Money is Just a Tool

Breaking Free from the 3 Unhealthy Drivers of Material Wealth

We live in a world that glorifies money above so many other important things and even above God.

As the scripture says, “money answers everything” (Ecclesiastes 10:19),

but we must be mindful of our thoughts and motivations when it comes to financial matters, lest we lose our way.

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As enticing as money can be, it can also become a destructive force when not viewed from the right perspective.

Money is not a deity to be worshipped, nor does it define our worth or set us apart from others.

At its core, money is simply a tool designed to facilitate our basic needs and problem-solving.

The sooner we adopt this mindset, the more we’ll preserve our humanity.

1 Timothy 6:17-18 KJV

[17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

[18] that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
https://bible.com/bible/1/1ti.6.17-18.KJV

Therefore, I’m compelled to question preachers who define prosperity solely by how much money or material possessions you have,

and claim that poverty is a sin.

What about those who are struggling to make ends meet?

Does this imply that God’s promise of prosperity doesn’t apply to them, or that they’re somehow sinful?

Such teachings indirectly portray God as biased and unfair, rather than a loving Father.

As a corrective, it’s essential to recognize that money is merely a tool to alleviate suffering and demonstrate God’s love.

Instead of pressuring the less fortunate to emulate your luxurious lifestyle, which you’ve defined as the hallmark of prosperity,

we should focus on using our resources to uplift and support them.

Money is Just a Tool

Furthermore, some motivational speakers perpetuate harmful expectations by setting arbitrary age milestones for achieving millionaire status,

leaving those who don’t meet these benchmarks feeling inadequate. This mindset needs a drastic shift.

I recall a particular speaker who proclaimed, “By age 30, you should have a loving spouse, a solid morning routine, 3 sources of income, and a supportive network.”

This statement sparked intense reactions, especially among those nearing 30, in their 30s, or beyond, who felt they hadn’t measured up.

Statements like these can exert unhealthy pressure, leading to feelings of inadequacy, depression, and oppression.

This mindset can ultimately foster discontentment and unhealthy attitudes toward wealth accumulation.

Let’s approach our views on money with caution, lest we stumble and cause others to stumble.

Money is Just a Tool

In this article, we aim to refine our motivations for making money by exposing three unhealthy drivers behind some people’s pursuit of wealth.

These misguided motives include: seeking to put enemies to shame, living extravagantly, and having control over everything.

TO PUT YOUR ENEMY TO SHAME

Who are these enemies you seek to shame, anyway?

Is it those who abandoned you during your darkest financial struggles?

Those who mocked your empty bank account and ridiculed your humble means?

Or perhaps it’s the affluent individual who splashed mud on you with their car as you walked to work, struggling to make ends meet?

This motivation for making money is rooted in malice and is, frankly, unhealthy.

We each live unique lives, and those who offended you in the past will face their own destiny.

Remember, you’re not the arbiter of their fate, and it’s not your place to decide whether they should be shamed or not.

Moreover, God’s purpose isn’t to facilitate their downfall by elevating you.

As the Bible says, “He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

So, who are you to try to shame them with your money?

They may eventually learn the value of treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of their financial situation.

And that the poor can become rich tomorrow.

However, your motivation for success shouldn’t be driven by a desire to shame others.

Instead, recognize that they, too, can prosper through hard work and diligence.

Life operates on a different principle:

it’s not about retaliating against those who once belittled you, but about moving forward and thriving, regardless of others’ actions.

Ultimately, life can unfold beautifully for both parties, without the need for vindication.

Live your life with purpose and clarity,

and cultivate inner peace with yourself and those around you – regardless of whether they’ve wronged you or not.

A peaceful mind is the greatest triumph.

Consider the biblical story of Joseph, who, despite being betrayed by his brothers,

chose to forgive them when he rose to become a prominent leader in the very land where they had sold him into slavery.

This should be our mindset when we attain wealth and success—a mind marked by compassion, forgiveness, and inner peace, not one driven by malice and a desire for revenge.

Money is Just a Tool

TO LIVE EXTRAVAGANTLY

Having wealth can provide the means to live a life of luxury,

but desiring an extravagant lifestyle shouldn’t be the driving force behind your pursuit of wealth.

This mindset often originates from greed, envy, and covetousness, which can lead to unhealthy desperation, relentless competition, and unscrupulous means of survival.

