Why did Jesus describe money as a distraction from God?

[jennifer_bloom]

An engineer who went to my school returned years later to share his testimony with our bible study and he told us that being religious was very easy when he was living on student loans but after he became rich, finding God was extremely hard for him.

He called his rich bible study friends for advice and they said the same thing, that now that they were rich, being religious was very hard for them.

A guy who grew up in a refugee camp said when he was hungry and poor, finding God was easy, but now that he had money and luxury food, finding God was extremely hard.

Psychiatrists are some of the richest medical professionals out there, making around $600,000 a year, and less than 10% of them believe in God.

[BriamG22]

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. -Matthew 6:24. I think this is the probably the easiest verse to defer to.

Having said that, I don't think its a matter of being rich that detracts you from God but a matter of how strong your faith was to begin with. If you were someone of strong faith you would be thanking god for your fortune and the grace that he had given you. You would also understand that giving is; especially when wealthy, is an essential virtue that one should exhibit.

A person of less fortune might be seen as being more religious because they turn to God to help them out of their predicament but if they were a true believer they would be giving God thanks for their salvation and the treasures they will receive when their it is their time.

Ultimately, I have seen highly devout people whom are rich and non-believers among the poor whom curse God for their fortune.

But what do I know, I can't even be considered a Christian, I'm probably just speaking nonsense.

[AngryCarl2]

This is just my personal opinion but I think Jesus was probably referring to the amount of effort people put into making money, often just for the sake of money, when they could be helping others and spreading the word.

[AngryCarl2]

Thanks for MHO!

[incubuskatz]

Because it takes all your focus and time and heart and mind into dedicating devoting your soul to just money it becomes like an idol thus takes the place of God. That’s it violates the 10 Commandments, where God says, put no other God above me. God is a jealous god.

[Cidknee]

Its at the heart. When you are weak Jesus is near. When you have riches you have very little to worry about. Your inner spirit talks with God continuously. He knows our ever thought and much more. If you can't find the words to use in prayer Jesus told us to be silent, for the Father knows what you have need of. So when struggling your inner sprit crys to God. If you're high-rolling your spirit may be a bit spoiled.

[Mariogirl09]

Interesting. I'd guess maybe materials are easier and there. When you have nothing you search for a higher power to help you. I guess people also forgot who gave it to them

[RedInnocent69]

Because materialism always undermines spirituality

[Colin234234]

I don't know, for me it's wine