timothy: “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the 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 6:9-10).

If your eyes and desires are on wealth be warned. You cannot serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24)

If your eyes and desires are on wealth be warned. You you cannot serve two masters.

Money is simply a tool but it easily becomes an idol.

That's why the Bible continually warns of the deceitful power of money and wealth.

And it's why God urges His followers to be content with what they have, trusting Him to provide for their needs. Longing for more money or accepting debt to purchase items you don’t really need are signs of a discontent heart. Seeking money to provide "security" or being anxious about financial "what ifs" are signs you don't fully trust in His provision. Both conditions (discontent and lacking trust) will lead you astray.

Do not put your faith in money. Do not seek its security.

Do not long for more wealth. Do not crave more stuff.

No.

Instead, long for Christ. For contentment. For faith.

Only then will you be protected from the enticing lies money whispers in your ear.

“He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.” - Ecclesiastes 5:10

P.S. Before I end this post I want to leave you with one more warning and one final thought.

Warning: If you currently find yourself in a season of life where money is in short supply, please do not believe the lie that you are not at risk of "loving money". I've been there. I've worked with people who have been there. The risk of loving money and worshiping at its alter is just as real (if not more so) when you lack it as it is when you have an abundance of it.

Final Thought: Wealth is not sin. Having a great sum of money is not wrong. But DESIRING wealth or great sums of money is a dangerous place to be. God blesses some with much earthly wealth (even Abraham was well off) but he cautions us to guard our hearts against the deceit of money. Be a good steward of what God gives you. Spend wisely. Save well. But do not spend your days seeking wealth.