We live in a world where wealth and worldly success are often viewed as the ultimate goals. Whether it’s the constant pursuit of financial security or the desire for more, it’s easy to get caught up in the materialism that surrounds us. The lure of money is deadly, leading to societal crises like the global financial meltdown of 2008. But as Christians, we are called to a higher standard. Our Bible warns us time and again of the dangers of greed and the need to focus on spiritual wealth rather than earthly possessions.

But how can we resist the siren call of greed and cultivate an approach to money that honors God and serves others?

Scripture, interestingly, doesn’t condemn wealth or money in themselves. It warns us of the dangers of these things: “Some people,” St. Paul explains, “eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10). Notice that it’s not money itself that’s the problem—it’s the love of it, the greed it can foster, and the obsession with more that leads people astray, causing deep, personal anguish. When money becomes our master, it removes God’s rightful place from our hearts. The writer of Ecclesiastes wisely observed, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Our satisfaction must come from God, not from the fleeting nature of wealth.

One of the most powerful illustrations of the dangers of wealth comes from the story of the rich young man in Mark 10:17-27. The young man came to Jesus seeking eternal life, but when Jesus told him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, the man went away sorrowful because he had great wealth. Despite his earnest desire to follow Jesus, the young man’s inability to part with his possessions ultimately kept him from fully embracing the path of discipleship. Jesus then remarked, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

The young man’s problem wasn’t that he was wealthy, but that wealth was his master. His attachment to his possessions prevented him from following Jesus. How many people today are like this young man? This story challenges us to reflect on our own lives: Is there anything we’re holding onto that’s keeping us from giving our hearts to Christ. What Jesus is asking for: is a shift in perspective. Rather than amassing wealth that corrodes, invest in what has eternal value: loving others, sharing the Gospel, and being generous. Generosity is a powerful antidote to the lure of money for “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Generosity reflects God’s heart, shifting the focus from oneself to the needs of others. When we open our hearts and wallets to help others, we shift our focus from accumulating wealth to using it in service of others and in building up the Lord’s kingdom.

Rather than accumulating more things, we can choose to live contentedly, no matter the circumstances. St. Paul saw the wisdom of this:  “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12,). Contentment isn’t about settling for less. It’s about finding peace and joy regardless of our financial circumstances. Whether we have little or much, our peace comes from knowing that God will provide for our needs. Remember, true wealth isn’t measured by the size of your bank account, but by the richness of your relationship with God and others. As we learn to resist the lure of money and embrace God’s perspective on wealth, we’ll find a freedom in contentment that no amount of earthly riches can provide.

And so, while money is a necessary part of life, it should never become our master. By cultivating contentment, practicing generosity, and viewing our resources through the lens of stewardship, we can use money as a tool for good rather than allowing it to control our lives. As we make our way through the challenges of modern life, we must constantly evaluate our relationship with money and possessions. Are they tools for God’s purposes, or have they become idols in our hearts?

Let us take to heart the words of Jesus: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).

—Fr. Hugh Duffy, Ph.D.