Money itself is not evil, but Scripture is clear about the dangers it presents. Paul warns, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10, BSB). Money is a tool, yet it so easily becomes a master. When it does, it hinders the very work of the gospel.
Throughout history, financial concerns have slowed, compromised, or even corrupted the mission of the church. Missionary efforts are often stifled, not by a lack of opportunity, but by a lack of funds—or worse, by an unwillingness to sacrifice wealth for the sake of Christ’s name. Churches hesitate to send workers because it seems financially impractical. Ministries tailor their message to please donors rather than preach the unfiltered truth. Individual believers, called to generosity, are often ensnared by the illusion of financial security, reluctant to give sacrificially.
Jesus Himself addressed this heart issue when He said, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24, BSB). It is not that wealth and faith are incompatible, but when money dictates our priorities, it takes the place of God. The rich young ruler came to Jesus, eager for eternal life, yet when told to sell his possessions and follow Christ, “he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth” (Matthew 19:22, BSB). His attachment to money outweighed his desire for the kingdom. How often does the same thing happen today?
Yet, when surrendered to God, financial resources become a means of gospel advancement. The early church understood this well. In Acts, we see believers selling property and pooling resources so that the message of Christ could spread unhindered. Paul commended the Macedonian churches, saying, “In the depth of their poverty, their overflowing joy and their extreme generosity abounded” (2 Corinthians 8:2, BSB). They gave, not out of excess, but out of love.
The question is not whether money exists in our lives, but whether it rules our hearts. Do we see it as a gift to steward for the kingdom, or as a possession to guard for ourselves? Does financial comfort dull our urgency for the gospel? Have we let the pursuit of wealth replace the pursuit of Christ?
Jesus reminds us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20, BSB). The gospel cannot be bought, but it can be hindered by those who serve money rather than God. Where, then, is our treasure? And where is our heart?
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