I once read a newspaper article claiming that most marital conflicts arise from financial problems. It almost sounded as if happiness automatically follows money. But when I look around today—seeing people with too much money ending up in prison, losing their honor, and even shaking a nation—I realize that money does not guarantee happiness at all.

So let us reflect for a moment on money.

There is hardly anyone who dislikes money. Even now, many people are working tirelessly because of it. Some may even wonder, “Why doesn’t the lottery ever fall to me?” Money is necessary. When we have it, life feels easier; when we lack it, life can feel unbearably heavy. Human joy and sorrow often deepen around this one thing.

I, too, am someone who appreciates money. I sometimes imagine that if only I had enough, everything would go well. Yet I must confess: the blessings I gained because I lacked money have been far greater. What blessings? I learned the dignity of human life—something far more precious than wealth. And I learned that the Creator who feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field is the One who sustains and guides my life.

One thing I discovered is that money has many faces. Depending on how we use it, money can become ugly, holy, or even destructive. And earning money does not mean we are the ones who will spend it. Some people devote nearly all twenty‑four hours of their day to earning money, yet know nothing about how to use it well. Others, who know little about earning, use money beautifully.

Money that is hoarded but never used—no matter how much—is nothing more than a pile of cold, blue paper.

I began to think: Money has a kind of life, but its master is the human being. When the master uses money wisely, money gains honor. But when it is used carelessly, it becomes one of the ugliest things in the world. And when money becomes the master and begins to control the human heart, destruction follows.

John Wesley, founder of Methodism, gave three famous principles for the use of money:

1. Earn all you can.
2. Save all you can.
3. Give all you can.

In other words, earn money without harming your body, your conscience, or your neighbor. Save money by cutting unnecessary desires and refusing to spend on anything that dishonors God. And after providing for your family’s basic needs—food, clothing, shelter, health—share the rest with those in need. Such giving, Wesley said, is the concrete evidence of offering everything to God.

Yet many fall into the temptation of exploiting others in the process of earning money. Money also inflames our desire to possess, numbing our conscience and even pushing aside our love for God. When relationships break, families collapse, and faith is abandoned because of money, it is a sign that money has already taken the master’s seat.

The roles of master and servant must never be reversed.

Rather than saving large sums only to leave them as inheritance after we die, it is far better to learn how to use money beautifully while we are still alive.

We earn and save for one reason: to decide how we will use what God has placed in our hands.

— Yoon Wan-Hee, June 16, 1997