Recipe for Life—The Role of Money in Life

For some people, money is central. They worship wealth, devoting much of their time, energy, and attention to its gain and use because they regard it as the key to power and prestige.

“Oh, I’d never worship the idol of affluence,” you may say. But ask yourself these questions:

• How much time do I spend every day thinking about my financial life—my income, my bills, my past and upcoming purchases, and my investments? In comparison, how much time do I spend meditating upon God’s Word?
• How much time do I spend each week working, shopping, or dealing with money? (Be sure to include trips to automatic teller machines and the bank, discussions with your spouse about budgets, spending plans, or habits, and the time you spend paying bills and balancing your checking account.) In comparison, how much time do I spend seeking God in prayer and studying His Word, or serving the Lord in church-related activities and outreach?
• Am I more likely to discuss with my family and friends a hot stock tip, the cost of an item, and a new business opportunity—or an insight I have into God’s Word, the truths I gleaned from last Sunday’s sermon, and the way in which the Holy Spirit has helped me during the day? Which topic is more likely to attract a greater amount of my energy, enthusiasm, or concern—more wealth or a deeper understanding of the Savior?

You may say that you trust God in every area of your life—but do you ever conduct business transactions, make purchases, invest, or enter into moneymaking opportunities without asking His opinion or seeking His wisdom? When you leave the Lord out of your financial life, you are in grave danger of making money your idol.

So how can you make sure you don’t fall into such a deadly trap? You begin by focusing on Philippians 4:19, where God promises to supply all your needs. Each of us has very specific needs: emotional, physical, material, mental, and spiritual. God knows that our needs must be met if we are to carry out the complete life plan He has ordained for us (Matt. 6:32). By making intimacy with God your number one priority in life, you can be assured that He will meet all your needs. Remember to always “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).