When I was a kid, I thought about all the things I'd like to have when I grew up: a nice house, a nice car, a swimming pool, plus all the clothes, jewelry, and accessories I wanted. As I grew older, however, I realized I couldn’t afford those things. I worked hard to get what I needed, but the extra possessions were always just a little out of reach. I grew up in a home where I worked for everything—every prom dress, every new sweater from the mall, and every new pair of sneakers I wanted were never handed to me. I worked extra hours at my job to earn those things. While I wished at times life was a bit easier and I didn’t have to work so hard, it did instill within me a strong work ethic. I learned if I wanted something in life, I had to work for it.
While there's nothing wrong with wanting or having nice things and luxuries, it can be a hindrance to my spiritual life if I obsess over getting these things. Money, just like anything, can become an idol if we let it. When I choose to be stingy with my money and not give it away to those in need, but rather keep it only for myself, I've made money an idol. When I work and save every penny for my own gratification instead of using it to make a difference in the world, I have also made money an idol. But when I save my treasures for heaven instead of in this life, I am being a good steward of the money and resources God has given me.
Here are five ways I learned to stop making money an idol that you can apply to your life:
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1. Focus on What's Important
In the moments when I'm tempted to get jealous over someone else's possessions, I refocus my attention on what's important. I have a healthy family, I have everything I need, and I don't spend money needlessly. It’s the simple moments of life that I've learned to be content with rather than possessions. While it would be nice to have a boat in the summertime or a nicer car, I’ve learned to be content with what God's given me. I have cars that work, a nice home, and all the things I need are provided for. When I choose to focus on these things rather than on what I don't have, it changes my attitude. My attitude goes from one of negativity to one of positivity and I’m able to express gratitude for all of it.
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2. Give It Away
I have learned that anything that takes my focus off God and places it on myself can become an idol. When this happens, I learned to do the opposite with it. For example, if I realize that money is becoming too much of a problem, I give my money away. I choose a charity or a personal organization deserving of money, and I give it to them. This helps me keep my focus off myself and the world's wealth and, instead, help those in need so I may gain heavenly treasure instead.
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3. Save for a Reward
As a child, I was always good with money. I grew up in a home where I had to earn the money I made. Whether it was through doing chores around the house or getting a job, I was rarely given free money. This instilled within me a strong work ethic and taught me that I must work in life to get what I want. This works well, especially when using a reward system. If I can save money out of my paycheck each week, I put it towards something that I would like to have.
For example, going to see a favorite comedian, going away for a weekend, etc. are all things that are luxuries but aren't necessarily in the family budget. However, when I'm diligent and put aside a certain amount per paycheck, I can spend that money on things I want. This gives me an incentive to not only be a good saver and not spend money foolishly but also to enjoy life because it's something that I earned and something that I can enjoy so much more because I worked for it.
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4. Simplify
This summer, I went through my whole house and purged all unnecessary items. Although I could do it again, I was astounded to find how many items I have in my home that I don't use. I was able to put all these together and have a yard sale. The results were rewarding enough to have clean cabinets and closets, and I didn't have to be overstuffed with items that were not necessary. I felt when I did this, I not only got rid of physical clutter but I also got rid of mental clutter. This helped free up extra time so I didn't have to waste time cleaning and purging closets of unnecessary items.
When I cleaned my closet, I realized it was easier for me to get dressed. When I cleaned out my bathroom cabinets and closets, I realized I had more room for bathroom accessories and towels than I had before. It was nice to have room for the things I needed in that space! By adding a little bit of organization to my life, it made my life feel so much easier. Additionally, I feel as though I honor the Lord by living simply and not allowing extra things to rule my life.
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5. Give Possessions Away
A little while ago, my church had a Saturday yard sale where we gave away items to the community for free. People donated unwanted items to the church, and we were able to gather them all together and give them away to the community to bless them. Many people wanted to pay money (some questioned why they were free) as they rifled through the items. Many were so appreciative that they were able to pick up items that they needed for free. This was a huge blessing to our community. It was nice to be able to impact the community in this way, and in so doing, I was able to get rid of extra things I didn't need.
Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Money, like anything, can quickly become an idol if we let it. By giving possessions away, simplifying, clearing out clutter, spending only as a reward, and focusing on what’s important, you can avoid making money a false idol in your life and use money in ways that glorify God and enrich your life as well.
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Originally published Tuesday, 12 March 2024.
