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It’s easy to believe that having more money would fix everything—that if we just had enough, life would finally feel secure, peaceful, and even meaningful.

From lotteries to luxury ads, our world constantly tells us that more wealth is the goal. But Scripture invites us to ask a better question: not how much money do I have?—but why do I want it in the first place?

Money itself isn’t the problem. Scripture never condemns wealth. But it does warn us about the heart behind it. The late Larry Burkett, a mentor to many in biblical finance, once said there are seven reasons people pursue wealth—and six of them can lead us astray. Why? Because when money becomes our focus, it often takes the place of God.

Before we talk about how to use it, we need to ask: What’s driving us to accumulate it?

Some pursue wealth simply because everyone else is. Whether from family pressure or cultural expectations, they chase money without asking if it’s what God wants.

Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” God calls us to live in alignment with His Kingdom—not the world’s standards.

Others look at their neighbor’s lifestyle and crave the same.

Ecclesiastes 4:4 says: “All toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”

Envy leaves us restless—always reaching, never resting.

For some, wealth is a scoreboard. It’s not about having enough—it’s about having more than others.

But when competition drives us, life becomes a race, and people become obstacles. Philippians 2:3 offers a better way: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

Kingdom living doesn’t play to win—it plays to serve.

Many tie wealth to identity. They want to be seen as successful, admired, and important. Even their giving can become a form of self-promotion.

Paul redirects us in 1 Timothy 6:17: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth … but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”

Wealth isn’t a trophy—it’s a tool.

Some simply love money. They obsess over their accounts and fear losing it.

1 Timothy 6:10 warns: “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” This isn’t about having money—it’s about being ruled by it.

Others pursue wealth out of fear. Wealth can create the illusion of safety.

Proverbs 18:11 says: “The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.”

But that security is imagined. Real peace doesn’t come from what we’ve saved, but from the One who holds us.

So, what’s the one God-honoring reason to build wealth? To give it away.

Generosity flows from a heart that sees money not as a possession to protect, but as a tool to serve. Jesus summarized this in Matthew 22:37–39: “Love the Lord your God … and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Dr. Justo González notes in Teach Us to Pray that when we ask for “our daily bread” in the Lord’s Prayer, it’s a communal request. If we have more than we need today, it’s not accidental—it’s providential. What’s in your hands may be God’s answer to someone else’s prayer.

St. Augustine put it this way

Today, college students are defining psychological safety with no contact orders. It's their way of avoiding people they don't like. At its core is the issue of conflict avoidance rather than working through relationships. We will open the phones and take your calls on how to resolve conflicts. Is the answer 'no contact' or communication? Call in early so we can answer your question.

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Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—these are the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This stands in stark contrast to the deeds of the flesh that we war against. In this message from Galatians 5, Pastor Lutzer explains the relationship between God’s Spirit and His law. What does it really mean to keep in step with the Spirit?

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Today on Bold Steps with Pastor Mark Jobe … we’re learning how to move forward … even when it’s difficult. Have you ever been in a season where you’re not fully engaged?  You’re stuck and not operating with the energy you normally have?  In many circles, we call that season … a valley.  Sports teams and athletes need coaching all the time to motivate them out of slumps they find themselves in … and it’s no different for you and me. So many people are still working their way out of the slump … financially, relationally, emotionally, and spiritually. Join us as we learn about 4 key habits that can break us out.

Bold Step Gift: MOVING FORWARD AFTER MESSING UP: A NEW FUTURE WITH THE GOD OF SECOND CHANCES

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The post How can prayer help me get along with people? appeared first on Key Life.

Far from being unspiritual, it is our responsibility to prepare for death by setting our estate in order for our loved ones. Today, Guy Waters offers practical steps to prepare our worldly affairs prior to the end of our lives.

Get Facing the Last Enemy, Guy Waters’ book and video teaching series on DVD, for your donation of any amount. You’ll also receive lifetime digital access to the teaching series messages and study guide: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4257/offer
 
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Do you seek to leave a heritage of faith that will impact the kingdom of God for years to come? Request a complimentary and confidential consultation as you consider estate planning. Contact Ligonier’s gift planning officer at [email protected] or visit https://www.ligonier.org/legacy.

Meet Today’s Teacher:
 
Guy Waters is the James M. Baird Jr. Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS, and a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
 
Meet the Host:
 
Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast.

Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The very low bar of deciding your own death. 

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This horrible decision threatens the religious liberty of Americans who believe in marriage between one man and one woman. Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver highlights in 60 seconds the important topics of the day that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.