The Value of Money

“And He said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” - Luke 12:15

Money in and of itself is just pieces of metal and pieces of paper. The only reason these materials matter to us at all is because in our culture they function as currency. These coins and bills represent value. Money is significant because we exchange it for what we value. How you spend your money shows what you value with your heart.  

We value our lives, so we give money for food, shelter, and clothing. If we value education we give money for books and tuition. If we value entertainment we give money for concerts, movies, and ballgames. And if we value the spread of the Gospel we give money to the ministries of the Church. Jesus said in Luke 12:34, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Each of us exchanges our money for what our heart treasures.

So these pieces of metal and paper in our pockets, purses, and bank accounts have the capacity to show two things: 1) That you value things more than God, or 2) That you value God more than things. The money itself is nothing, but what it reveals about the treasures of your heart is everything. In Luke 12 someone approached Jesus who was fearful of losing his inheritance. “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me,” (Luke 12:13). Instead of becoming involved in the dispute over money, Jesus gives a warning to His followers about how dangerous this inheritance could be. “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions,” (Luke 12:15). 

Listen to the Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy, “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life,” (1 Timothy 6:18-19). Money lies to us. It whispers in our ears that money gives life. But Jesus reminds us that our lives are not measured by how much we have. 

Life isn’t found in having lots of things. True life is knowing God through Jesus Christ. And when knowing God becomes the pursuit of our heart, the way we spend our money will show that He is what we most value.

Father, I pray that my spending reveals that You are what I value above everything else. If it doesn’t, please change my heart so that You will be glorified in every dime I spend.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.