Money is a medium of exchange for goods and services, by itself is it not evil. It depends on whose hands it gets into and how it is used. It can be used to promote good or evil. It is the love of money (compulsive trust in and obsession with) that is the root or source of much of the evil we see or experience today.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10
Jesus spoke about money and clearly showed that it should be your servant and not your master. Money is often tied to power and fame.
For the real man, however, you must bear in mind that you are not defined by the amount of money you have.
Your life does not consist in the abundance of things that you possess. It is your values and not what you possess that determine your character.
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12.15
Covetousness, greed, and pride have often caused some persons to seek to acquire money or wealth by stealing, bribing, embezzling, or extortion. This is wrong.
GAMBLING
Gambling is also one of the wrong or inappropriate ways to get money.
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. Proverbs 13:11
Tom Raambe, author of the book House of Cards – Hope for Gamblers and their Families states that: “The root of gambling is putting your money on a table of chance and is simply a ‘get rich scheme.’”
Gambling is dangerous because:
It puts you and your family’s resources at risk.
It is addictive.
It contradicts the principle of good stewardship that God gives us in His Word.
It destroys good work ethics.
It is a manifestation of greed and covetousness in the heart.
It demonstrates that you are putting your trust in Mammon.
It is a means of squandering your resources as there are no returns when you lose.
Jesus tells us plainly in Matthew 6:24 that we cannot serve God and mammon. Mammon speaks to wealth or money of which we make an idol.
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24
As a young man, I made the decision not to steal, gamble or get wealth by dishonest means. After High School I went to work at the Tax Office and later on a cruise ship for seven years. During this time, I saw some young men who gave up their freedom by embezzling drugs. They built houses they never lived in as they were killed or faced many years in prison because of poor choices.
I know what it is to have little or no money and also what it is to have much money, and I have proven that one can maintain Godly character in times of lack and also in times of having more than enough. One of the things that loosened the grip of money from my heart was learning to be generous, giving special gifts when I was prompted by the Lord, taking care of family members when they needed my help, and giving my tithes and offerings and special gifts to help finance God’s work. This destroyed the fear of lack in my life, and so when I left the ship and was unemployed for a number of years, I was able to volunteer and give my time to serving in the church and community.
TIPS ON THE WISE USE OF MONEY
As much as possible spend less than you earn.
Avoid borrowing if you can – the borrower is a slave to the lender.
Resist the temptation to acquire money by false means.
Be accountable to someone about the money you own.
Give willingly and with a pure heart.
Pray and seek wisdom and counsel before making investments.
Save a percentage of your earnings.
Resist the temptation to treat persons when you have little or no money.
Look at what you are able to honestly do to earn money, some times your passion can become a means of earning money.
If we stop following God’s instructions related to the use and investment of our finances, and move out from under God’s protection by becoming greedy and vain; then we open ourselves to Satan’s assaults on our finances and lives. This is different from being led into tough financial experiences to show the longsuffering, strength, character and, or the supernatural deliverance of Christ.
A guidance counsellor and co-founder of Passion & Purity Jamaica, Pastor Andrew Norman is one of the contributors to the book – Passion, Purity & Real Men, in which this article originally appeared.