Money

Strengthening oneself spiritually so as not to be its slave

April 27th 2011
Young people sometimes come to speak to me about their plans for the future. They hope to study this or that, so that later they can have a job that will bring in a lot of money. And they add that it will allow them to help others. And do you think I am convinced and think how wonderful that is? No, not at all, for I can always see the highly personal element behind these seemingly generous intentions. Those who speak in this way do not know what they are about to get involved in or that, once they are involved, the whole of them will gradually be drawn in. When earning a lot of money begins to be your goal, be aware that you are moving deeper into matter, and one day you will be so immersed in it, not only will you very soon forget that you wanted to help others but you will become selfish and hardened as well. True, people are full of good intentions, but matter is a trap for the children of God. You will say, ‘So, what should we do? Give up earning money?’ No, but first you should spend years strengthening yourself spiritually; that is the only way to become the master of money and not its slave.