Is money the problem, or are we the problem?

So in case you guys don't know, I like money. In fact, I'm a big fan of money. But what I can't stand is the things that people do to get money. I know that there have been debates in different countries and even religions on whether money is a good or bad thing.

So my question is: is acquisition of wealth wrong? Is it ungodly to attract or seek wealth? Will rich people go to hell?

The answer is no. It's not ungodly to acquire wealth, in fact it's a blessing to have wealth. Money doesn't stop you from making heaven or being holy. I mean Abraham in the Bible was very wealthy. In fact, the Bible says that he was in heaven when the rich man in hell was asking for water.

The Bible even says; "I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (1 John 3:2). So how can God wish something for us that's supposedly sinful? It's not possible. I mean God isn't an author of confusion. He knows exactly what He wants and expects.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodist church believed that all his money should be given away, he only retained a little for his own upkeep. In 1744, Wesley wrote, “when I die, if I leave behind me ten pounds, you and all mankind may bear witness against me, that I have lived and died a thief and a robber".

He believed in using the majority of the money earned for others while he lived a minimalist life. While I admire his drive to be a giver and help people with his resources, I don't believe that we're necessarily called to a life of little.

The poor will always exist, but we don't have to be among them. What I do know is that the love of money can make people sinful and therefore lead them to hell. But money itself isn't the problem, we are.

Some people are so desperate for money, to the point where they're willing to do anything for it. The problem with this, is the fact that it shows you've placed your faith in money and not God.

Why should an object created by man dictate your values and your life. It's so sad because most people live their lives chasing money and are never even content. My dad always says; "money is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master".

Money is good when it's working for you, but it's a really terrible slave master. You hear of people doing juju for money, selling out their friends for money, selling drugs and human beings for money. Doing fraudulent things for money and they're so willing to hurt others and step over them, just for money, an object.

The unfortunate thing is that people can't say, "money made us do it". The ability to do these hurtful things was already inside of them. The desire for and faith in money just magnified the selfishness and bad traits in people. It simply gave them a reason to do it and throw aside their society given morals.

But let us not blame money for the faults and failings of human beings.

Yes, Jesus was poor on earth, but the Bible says He was poor so that we would be rich. Yes, Jesus also said that it's harder for a rich man to enter heaven, than for a camel to enter the eye of a needle. But it's not because people are rich. It's because people make money their god. They place their desire for money above their love for or their faith in God. They trust money more than they do God.

It's quite unfortunate, because while money is a horrible slave driver, God is a sweet loving Father. There's only so much money can do, but it will never ever fill the void in your heart. No one is ever content with just having money.

Look at some of the horrible world leaders we've had in this world. They constantly strove for more and gained so much wealth, but they were never content.

I've always said that (God forbid), if I stole millions from a bank, I wouldn't steal again. But thieves continue to steal because it's just never enough. Greed drives a lot of people and the sad thing is that the more you serve money and worship money, the more your greed grows.

All I'm saying is that we need to search our hearts and figure out what position we've placed money. How important is money to you? Do you find it more valuable than God, yourself, your family, human beings? If you do, then maybe it's time to re-evaluate and reposition your desire for money and wealth.

The arrival of money or access to wealth does not translate to the departure of wants. But your motive for acquiring wealth will determine when you'll arrive at contentment. It's important that we change our value system, so we're not driven to do things that we'll eventually regret.

From my own personal experience, only God can satisfy the huge yearnings and appetite of man for more and even more wealth. It's okay to desire to be rich and to work towards it. Guys, like I said, I really like money. Plix, this babygirl did not come to this life to suffer, but I know that money is not all there is to life. Money can make life more comfortable, but it'll never satisfy your soul.

If you know or realise that you've placed money above everything and would like to know how to overcome that, please feel free to get in touch with me. I've had my moments were I over valued certain things and I had to bring those things back to their level and teach myself what matters most.

My close friends in law school would remember that I used to love clean crisp notes. I once had a N200 note that was normal and saw someone with a very crispy clean N100 note and I swapped it with the person. That's how bad it got, and that's when I decided that because I treasured clean notes so much, I had to make sure I didn't let it become a god in my life.

I still really like clean notes, but I'd never let the clean notes force me to make bad decisions.

Anyways, I pray that God will bless us all and prosper the works of our hands. May we all never lack and may His peace and love surround us this year in Jesus name. Amen!!

Once again, I love you and God loves you most!!

P.s. shout out to my dad and mum for supporting me and for always helping me.

Love

Esther xoxo