This misguided mentality has led many young people down a perilous path, resorting to unscrupulous means of making money.

It’s no wonder we’re constantly bombarded with news of fraudulent schemes, ritual killings, human trafficking, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

What drives these destructive pursuits if not the relentless desire to join the ranks of those living a luxurious lifestyle, which they’ve misconstrued as ‘the good life’?

This is a stark display of discontentment, where the pursuit of wealth and status supersedes morality and compassion.

Ironically, the media often exacerbates this issue, failing to raise sufficient awareness about the dangers of this toxic mentality.

Instead, many media outlets prioritize promoting pop culture and influencers,

particularly in the music industry, where lyrics frequently glorify wealth, luxury, and promiscuity.

Meanwhile, music with uplifting, inspiring, and edifying lyrics is often overlooked, leaving a void in the cultural narrative that desperately needs to be filled.

The stark reality of life is that money alone doesn’t guarantee the best life;

contentment and good health are the true hallmarks of a fulfilling existence.

If you can meet your basic needs with your current income, cultivate contentment and stay grounded as your earnings increase.

The natural order of things dictates that diligence and hard work will yield financial growth.

Thus, a contented mind who is diligent in his/her pursuits fosters healthy growth,

whereas a discontented mind can lead to unhealthy and unbalanced growth.

Money is Just a Tool

Consider the many individuals who, despite their luxurious lifestyles, struggle with chronic health issues that require costly ongoing treatment just to survive.

This isn’t meant to discourage your pursuit of financial success, but rather to instill a sense of contentment and gratitude within you.

By cultivating this mindset, you’ll be better equipped to approach wealth with a healthier perspective and make more mindful decisions about your relationship with money.

TO HAVE CONTROL OVER EVERYTHING

I recall a personal experience with a renowned doctor who unfortunately passed away.

She was a leading medical practitioner at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital in Nigeria.

I had been referred to her due to my rare health condition, which required the expertise of a specialist.

Her exceptional skill and reputation were evident, and I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to consult with her.

I grew deeply fond of her over time, as she treated me with kindness and warmth, much like an older sister.

However, my affection and enthusiasm for my regular appointment with her were short-lived.

One day, I arrived at the hospital for my scheduled follow-up, only to receive the devastating news that my doctor had passed away.

I was stunned – she was still relatively young, in her 40s, and it seemed unthinkable that someone so full of life and expertise could be gone.

According to reports, my doctor had been secretly battling an underlying health issue, which ultimately claimed her life.

To anyone who met her, she seemed the picture of health – vibrant, intelligent, and always radiant with joy. Her passing was a stark reminder that appearances can be deceiving.

Sadly, her story is not an unusual one; numerous medical practitioners have succumbed to illness, highlighting the often-hidden struggles that many face.

Money is Just a Tool

If a highly skilled doctor, at the pinnacle of their profession, can’t guarantee control over their own health and life,

what makes anyone think they can exert control over everything with money?

This mindset is often rooted in pride.

Let’s not forget our shared humanity – we’ll all eventually return to the earth, leaving behind our earthly possessions. Hence, humility is the wisest choice.

Beyond health and life, attempting to control people with money is another illusion.

Money can’t buy genuine loyalty; those who want to betray you will do so regardless of your financial influence.

A powerful illustration of this truth can be found in the story of Jesus, who, despite His goodness and authority, was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples.

Jesus, despite demonstrating extraordinary divine power and authority, was not immune to betrayal, dishonour, and persecution – even from those He loved.

The Bible records that He committed no wrong, yet was constantly maligned.

If Jesus, in all His greatness, faced such treatment during His time on earth and even continues to have His name abused today,

what makes you think your money can guarantee loyalty?

Can your money truly “stop nonsense” or put an end to mistreatment?

Absolutely not!

This highlights the limitations of money.

It’s not as omnipotent as we often think. Ultimately, money is just a tool.

Embracing the truth that everything is under God’s control, rather than our own, can be a truly life-changing perspective.

Whether we have so much money or not,

it’s essential to recognize that our lives, circumstances, and successes are all governed by divine grace.

Life is fleeting and unpredictable, making it wise to adopt a humble mindset that acknowledges God as the ruler of all.

As Christians, we’re encouraged to pray persistently,

surrendering our situations to God’s control while still fulfilling our responsibilities and duties in pursuit of wealth and health – all the while acknowledging God’s sovereignty.