The Bible tells us it’s impossible to serve both God and mammon. God is generous, and mammon is inherently selfish. If you’re loyal to one, you have to despise the other. There is no middle ground.

Mammon is an Aramaic word that essentially means riches. The spirit of mammon tries to tell us, “You don’t need God. Trust in riches!” It’s a prideful, greedy and arrogant spirit that denies that God is your sole provider. Mammon promises you everything, but gives you nothing.

If you believe more money will help you solve your problems, then you’re listening to the spirit of mammon. Mammon says you’ll be accepted if you just have the right house, the right cars and the right clothes. In contrast, Jesus never said the answer to your problems is more money or more possessions. He cares and accepts you just as you are.

By nature, all of us are born takers. However, when you’re born again, God transforms you into a giver. If you want to break the hold of mammon in your life, start giving. Ask God to change you from being a taker to being a giver. Start by giving today—not because you want something from Him, but because you love Him and want to give back to Him. Where are you today? Are you looking to mammon to meet your needs? Or are you looking to God?

What is the Holy Spirit saying to me?