We can't deny the fact that we all need money. But one of the dangers behind money is when we start valuing it more than our relationships. Countless friendships, marriages and professional partnerships have been ruined by the love of money.
A non-scientific survey by Coupon Cabin, which polled 2,243 American adults, showed that one in every five Americans have lost a friend over a money issue. Money can often put an unnecessary tension between people when the love for it starts to kick in.
There's nothing wrong with money. But a bad attitude towards it can leave a bad taste in the mouth for some people.
Here are five ways that the love of money can ruin your relationships.
1. Lending and Borrowing Money
Proverbs 22:7 says, "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender."
I don't think any friend would want to feel like a slave to another. But that's exactly what happens when someone borrows money from a friend.
While not all relationships are ruined by borrowed money, it can often be a risk that we should avoid unless there is a compelling reason to get it.
2. Turning Money Into a Motive of Friendship
It's been said that the more money you have the more people will want to be your friends. As sad and stereotypical as that might sound, it does happen. There's nothing more unstable than a foundation of money. Marriage, friendships and even some business partnerships are put in high jeopardy by being motivated solely by money.
3. Keeping Harmful Money Secrets
Keeping spending habits, debt or even income sources from a spouse can be detrimental to a marriage. Sometimes even money secrets kept from friends can be bad. It's not so much the secret, but the love of money that motivates us to bear false witness to people who matter to us that becomes dangerous.
4. Taking Advantage of Another's Resources
God commands us all to be generous. But generosity is not an excuse for another to take advantage of another's resources. When we take advantage of someone else's generosity it serves as proof that we do not truly valued the person, just the things that that person has. Hebrews 13:5 says, "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"
5. When Worldly Success Compete With People
Sometimes in our pursuit for more success, we railroad relationships that matter—family, friends and work colleagues. Some leaders usually find the top lonely because they have sacrificed so many relationships at the altar of success to get to where they are.
At the end of your life, it's not your money or success that will stand by your death bed or attend your funeral. It will be people.
