Money is important to live, but just how important should it be? Some people say that being a good Christian means that God will automatically bless you with riches, but this is not true. Jesus and his apostles owned very few possessions, and they never taught that a Christian’s life would be carefree and filled with earthly wealth – often it’s just the opposite. 

However, being rich is NOT a sin – as long as we have the right values. A value is something that’s important to us. Today we’re surrounded by messages that having lots of money and things should be important to us. In 1 Timothy 6:10 the Apostle Paul says, “For a love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Paul is NOT saying money itself is bad; he’s warning that loving money too much – making it a priority – can easily lead us away from God. 

In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus said, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” He meant that earthly wealth is temporary and can be lost at any time. On the other hand, spending our time and energy on heavenly treasures is far more valuable and will be safe forever! 

Here are some examples of heavenly treasures: 

  • increasing our love for God and Jesus 
  • learning more about God’s character 
  • doing our best to follow Jesus’ examples 
  • helping others 
  • studying the Bible
  • spending more time in prayer 

But don’t we need money to live? Of course! Even though we want our hearts to be spiritually focused, we’re still responsible for earthly duties.  So, money IS needed to live, but we shouldn’t prioritize having lots of money or things over our relationship with God. And if we do have earthly wealth, it’s best to use it in God’s service, like being generous to others and helping those in need. 

So, is having lots of money a sin? No, as long as we prioritize spiritual things ahead of earthly things. We need money to live and take care of our families, but true wealth is found in living a God-honoring life, following His righteous principles. In Matthew 6:24 Jesus wisely explained, “…You cannot serve God and wealth.” 

Let’s remember that spiritual growth is a more valuable treasure than earthly success! 

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1134: What Did Jesus Teach Us About Money?
The uses, abuses, cautions and opportunities that money brings us
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated video: Is it a sin to be rich?