In the landscape of modern religion, there is a subtle and dangerous teaching that equates poverty with piety and wealth with wickedness. This mindset has paralyzed the Body of Christ, keeping the sons of God in a state of financial dependency while the world’s systems dictate the direction of culture. To call money “evil” is not a sign of deep spirituality; it is a doctrine of demons designed to keep you from your ruler anointing.
Under the New Covenant, money is a neutral tool and a spirit that follows the word of a king. If you believe money is evil, you will subconsciously push away the very resources God wants to use to establish His covenant. Here is why this religious myth must be dismantled.
1. It Perverts the Scripture and Misidentifies the Root
The most common justification for the “money is evil” myth is a misquotation of the Word. The Scripture does not say that money is the root of evil; it identifies a specific heart condition. 1 Timothy 6-10 (NKJV) says: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness.”
- The Heart, Not the Currency: Money is merely paper, metal, or digital data; it has no moral character until it enters the hands of a human being.
- The Error of Asceticism: Believing that lack makes you holier is a form of self-righteousness that denies the Finished Work of Christ.
- A Tool for Good: In the hands of a righteous man, money becomes a weapon for the Gospel, a shield for the vulnerable, and a means of Kingdom expansion.
2. It Stifles Kingdom Dominion and Influence
The rich rule over the poor, and if the righteous refuse to possess wealth, they forfeit their seat at the table of global influence. By labeling money as evil, the church has effectively handed over the keys of media, government, and education to the world’s systems.
- The Defense of Wealth: Ecclesiastes 7-12 (NKJV) teaches that “wisdom is a defense as money is a defense.” Without financial resources, the church’s wisdom is often ignored by the high places of the earth.
- Financing the Harvest: It takes money to build churches, fly to nations, and feed the hungry. A “money is evil” mindset is actually a “harvest-stopping” mindset.
- The Ruler Office: You are called to be the head and the lender; you cannot fulfill your office as a ruler if you are perpetually broke and begging for crumbs.
3. It Denies the Substitutionary Work of Christ
To say that God wants you poor is to say that Jesus failed in His mission on the Cross. The New Covenant reveals that Jesus took your place in every area of the curse, including the area of lack.
- The Financial Exchange: 2 Corinthians 8-9 (NKJV) is the legal foundation for your wealth: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”
- A Good Father’s Pleasure: Psalm 35-27 (NKJV) declares that God takes “pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” If God takes pleasure in it, calling it evil is a direct contradiction of His nature.
- The Blessing of Abraham: You are an heir to the same blessing that made Abraham “very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.”
Conclusion
The “money is evil” doctrine is a trap used by the enemy to keep the righteous from plundering the resources of the world. It is time to renew your mind and see money for what it is: a servant to the sons of God. When you lose the religious fear of wealth and embrace your identity as a joint-heir with Christ, you release the flow of prosperity that finances the Kingdom. Money is not your master, but it is your tool. Use it to reign.
Frequently Asked Questions
If money isn’t evil, why did Jesus tell the rich young ruler to sell everything?
Jesus was dealing with an idol in that man’s heart. The man’s trust was in his riches rather than in God. The issue wasn’t the money; it was the fact that the money possessed the man.
How can I have money without loving it?
By maintaining a “stewardship mindset.” When you realize that you are a distribution center for God’s wealth, money becomes a tool you use rather than an identity you cling to.
Doesn’t the Bible say it’s hard for a rich man to enter heaven?
It says it is hard for those who “trust in riches” to enter. Under Grace, we do not trust in our bank accounts; we trust in the Finished Work, which provides the bank account.
Will having a lot of money change my personality?
Money only magnifies what is already in your heart. If you are a generous son, wealth will make you more generous. If you understand Grace, wealth will only increase your gratitude and your ability to serve.
This article is part of a series answering difficult questions about grace and the New Covenant.