Like virtually any other enterprise, God’s work requires financial support — and there’s nothing wrong with that. Even Jesus’ little band of disciples was supported by people who willingly provided them with financial support (see Luke 8:1-3).

But you are right about one thing: Money should never become the focus of any minister or ministry — as Jesus Himself made clear. Do you remember what He did when He came to Jerusalem shortly after beginning His ministry? When He entered the Temple area, He discovered that some people had turned the worship of God into a commercial enterprise, and He took a whip and drove them out. He declared, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!” (John 2:16).

I can’t help but wonder, however, if there might be a deeper reason for your hostility toward religion — and toward God. Could it be that this is only an excuse you’re using to keep away from God? Could your real problem be that you don’t want anything to do with God?

Only you can answer this, of course, but I challenge you to do so, honestly and frankly. The most serious mistake any person will ever make is to shut God out of their lives. Don’t let that happen to you, but open your heart and mind to Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive us and change us, and put our feet on the right path in life — both now and forever.