Money: A Neutral Medium of Exchange or a Master Demanding to be Worshiped
Money, or as the Bible calls it, “mammon,” is something we use. The universal nature of its utilization cause some to claim that money is neutral. Economists promote money’s neutral position, by calling it, “a medium of exchange.” In other words, money makes transactions/trade much easier and more efficient. In short, money makes the world go round.
Does money, as it is presented in the Bible, survive the test of neutrality that is claimed by the world? First, neutrality suggests an impervious impartiality. Stated differently, money could care less whether you possessed it or not. Money does not influence, persuade, entice, allure, deceive, or cause one to act righteously or unrighteously. Money does not reward nor does it punish its possessors. This is the idea of money neutrality.
Many Christians agree to money’s innocence as a primary cause, a subject having an effect. Our inquiry is to explore the truth claim of the neutrality of money.
In Matthew 6:24, money is identified as a “master.” If we follow the line of thinking that this master is neutral, then we might see the parallel to its contrasting party. You cannot serve God and mammon, so both are impartial masters. God shows no partiality (Rom 2:11; Eph 6:9), and yet, the world is filled with disparity. If one possesses much money, he is called, “rich.” If one is lacking money, he is called, “poor.” He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son does not have the life (1 Jn 5:12). Having God’s Son makes someone something, and not having Him makes him something else. Therefore, the possession of God or money does qualify the possessor. We must say that if God judges someone he does so with perfect neutrality/impartiality. Assuming money, which is argued to be neutral, also judges with perfect neutrality/impartiality, then money can only say, “This one is rich, while this one is poor.” What then causes a person to gravitate toward God or toward money, as one or the other would be her master?
In Luke 16:9, money is called, “the mammon of unrighteousness,” which gives us a biblical qualifier that does not appear neutral. The negative description correlates well with the negative position the Bible holds toward those who have much money. The relationship between people and money, in the Bible, seems to favor the poor and disfavor the rich (there are exceptions). Again, the only aspect that sets the rich apart from the poor is the amount of money each possesses.
If unrighteous mammon is neutral; then what is the power, and where is the influence on the person’s will coming from, in that, a person would choose to serve mammon? First, human will is not free. It is a slave to sin, or it is a slave to Christ. The power in the Christian, the slave, is the indwelling Holy Spirit, and this person causes the redeemed person’s will to serve God. The power in the unbeliever, the slave, is the demon of influence that spurs a person, making them willing to pursue the pleasure of sin. Making something or someone the object of worship, other than God, is a work of the devil, the world, and the flesh. The flesh lusts after something or someone. In this case, flesh lusts after money.
Under demonic influence, money is positioned as an object of pleasure. It is presented as something to be desired. Carnal man looks at money, and he says, “I want you. I will serve you, if I can have you. I promise to love you and work hard for you.” Is money neutral to the lustful advances of a wicked and deceitful heart? Does money reward those who diligently seek it? If one loves money with her whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, will other stuff be added unto her?
We have seen how the Bible pits God and mammon against one another with the title, “master.” We know the Bible presents God as righteous and mammon as unrighteous. We know that God and money both have relationships with people. We have noted that love for one master or the Other does serve as an act of worship. The worshiper of either master does have things added unto them, as a reward for their faithful worship. We have seen the contrasting spirit/power motivating both categories of worshipers. Thus, we must conclude that money is a dumb idol because of the demonic spirit behind its influence on the human will.
The only deliverance man can experience, to set him free from the love and worship of money, is the greater power of a greater Spirit, producing authentic love and genuine worship of the one true God.
To give the benefit of neutrality to an idol with a demon behind it, suggests those who promote this euphemism, “money is neutral,” may be deceived. A dumb idol has a mouth, but it does not speak, but friends, “money talks.” The image of the sovereign on the coin or note may only be speaking sign language, but he or she is subtly saying, “Look at me, touch me, work for me, invest me, loan me, hide me, use me, save me, steal me, spend me…love me…worship me!” There is nothing neutral about the language and intent of unrighteous mammon. Money is a master, who is demanding worship.
The one way, prescribed by Jesus Himself, to deal with money is to give money to the cause of the kingdom which serves God, not mammon (Lk 16:9–13). In this, money becomes a currency of life and love. What man and Satan meant for evil, God has turned for good.
By giving money away to God, in service and worship, one is considered faithful (Lk 16:11). In the act of Christian giving, the rich reduce themselves in the quest for corporate equality (2 Cor 8:13, 15), and the poor enhance their praise and thanksgiving, knowing that the giver of every good and perfect gift is God Himself. Both rich and poor are able to demonstrate faith (which pleases God) in this manner of giving with a heart of love. Whether it be mites or millions, the Christian is set free from the lordship, lies, and life of enslavement to money.
If money is a medium of exchange, then by all means, walk by faith and exchange money for the eternal rewards of friends in eternal dwellings (Lk 16:9). Its a good investment. Trade in your idolatry, prove your love (2 Cor 8:24), sow bountifully (2 Cor 9:6), and be cheerful (2 Cor 9:7), knowing that grace abounds from God, for those who serve and worship Him, with the abundance He provides them for every good work (2 Cor 9:8). May God bless and multiply your seed for a harvest of righteousness!
David Norczyk
Florence, Oregon
August 3, 2021
