Why money is a powerful servant but a dangerous master

Money is one of life's great paradoxes. It can fund hospitals and feed the hungry, yet it can also destroy marriages and corrupt souls. The difference lies not in how much money we have, but in our relationship with it. 

As Jesus warned, "No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24). The question for every Christian is simple: Are we money's master, or is money ours?

The enslaved heart: when money becomes master

When money masters us, it manifests in devastating ways: greed, anxiety, and materialism. The encounter of Jesus with the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-31 perfectly illustrates this spiritual bondage. Here was a man who seemingly had everything – wealth, respectability, morals – yet when Jesus invited him to sell his possessions and follow Him, "his face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth" (Mark 10:22).

The tragedy wasn't that he owned much, but that his possessions owned him. When we own our money, we make decisions based on God's calling and kingdom priorities. When money owns us, it dictates our choices, relationships, and even our sleep patterns. Some people have called it “functional atheism” – declaring a belief in God, but living as though he doesn’t.

In the 18th Century, John Wesley understood this tension deeply. He's often quoted as saying "earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can." But he later observed that while people readily embraced the first two principles, they consistently neglected the third. As he put it, "I fear, wherever riches have increased, the essence of religion has decreased in the same proportion." Wesley recognized that accumulation without generosity inevitably leads to spiritual poverty.

The liberated heart: freedom through trust

Liberation from money's tyranny begins with contentment, trust and purpose. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, the early church exemplified this beautifully. Despite their "extreme poverty," they gave with "overflowing joy" and "rich generosity." How? They understood that their security came not from their bank accounts but from their relationship with God.

Hoarding money or focussing on gaining more reveals a fundamental lack of trust in God's provision. When we stockpile resources out of fear, we're essentially saying, "God, I don't believe You'll take care of me tomorrow." But when we hold our possessions lightly, we're declaring, "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:2).

The liberated heart finds purpose beyond personal comfort. It sees money as a tool for kingdom impact rather than personal security or luxury. As Paul writes, "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share" (1 Timothy 6:18).

Making the Transition: 5 practical actions

So how do we move from enslaved to liberated? Here are five practical steps:

1. Budgeting as an act of worship

You might view budgeting as mere admin. Elevate your opinion of financial decision-making to an important spiritual discipline that honors God with your resources. 

• Pray or sing before you manage your finances or make purchases
• Place your banking app next to your bible and prayer apps on your phone.
• Read David’s life story, who took counter-cultural steps to use his wealth generously
• Get started by downloading our guide to budgeting

2. Practice contentment

Regularly thank God for what you have. As Paul learned, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:11). Combat the culture of "more" by celebrating God's provision in your current situation.

• Think of 5 things that you have in life that you can’t claim credit for
• If you use a prayer app (or a notebook!), add some reminders to pray with thankfulness about these

3. Identify risk areas

Honestly assess where money most tempts you toward anxiety or greed. Is it online shopping? Investment obsession? Status purchases? Career progression? Recognising these patterns helps you set boundaries and accountability measures.

• Depending on your character, it might help to write these down, talk them through with a trusted friend or reflect on them artistically.
• Next time a decision is needed about one of these area, find additional time to seek a kingdom perspective and ask for help to make brave decisions.

4. Normalise conversations about money

Break the taboo around discussing finances within Christian community. When you share your struggles, victories and wisdom with trusted friends, others will be grateful to reciprocate and support you. 

• Think about one person who will be a challenging conversation partner on this issue, and set up a chance to have a discussion.
• When challenged about money, it can be easy to find ourselves spending more time analysing decisions made by others. Commit to making your own radical choices and celebrate moments of wisdom shown by others.

5. Plan your giving

Just as you plan major purchases, plan your giving. Intentional generosity is more sustainable than impulsive charity. It can be liberating to consistently build a personal generosity fund so that when opportunities to support causes you care about arise, the money is readily available to invest.

Money will either serve you or enslave you—there's no neutral ground. The choice is yours: Will you be money's master, using it for kingdom purposes? Or will you remain its servant, forever anxious about tomorrow's provision? 

As Jesus reminds us, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). 

Choose wisely.