It’s easy to believe that having more money would fix everything—that if we just had enough, life would finally feel secure, peaceful, and even meaningful.
From lotteries to luxury ads, our world constantly tells us that more wealth is the goal. But Scripture invites us to ask a better question: not how much money do I have?—but why do I want it in the first place?
Money itself isn’t the problem. Scripture never condemns wealth. But it does warn us about the heart behind it. The late Larry Burkett, a mentor to many in biblical finance, once said there are seven reasons people pursue wealth—and six of them can lead us astray. Why? Because when money becomes our focus, it often takes the place of God.
Before we talk about how to use it, we need to ask: What’s driving us to accumulate it?
1. Conformity
Some pursue wealth simply because everyone else is. Whether from family pressure or cultural expectations, they chase money without asking if it’s what God wants.
Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” God calls us to live in alignment with His Kingdom—not the world’s standards.
2. Envy
Others look at their neighbor’s lifestyle and crave the same.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 says: “All toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Envy leaves us restless—always reaching, never resting.
3. Competition
For some, wealth is a scoreboard. It’s not about having enough—it’s about having more than others.
But when competition drives us, life becomes a race, and people become obstacles. Philippians 2:3 offers a better way: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Kingdom living doesn’t play to win—it plays to serve.
4. Ego
Many tie wealth to identity. They want to be seen as successful, admired, and important. Even their giving can become a form of self-promotion.
Paul redirects us in 1 Timothy 6:17: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth … but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
Wealth isn’t a trophy—it’s a tool.
5. Love of Money
Some simply love money. They obsess over their accounts and fear losing it.
1 Timothy 6:10 warns: “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” This isn’t about having money—it’s about being ruled by it.
6. Security
Others pursue wealth out of fear. Wealth can create the illusion of safety.
Proverbs 18:11 says: “The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.”
But that security is imagined. Real peace doesn’t come from what we’ve saved, but from the One who holds us.
7. Generosity: The One Good Reason
So, what’s the one God-honoring reason to build wealth? To give it away.
Generosity flows from a heart that sees money not as a possession to protect, but as a tool to serve. Jesus summarized this in Matthew 22:37–39: “Love the Lord your God … and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Dr. Justo González notes in Teach Us to Pray that when we ask for “our daily bread” in the Lord’s Prayer, it’s a communal request. If we have more than we need today, it’s not accidental—it’s providential. What’s in your hands may be God’s answer to someone else’s prayer.
St. Augustine put it this way: “Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others.”
The early church modeled this in Acts 4:34: “There was not a needy person among them.”
The Call to Stewardship
Building wealth isn’t about hoarding or raising our net worth. It’s about aligning resources with God’s purposes and becoming participants in His provision for others.
When financial goals are rooted in love for God and neighbor, wealth becomes a ministry—not a measure of success.
Let God reshape your reason for building wealth, and discover the joy of using what He’s given you to bless others and glorify Him.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
- I’d like to understand what a real estate investment trust (REIT) is and how it works, especially in relation to my retirement savings. Do REITs tend to lose value over time?
- I’m thinking about selling my house and moving into a 55-plus community. Would it make sense to use the equity from my home to pay off my mortgage and credit card debt, thereby simplifying my finances?
- I’m trying to set up a trust and would like to know what to expect in terms of pricing. Is there a standard fee, or are there other factors I should be considering?
- My husband recently passed away and left me a significant amount of money. Since he handled all our finances, I’m unsure whether I should invest in annuities or spread the money across various investments. What would you recommend?
- I received a letter from the IRS about a retirement account in another state that I’d completely forgotten about. I’ve tried contacting my former employer, but can’t locate the account. Should I be concerned, or will the IRS resolve this issue?
Resources Mentioned:
- Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
- Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More by Miriam Neff and Valerie Neff Hogan, J.D.
- National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits
- Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
- Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
- Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
- Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
- FaithFi App
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.
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