My former pastor once said the best way to denounce the god of mammon (money) is to treat is as though it is worthless, give it away and place no value upon it. Yeshua, (Jesus’ Hebrew name) said, “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” (Luke 16:9) Who are the “friends” and who has authority to welcome you into eternal dwellings and how would you gain their friendship in the “use” of money?

In American popular society money is worshipped, exalted, most highly prized, served, revered and adored. Money is thought to be able to cure the sick, lift up the down trodden, satisfy the weary, give wisdom to the ignorant, bring nobility to the common, give fame to those who desire it, fix any problem, fulfill any dream, satisfy any hunger, lift any sadness, brighten everyday, acquire friends, and make you happy. Though the popular song lyrics speak the truth, “Money can’t buy me love”, many would dispute this, saying it can produce a spouse of your own choosing. There are a plethora of game shows promising winners enough money to give them happiness. 

The truth is that practicality everything money promises is a lie, especially love and happiness. Money may purchase physicians and medications, but it cannot guarantee a cure. It can produce followers, but not a true friend. It most certainly cannot secure happiness. Most often great wealth acquired instantly is wasted and lost very quickly. Just as food, clothing and shelter do not alone bring satisfaction, happiness, friendship, love, and fulfillment, money can truly and certainly offer no more. Scripture says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10) 

Moreover, with respect to your life,  “Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’ ” (Luke 12:22-26) Solomon observed, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them?” (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11) 

We will not dethrone the idols of American society in a day, but for every Believer, we can say, “No”, as the world seeks to bring us into submission to its idolatry. Where we have believed any lie that money is our answer, we should repent and worship God alone. Denounce the idol of money and use it in God’s service.