People of this world have misinterpreted unrighteous mammon to mean true riches, when the two are not the same.

How can a man who is already rich in status and possessions still steal from the public purse? Men cannot be satisfied with unrighteous mammon. Instead, it fuels their desire to covet more, a desire that traces back to the serpent’s deception in the Garden of Eden.

The rich young ruler failed to understand that Jesus’ presence in a person’s life is worth more than everything that person has acquired or could ever acquire. The presence of God is not merely an addition to earthly riches; it gives life its true purpose and eternal value.

The Bible declares:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

In context, Jesus teaches His disciples not to be consumed by anxiety over food, drink, and clothing. He establishes this order: seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first, and trust the Father to provide what He knows His children need. This verse does not promise unlimited material prosperity or approve every means of acquiring wealth.

Your first pursuit must be God, not gold. Your first ambition must be righteousness, not riches. Your first loyalty must be to Christ, not the possessions of this world.

Those who pursue riches outside God cannot possess the true riches prepared for those who wait on Him. All they will gain is unrighteous mammon, which detracts from their true purpose and adds sorrow to their existence.

That is why those who possess true riches are few in this world. The lives of the multitude are founded upon self-righteousness rather than the righteousness of God.

A life founded upon God is secure in the things that matter eternally. Such a life does not depend on the uncertain riches of this world for its ultimate hope. It finds its treasure in Christ, its confidence in God’s promises, and its purpose in obedience to His Word.

Therefore, examine the foundation of your wealth. Examine the motives behind your pursuits. Examine the methods by which you acquire and manage your possessions. Do not allow unrighteous mammon to become your master, and do not let the desire for temporary riches rob you of the eternal inheritance God has prepared for those who love Him.

Be faithful with what belongs to another. Be honest in your business dealings. Refuse to exploit the vulnerable. Do not steal, manipulate, or compromise your convictions to advance your financial interests. If you must wait, wait. If you must suffer loss for righteousness’ sake, remain faithful. If the world calls you foolish for refusing dishonest gain, remember that the approval of God is worth more than the praise of men.

Do not fall into the deception of riches, as many do, for there are ways that seem right to men, but their end is destruction.

God tests us with riches, and He tests us with poverty. If you truly belong to Him, you must remain faithful in either condition. Riches have caused many to deviate from the truth, just as poverty has caused some to question the existence of God.

It was during a time of abundance that Jeshurun grew fat, forsook God, and rebelled against His law. They turned to strange gods, abandoning the One they should have continued to serve in times of both prosperity and adversity.

The riches God gives are not the ultimate purpose of His blessings, nor are they the measure of your greatness in Him.

John the Baptist ate locusts and wild honey and wore clothing made from animal skins, yet Jesus called him the greatest among those born of women.

John’s greatness was rooted in his relationship with God and his faithfulness in fulfilling his mission on earth, not in the amount of wealth he acquired or the number of influential people he knew.

You cannot fill your hands with unrighteous mammon and expect to stand confidently in the divine presence. What you have acquired through unrighteousness must be returned to its rightful owner. Where restitution is required, make it. Where you have wronged others, seek to make things right. Use your possessions righteously, including by helping the poor and those in need. In doing so, demonstrate that you have clean hands and a heart prepared to receive what God has laid up for those who love Him.

Unrighteous mammon may fill your hands while leaving your soul empty. True riches begin with a life surrendered to God and a heart that refuses to trade eternity for temporary gain.

Choose wisely. The wealth you acquire in this world will one day be left behind, but your faithfulness to God will stand as you give account before Him.

Do not merely seek to become rich. Seek to be found faithful. For the greatest tragedy is not to die poor in this world, but to stand before God having gained earthly riches at the expense of your soul.

May God grant us the grace to be faithful with unrighteous mammon and make us faithful stewards of the true riches that endure unto eternity. Amen.