The Bible reflects an ambiguity when it comes to money. Jesus, for example, chides us, “You cannot serve God and mammon.” His lesson to “seek first the kingdom of God” shows the secondary place that money has according to gospel values. St. Paul has a similar attitude. “I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient…. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” However, he expressed gratitude to the people of Philippi for the gifts that they gave him. He acknowledged that their generosity made continuing his ministry possible. We live with that ambiguity in our daily lives. As Christians we depend on God but understand our role as prudent stewards of God’s many gifts to us.
