5 Signs You Might Love Money

As a follow up to my last post, I thought I would give some practical hints that a “love of money” might be lurking at your door.

5 Signs You Might Love Money

1. You don’t think you make enough money: “Be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:14) I chose to start here to get your attention not because wanting to make more money is evil. If a person is content with their wages, thinks their compensation is fair or lacks a relentless desire to increase their asset holdings, it is hard to argue they might love money. On the other hand, if you seem to find yourself thinking you should have more money then you should take the following list seriously. (Not to say you love money per se, but at least give your conscience ample time to ponder the following.)

2. You weary yourself to gain wealth: “Do not weary yourself to gain wealth.” (Prov. 23:4) The Bible calls us to work hard. This is undeniable. However, there is a certain level of insanity with which many money lovers work. They don’t work to put food on the table, a roof over their head or clothes on their children’s back. They work, at the expense of greater things and purposes, to try and satisfy their lust for money. Are you working excessively? Is this legitimate or lustful? Do your faith, family and friends suffer from your weariness to gain wealth?

3. You willingly trade security and sanity for lifestyle: “The borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” (Prov. 22:7) Money lovers love money so they willingly throw all caution and rational thought to the wayside to spend. Money lovers often use debt to live a life well beyond their means. They don’t think reasonably when purchasing. They want everything and they are willing to sacrifice everything to get. Do you live within or beyond your means?

4. You bend your morals for money: “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil.” (1 Tim. 6:10) Paul explains that countless sins flow from a love of money. Greed has a way of bending our morality for the sake of gain. If you find your morals loosen when profit is thrown into the mix, you might love money. Can you think of times you have done this?

5. Your friends think you care too much about money: “A wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (Prov. 12:15) I end with a challenge. If any of these items brought a sense of conviction, then take your thoughts to a spouse, pastor or friend you trust. Ask them point blank if they think you care too much about money. If they are trustworthy, their words will carry great weight and insight. Listen to them.

This is no light matter or guilty pleasure. Paul explains in 1st Timothy that the love of money can lead to an abandonment of our faith. This is as serious as it gets. Take time to pray through the list above.

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