Is Money Good or Evil?

 

I loved reading the article “Attitude On Money” since I learned new things or confirmed my own point of view regarding this topic. Besides, it was fun, straightforward, and clear. Money is not evil. It is neither good nor bad. It depends on our attitude towards it which makes the difference. It is the love for or the obsession with it which transforms money in evil for us. On the contrary, if we seek after it to bless others and to help those in need, then money is a good resource to do it.

Many years ago, while reading the Book of Mormon, I learned from prophet Jacob that it is good to pursue richness, if we do it to build the kingdom of God, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, and to provide relief for the sick and the afflicted. And he promised that we will obtain reaches if we seek after them for the fulfillment of these noble pursuits. In other words, if we see money as a means to help others, God will bless us with it abundantly. This was such a fabulous discovery to me as a new member of the church. Reading a book that teaches about money, riches, and the positive manners we can use it was amazing, besides of making clear that it is not a sin to pursue richness in our lives.   

From my own experience I know how satisfactory is to have enough to share with others and to offer a bit of hope and peace at troubled moments. My own sister had been facing economic challenges during her whole adult life. A single mother to a boy, she has struggled to make a living for them both and to have their needs met. Sometimes bills were unpaid, and debt accumulated over time. Last year she declared bankruptcy because she had an income reduction after changing her job, and she was unable to pay her credit cards and other financial obligations. I was happy to be in the position to help her during all these years and to share all what I have with her. However, what I treasure the most is her words talking about me as an example of a true member of the church who lives according to what she preaches. There is not major happiness than be recognized as a faithful follower of Christ.

I have been myself in troubles because of the lack of money management skills. I have experienced pain, unhappiness, and desolation when food was not enough for my children, or I was unable to pay my debts. Along the years I have made so many mistakes on this matter that it even affected my self-esteem. Nevertheless, I am grateful the Lord had guided and taught me to become more self-reliant and a better manager of His blessings. At this moment of my life I am learning to spend less and to be careful of how I invest the blessings I receive. I want to save money for unforeseen events that may arise, to be in the position of blessing others’ lives, to invest, to launch my own business, to pay for my children’s education, etc. I am praying for it, and I know that eventually I will achieve my goals related to money if I seek it to do good in the world.