Biblical Answer

Can money become an idol?

The Bible warns us that money can become an idol in our lives. In 1 Timothy 6:10, it states, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and have pierced themselves with many griefs." This verse highlights the dangers of allowing money to become our primary focus, leading us away from our faith in God.

In the Old Testament, we see the Israelites creating idols from gold and other precious materials, and we are warned not to follow their example (Exodus 20:4-5). Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus teaches us that we cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). This is because our hearts can only be fully devoted to one thing at a time, and if money becomes our primary focus, we will inevitably neglect our relationship with God. As James K. A. Smith puts it, "You are what you love," and if we love money, we will become slaves to it.

So, how can we prevent money from becoming an idol in our lives? First, we must recognize the danger and be aware of our own motivations and desires. We must ask ourselves, "Am I seeking to accumulate wealth for the sake of God, or am I seeking to accumulate wealth for my own sake?" Second, we must prioritize our relationship with God and live a life that reflects our faith. This means giving generously, living simply, and trusting in God's provision. By doing so, we can avoid the idolatry of money and instead use our resources to serve God and others. Ultimately, our goal should be to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19-20). JESUS CHRIST, the Son of God, is the one who can help us achieve this goal. By trusting in Him and following His teachings, we can break free from the idolatry of money and live a life that is pleasing to God.