Money is powerful. It is so powerful, taught Jesus, that it competes head-to-head with God. “For Mammon’s work is the exact opposite of God’s work,” explains French sociologist Jacques Ellul. “Given this opposition, we understand why Jesus demands a choice between Mammon and God. He is not speaking of just any other power, just any other god; he is speaking of the one who goes directly against God’s action, the one who makes ‘nongrace’ reign in the world." Before we can accomplish anything righteous with money, we first need to understand this power, confront it, and with the help of God, demolish it. How is it possible to break the substantial power money holds over us? Very simple—give it away. “There is one act par excellence which profanes money by going directly against the law of money, an act for which money is not made,” says Ellul. “This act is GIVING.”
Margin (loc.2272f)
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