Jesus talked a lot about provision, money, wealth, and its effect on the kingdom lifestyle. He talked about putting God first and storing up treasure in heaven. He also talked a lot about serving and helping others from a love relationship with Him and the Father. When it came to dealing with storing up earthly riches, Jesus talked about a spirit called Mammon.

Matthew 6:24 “no one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” NASB

What Is Mammon?

The Greek word " mamonas " means wealth, riches, possessions, or property. Having land, houses, cars, and other possessions is by no means bad. It takes those things to live. But the question is ‘Do they own you, or do you own them?’ Does the money work for you, or do you work for money? In other words, it is true what the scripture says ‘The love of money is the root of all evil,’ 1 Timothy 6:10

I am not here to judge or tear anyone down but rather to help you look at your heart and examine it as I have and allow the Holy Spirit to bring freedom in how you handle money and finances. Everything we have belongs to God, and we are just stewards. However, if we get into debt or can’t pay bills or buy food, etc., we tend to stress and worry. This is not healthy, nor is it part of God’s plan.

Matthew 6: 26, “ Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?”

Birds, Birds, and More Birds

I’ve noticed since spring, an abundance of birds on and around the property where we are located. I have watched them, and they get closer and closer to where we sit outside. There is a barbed wire near that area, and they come and sit and watch us and sing. Most recently, I have seen a goldfinch land and perch there. Most people WhenSuch a beautiful creature and a reminder that God orders their steps. Then there are sparrows, wrens, chickadees, crows, cardinals, blackbirds, bluebirds, larks, robins, and geese. The geese stop off in the field and, without fear, eat and lay and move about until they are done, and the leader honks, and they follow in perfect formation.

Not only are these birds taken care of by our Father in Heaven, but they seem to know that they are safe around here. Even the geese know when to stop and leave. I have also seen a few doves, and they are marvelous birds. Every bird has a function and purpose and is part of God’s plan. Don’t you think he has a role, purpose, and plan for you and me?

Whatever stage you are at on the journey in the kingdom, we must always consider how we handle money and ‘riches’. This reflects how we view God and His kingdom. We are so accustomed to borrowing money for nearly everything around us. Amazon, Target, and all major retailers each offer their own credit card or line of credit. At some point, we have to quit being slaves to debt and be free as we were meant to be with the resources God has provided us.

I have five things that signal you may be under the influence of the spirit we call mammon (mamonas) or riches.

Worry And Anxiety Over Money

Concern is not the same as worry, but it can lead to it when we obsess over money and constantly figure out ways to make more money. That leads to stress, anxiety, insomnia, and a whole host of psychological and physical problems. When this happens, then you are working for money, and not the other way around. In addition, a lack of trust in God’s provision leads to anxiety.

Money Mismanagement

I know people, and I have been one myself, who never have money because they simply cannot handle or manage money well. They make good money, but they are always broke. They don’t tithe or give into the kingdom, they never save or invest, and they spend beyond their means. This leads to worry and other problems.

Impulse Buying

Have you ever gone shopping and walked into the store, and before you found the first item on your list, your cart was half full of stuff you don’t need? Are you one that watches infomercials and purchases the latest fashion or nifty, trending items? Those impulse buying habits will keep you broke, and with a lot of stuff you have no use for and probably never will.

Greed

You probably want to skip past this, thinking that it only applies to the super-rich when it can apply to anyone, especially the super-poor. Greed is like cancer that is never satisfied. I have seen poor people go to thrift stores or even ministries that offer free items, and they just can’t be satisfied with a few items. Often, they are worse than those loaded with many.

Greedy people have a thirst and hunger for money and possessions that cannot be quenched. Shopping addictions are also a form of this monster.

Bondage of Debt

I have already mentioned that the Bible says that the borrower is the slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:7. But also, the Bible tells us that the wicked borrow and do not pay back. Psalm 37:21 Nasb. So many people have a mortgage, two car notes, and credit card debt.

When they do borrow, most people can’t seem to help themselves and get too much house and too expensive a car for their income. So they don’t plan ahead. So, God is our provider, but he also gives us wisdom. He is not a genie in a bottle or a vending machine.

When we come into the Kingdom of God, we work for Him. He owns everything, and we are stewards. He provides for us as he sees first. Money is just one means to obtain the goods and services we need to live. The job is not the only way in which God provides. Kingdom-minded people must learn to live a kingdom lifestyle and not be controlled by riches or wealth. Jesus told us to lay up treasure in heaven.

One final thought: God is all about multiplication, but He likes to use what we have. Elisha used a widow’s oil to help her get her miracle. It multiplied, and she sold it to pay her debts. Have you set money aside so that God can multiply?

If you identify with any one of these areas, then come out of agreement and come into God’s plan for provision and let your money work for you.