The Silent King
Money isn’t evil, but it makes a terrible god.
Imagine money as a Silent King who takes control of your life without making a sound. He doesn’t demand your attention right away. In fact, at first, he seems like a good advisor, offering security and comfort. He promises to help you feel important, respected, and safe. But slowly, without you noticing, he begins to reign over your thoughts, actions, and decisions.
You start consulting him more and more, basing your choices on how they will affect your wealth. You buy things to impress others. You work longer hours to keep him happy. You chase more money, thinking it will solve your problems. And all the while, the Silent King takes up more space on the throne of your heart, pushing God aside.
Because he is silent, you don’t even realize how much power he has over you. There’s no accountability—no one challenges the way you prioritize wealth over God, family, or faith. The Silent King convinces you that success and security come from him, not from your relationship with God.
But wealth can’t bring lasting peace, joy, or purpose. In the end, the Silent King only leads to emptiness, because he can never satisfy the deepest needs of your soul.
How to Guard Against the Silent King
- Surround yourself with godly accountability. Friends, mentors, or church leaders can remind you that wealth is a tool, not a master.
- Regularly reflect on who truly sits on the throne of your heart—God or the Silent King. Make a conscious effort to keep God first.
- Stay grounded in Scripture and cultivate relationships that point you back to God’s priorities, ensuring that money doesn’t slowly take over.
Now that you understand the danger of the Silent King, let’s look at 20 things you should fix before pursuing wealth. Each of these issues, if left unaddressed, can make it easier for money to take control of your life.
20 Things to Fix Before Pursuing Wealth
1. Fix Your Marriage Issues
If your marriage is already struggling, wealth won’t fix it. It will only add more pressure. Your covenant with your spouse is more important than being rich.
2. Overcome Addictions
Wealth will only make it easier to indulge in harmful behaviors. Freedom from addiction is more important than being rich.
3. Build Your Self-Esteem in Christ
Poor self-worth can drive you to seek validation through material possessions. Your identity in Christ is more important than being rich.
4. Grow Spiritually
A lack of spiritual growth will make wealth feel empty. Your relationship with God is more important than being rich.
5. Address Greed
Greed is a dangerous motivator. Contentment and generosity are more important than being rich.
6. Deal with Pride
Pride will distort your decisions and relationships. Humility is more important than being rich.
7. Practice Forgiveness
Wealth won’t erase the emotional pain caused by unforgiveness. Reconciliation is more important than being rich.
8. Conquer the Fear of Failure
Fear of failure will make you overwork and compromise your values. Trusting in God’s plan is more important than being rich.
9. Let Go of Materialism
A focus on material things can become all-consuming. Spiritual well-being is more important than being rich.
10. Learn Contentment
If you aren’t content with what you have now, more money won’t change that. Peace in all circumstances is more important than being rich.
11. Address Anger Issues
Unresolved anger can lead to destructive decisions. Emotional peace is more important than being rich.
12. Develop Financial Wisdom
Without wise financial habits, wealth can lead to waste or debt. Stewardship is more important than being rich.
13. Fix Your Work-Life Balance
If work already consumes your time, wealth will only make it worse. Prioritizing family and spiritual commitments is more important than being rich.
14. Address Impulsiveness
Impulsive behavior can lead to reckless financial decisions. Self-control is more important than being rich.
15. Heal from Fear of Rejection
Seeking validation through wealth will only deepen insecurity. Knowing God’s love is more important than being rich.
16. Cultivate Generosity
If you’re not generous with little, you won’t be generous with much. A generous heart is more important than being rich.
17. Overcome Envy and Comparison
Wealth won’t stop you from comparing yourself to others. Gratitude is more important than being rich.
18. Resolve Family Conflicts
Wealth can worsen existing family tensions. Reconciliation is more important than being rich.
19. Trust in God’s Provision
If you’re relying on your own abilities rather than God’s provision, wealth will only reinforce self-reliance. Faith in God is more important than being rich.
20. Prioritize Community and Service
Neglecting community and service now will only worsen with wealth. Serving others is more important than being rich.
Conclusion
The pursuit of wealth can easily lead to the Silent King taking over your heart and mind. Without accountability and spiritual grounding, money can become a false god, leading you away from your true purpose in Christ. It’s essential to address the deeper issues in your life—whether it’s marriage problems, addictions, or self-worth—before you chase financial success. Remember, being rich is not more important than living a life that reflects God’s love and purpose. True fulfillment comes not from wealth but from walking in faith, serving others, and keeping God at the center of your life.
