It is always interesting to see the lists published about the world’s richest people. It seems like there is a new list out every day, and with each list, the net worth of the richest continues to grow. People spend hours looking into ways they can increase their net worth, usually involving investing into high-risk start-up companies or obtaining more assets. Everywhere we turn, society is there to remind us that money is important. Whether we like to admit it or not, we live in a society that is obsessed with money and wealth, and as much as I would like to deny the fact, I also have fallen into this trap at times.

I have always been one to enjoy working. I got my first job when I was fourteen, and I have been employed at various businesses ever since. But I did not realize until recently that I can get caught up in the idea of working and making money. For example, one of my jobs gives me the opportunity to work with adults with disabilities, and because I have an extensive amount of training on the job, I am usually able to pick up shifts whenever I would like. Even when the schedule is

full, I can talk to the manager and pick up additional hours by taking the clients out into the community with 1-1 staffing. Although this may seem like an excellent opportunity to pick up additional hours, I have started reminding myself why I want to pick up these hours. I genuinely enjoy the work I do and building relationships with the clients, and although it is hard to admit, sometimes it is for an additional sum on my paycheck. In doing so, focus turns from serving the Lord to simply acquiring wealth.

The Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:10, that the love of money is the root of all evil. That statement lacks ambiguity, and is a personally convicting one to read. It is important to note that money is not evil in itself. Money is a wonderful resource God blesses us with and uses it to further His Kingdom. However, when we begin to love money more than anything else and follow society’s lead in obsessing over it, it becomes a problem.

In order to combat my struggle in obsessing over money, I have turned to an accountability partner. When I tell them that I am considering going home just to work, they know me well enough to say “why?” This simple question invites me to understand my motives in doing so. The Ron Blue Institute believes that God owns it all. We are not the owners of our money, but we are stewards of it. As a steward, there is no room for obsession. Culture screams, “we are the owners of our money,” and often invites its “owners” to obsess over the search for more wealth. Although, as a Christian, we are called to a different perspective on money. We are stewards, and as such, our finances need to reflect our transformed hearts. I am definitely still in the transformational process, but through an accountability partner and prayer, progress is being made.