I think money is just another system of this world that we have to deal with while we are here, and like other systems of this world, it is flawed. The people who work the hardest or the most aren’t necessarily the ones who earn the most money. Some services or products are overvalued and some are undervalued, so we pay more or less than we really should for them, and the person offering them becomes poor or rich based on that false valuation. People use money as a means of harming others by withholding it, or as a means of manipulation or control. We as Christians can do our best to do good with the money we have, not using it to control or manipulate or withholding it from those who need it, but giving it freely and as we are led by God. We must keep in mind the Kingdom perspective that being poor is not shameful, but can be ultimately more helpful to our spiritual lives than being rich. And the final piece, which I have only recently come to understand: that money is simply another of this world’s flawed systems and won’t always treat us fairly, even if we are Christians – and God isn’t obligated to make it treat us fairly every time, either. This is a truth that is hard to swallow, but that can help us let go of our frustrations and allow us to focus on Christ and living the Kingdom life in whatever our financial situation might be.

Sorry, Kent, I like to answer with a response at least eight times as long as your original entry. That’s what you’re looking for, right? haha