All the ways you can love money

…and how to relate to money as a Christian

We live in a world that loves money, and loves to acquire the things that money can buy: new phones, nice shoes, et cetera. A Christian might feel that this dynamic is inescapable, unless you become a monastic and go to the forest, desert, or mountains forever — away from the temptations of consumer goods. This is true, and not true.

It is true that our society places a high value on the consumption of the newest, shiniest things. Ability to consume, and the carelessness and ease with which one does so, translates to social status. Ironically, being a “free spirit” with money in this way often leads to the inability to be free and careless with money in the future. In other words, the number in your bank account is finite. Maybe, this is why the credit card companies have such a lucrative gig.

Anyone with eyes would agree that our society is hyper-focused on consumption. Open Facebook and behold: tailored ads, created from the thousands of pages of data on your habits, likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams…

This is all very bad, sure. This is what we’ve been dealt. While the monastic life is admirable, it’s certainly not for everyone. So how should a Christian live in our world? More specifically, how should a Christian relate to their money?

First things first. Many people, Christian or not, misquote Scripture (1 Timothy 6:10) to say, “money is the root of all evil.” The verse actually says this:

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

As this verse beautifully expresses, the love of money supplants love of God. While some have coveted, or chased after money, they have ceased to chase after God. To me, this verse expresses a sort of obsession or addiction to money as an end in itself.

Money has no end in itself, which is why those who trade family relationships, friends, and by effect, some level of integrity and faith for money are left “with many sorrows.” These sorrows are self-inflicted, as the verse implies, in a sort of passionate naivete. Such is the love of money.

If a child broke their mother’s favorite vase, and was utterly horrified and guilt-ridden by the experience, the mother might say, “honey, don’t worry. It was an accident. I love you more than I loved that vase.”

I believe I was told something similar by my mom, once.

A vase, much like money, is material. We can enjoy a beautiful vase filled with fresh flowers from our garden, sitting on the windowsill. We can carefully pick out the perfect vase for a flower arrangement to gift to someone who is grieving the loss of a family member. It may sound silly — but vases can exist for the glory of God.

The problem presents itself when the vase, such a pleasant sight on the windowsill, gains sovereignty over you yourself. Your peacefulness, your existence, depends on the presence of that vase. When your child accidentally breaks the vase, you lose it. You don’t own the vase anymore, the vase owns you.

If you’ve been able to bear with me till now — what’s my point? Christians should approach money in a similar way. It’s a little tricky, because in our world, and since the beginning of civilization, you have needed money to live. In my opinion, a Christian should not neglect this fact. It isn’t right to make yourself a burden for others by refusing to be responsible with your money. Self-sufficiency is a virtue, on some level.

That isn’t to say that in times of need, brought on by tragic, or unexpected events, we should look with scorn on those who need help. Absolutely not!

Although, it is a “win-win” for Christians to realize that financial security is often achieved through exhibiting Christian virtues such as: Temperance, modesty, humility, self-denial (or self-control) and embracing your God-given role as a steward over all the earth.

What does this look like in reality?

Humility. Being humble. In terms of money, it looks like being grateful for what God has provided you. This could be as simple as scouring your fridge for ingredients to make lunch, or eating leftovers, rather than opting to eat at a restaurant as the food in your fridge ages and eventually goes to waste.

Self-denial could mean denying yourself that $4.00 chocolate croissant or Starbucks coffee you really want, simply because you really want it. Through self-denial comes self-control, or command over your passions. Of course, this will aid you in other areas of Christian life. This similar to exhibiting temperance with purchases, or being a good steward of what God has given you (hint, money.)

Being modest about money means to keep your financial abilities to yourself… in other words, don’t flaunt your wealth or lack thereof.

“How can you flaunt your lack of wealth?”

Well, maybe it’s not flaunting, but rather a sort of “humble bragging” and needless judgment toward those financially better-off.

I had an experience once with an older lady, who was making otherwise pleasant conversation with me at dinner. We were seated with other adults, and another lady about her age was wearing a gorgeous diamond ring, substantial in size, sitting next to her husband who presumably bought this remarkable piece of jewelry.

Long story short — the lady seated next to me scoffed when she saw the ring, and made a hateful remark about the lady wearing it. I was terribly embarrassed by the thought that the lady may have heard this remark. I also didn’t know how to respond, because the bottom line is this:

Rich or poor, it is not okay to judge other people by their money. To do the opposite of this is to exhibit financial modesty. The lady who made the comment to me may not have intended it, but she chose to notice money rather than notice the person, and treat her with respect. People tend to assume that only the wealthy are capable of such shallow comments that place love of money (jealousy) over other people, but alas —

Being virtuous in our relation to money is helpful in creating financial stability.

In order to exhibit the virtues I mentioned, one has to break themselves of the love of money. You need to wipe off the metaphorical fog from your glasses that makes you see other people’s worth, your own worth, et cetera, in terms of money.

Money is a tool. Use it in a way that is geared toward giving, rather than hoarding. Be a good steward of what God has given you by maintaining your finances for the good of yourself, your family, and your community.

Never lose sight of this: money, like everything you have, like your life itself, is from God. Treat it as such, and your money (no matter how much or how little you have) will serve you, so that you can serve God.

Treat your money as something you’re entitled to, or something that you’ve achieved by your own merits, and your pride will trick you into serving money in place of friends, family, and God.