How Does Wealth Make It Harder to Follow God?

As our lives progress and we accumulate wealth, we often find ourselves with a certain degree of security, self-achievement, and contentment. However, with this security and pride that comes with our achievements, we can sometimes lose sight of the need for God. The Bible cautions us against the pursuit of wealth for its own sake, as love for worldly things can draw us away from acknowledging and following God.

Balance and Use of Wealth

The Bible warns us not to love the world or the things it contains. According to 1 John 2:15–17 (NKJV), ‘Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.’

In Matthew 6:19–21 (NCV), Jesus advises, ‘Do not store treasures for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust will destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. But store your treasures in heaven, where they will not be destroyed by moths or rust, and thieves will not break in and steal them. Your heart will be where your treasure is.’

The Pursuit of Wealth

To achieve wealth, many individuals find themselves drawn to material possessions and the monetary gains they provide. Sometimes wealth comes from a desire to excel and be successful, while other times it can be an accident of life. However, we often have to love money to become wealthy, and this love for money can make it challenging to recognize the role of God in our lives, as the Bible states that the love of money is 'the root of all evil.' This principle is evident in the story of the rich young man who asked Jesus how he could inherit eternal life and was advised to give away his riches. The young man, who had worked hard to become wealthy, was deeply affected by this advice.

Material and Spiritual Priorities

As we accumulate wealth, it’s easy to think we are the owners of our possessions, but in reality, our possessions own us. They can provide temporary assurance of our identity and self-worth, but when our hearts are set on material things, we lose sight of our spiritual identity and purpose.

Conclusion

While wealth itself is not inherently evil, it can become a snare if not used wisely. It’s crucial to use the resources and blessings we have to further God’s kingdom, to help the needy, and to share the gospel. Only when we do so will our wealth bring true blessing and provide a sure foundation for our souls. As followers of God, it’s important to seek a balance between material gains and spiritual needs, never losing sight of the eternal goals as outlined in scripture.