Jack Hibbs : Almost No One Gets This Right. But It’s In The Bible!

Money matters to everyone—there’s no denying it. But this isn’t a message about “name it and claim it” wealth theology, and I don’t support that approach. Still, one truth remains: God honors obedience.

So don’t assume money itself is evil. Money isn’t moral or immoral—it’s a tool. It can be used for good or for harm, depending on the heart and choices of the person managing it.

When you support what God cares about—His purposes and His work—God is able to return blessings in ways only He can. And yes, we’re talking about money. For some people, even the word “money” triggers a tired, uncomfortable reaction because of how often it’s been discussed or misused. But money is still a serious subject, and here’s why: Jesus makes it clear that money can become an altar of worship.

Worship isn’t about the object—it’s about the worshipper. The person gives something its power by choosing to place it first. That’s why Jesus said you can’t serve both God and mammon. “Mammon” is often used to describe wealth as a spiritual rival—a false master that has appeared under many names across cultures and throughout history.

And it’s not only money. Anything—health, appearance, hobbies, entertainment, sports, success—can become an idol. Human nature can take even a good thing and elevate it into an ultimate thing, turning it into a substitute for God.

Take shopping as an example. Everyone shops for necessities. But shopping can become a coping mechanism: “I’m stressed, hurt, or depressed—so I’m going shopping.” When something becomes your emotional rescue, it can quietly replace reliance on God. The same pattern shows up in other forms—like needing a drink to get through a hard day. That’s not just a habit; it can become an idol.

Even healthy activities can serve the same role. If someone says, “I’ve had a rough day—I need to escape into surfing, paddleboarding, walking, or anything else,” the issue isn’t the activity itself. The issue is what the heart turns it into. And money sits near the top of that list.

To build a healthy view of money, start with Scripture. Ecclesiastes 3:12–13 teaches that it is good to do good, to enjoy life, and to enjoy the fruit of honest labor—because this is God’s gift. In other words: work matters. Using your skills matters. Creating value matters. When a person uses the abilities God has given—whether with hands, mind, or talent—to produce something useful, that work can bless their own life, their family, and their community.

Don’t live passively. Use what God has entrusted to you. When you do, your work becomes a blessing to others—and a healthy benefit to you as well.