President Kimball makes it very clear that the possession of wealth, money, and things is not, in and of itself evil. Describing the Nephites in their aforementioned cycle, he states, “Had the people used their wealth for good purposes they could have enjoyed a continuing prosperity.” It stands to reason, then, that the same should be true of us. If we make sure we use our blessings for the building up of the Lord’s kingdom, we will continue to prosper.
(My initial thought, incidentally, was to state we will retain possession of our wealth. This is not always true, as illustrated by Job, who, I’m sure, worked righteousness. However, following his trials, he did continue on in prosperity, and suffered only a short-term loss. We, too, may have setbacks, but we will most likely enjoy a continuing prosperity as we use the blessings we receive to do God’s work.)
Immediately to my mind springs the parable of the talents. The Lord gave money to his servants. Those who used that money – or those talents – wisely were blessed to obtain more. I am sure the same is true of us today. The world might consider a wise use to be primarily investing, to make the money grow, but I think God might define it a little differently. I think our role as Latter-day Saints is clear – we are to use the resources God gives us, be they money, time, or talents, to build up His kingdom. That building up might come through monetary donations or financially helping others. It might come from serving with time and talents.
President Kimball notes that the problem isn’t generally with “things” but in our attitude towards them. I take this to mean that having a nice house, a nice car, or nice clothes is not necessarily bad. The problem comes from “our attitude toward and worship of ‘things’”. If our primary focus is on getting those things, and it eclipses our devotion to our Lord, then we have a problem. But if we can maintain a spirit of giving, we should be okay.
I really think this is one reason the Lord instituted tithing. When we are taught to cheerfully give part of our increase to the Lord, it makes it hard to hold the rest with a tight fist. I’m not talking about tithing where you write the check with a bad attitude, but the one where you express your gratitude towards Heavenly Father for your many blessings. The church has given us other opportunities to give, to build up the missionary program or the temple fund, and our joy can increase through them. We are more apt to give in other aspects of our lives, as well.
So it is not money that is evil, but the love of money. It is not things that are evil, but our attitude towards them. Satan will try to twist our focus, but we must remain steadfast in keeping our focus on our one, true God. As we do so, we, too, may enjoy a continuing prosperity.
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