Money Can Be a Distraction

Money can be a distraction from my relationship with God – in times when I feel like I don’t have enough or in times when I have more than I need.

When I struggled – living paycheck to paycheck – and cashed in a savings bond from when I was born just to pay for groceries, my focus became all about how I could make more money.

Then, when I got more comfortable financially, I focused on how I could preserve and grow my assets – and still make more money so I’d never have to feel “without” again.

In both cases, I thought a lot more about money than I did about Jesus or the Church. Salvation seems a long way off when you’re trying to put food on the table right now.

The more I think about it, the more passionate I am about the connection between faith and finances.

And, the more I think about it, the less I think the actual dollar amount in our bank account correlates to peace of mind. Sure, it plays a role, but not as much as I thought it did back when I was just getting by.

A priest at my Church once told me people don’t bring people to God; ultimately, God brings people to Himself, but people help clear the way so it’s easier for them to see Him.

I feel that way about money. Helping people gain a more healthy relationship with money doesn’t mean I’ve brought them to God, but I can make it easier for them to see Him & develop a relationship with Him when I help them remove the obstacle that worry/anxiety/fear about finances brings.

I started this blog to talk about faith and finances, which are 2 of my passions. This year, I’m going to write more posts about that. I really believe by examining and changing our relationship with money, we can grow in trust and deeper communion with Our Lord.