Money has a power which makes us Smug and Self-dependent

Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:  Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth (Deuteronomy 8:11-17).


We are no different from these Israelites who become proud of oneself, and trusting in oneself when one has earthly comfort and security. Deuteronomy 8:11-17 does not only describe the Israelites but humans in general.

Money has a power which makes us all smug. It puffs up our flesh, and makes us self-dependent, seeking our own strength and ways. It manifests in all kinds of fleshliness, whether it be fear of people, fear of lack or lack of trust in God in doing all things. 

The paradox of money is that in enabling us to do things, we are all the more in bondage. Such bondage is that of trusting in oneself, rather than God. One does not even realise it when one is under the spirit of mammon. Rather just smuggly thinks that one is being legitimate in seeking one's needs, as are many in the modern Church.