Recently, I shared a simple statement on my WhatsApp status: “Money is not spiritual.” I didn’t expect the reaction it sparked. My inbox was flooded with messages, debates, and even a few heated arguments. Looking back, I realize the limitation of the platform didn’t allow me to fully explain my thoughts. But I’m grateful for the conversations it opened up—it forced me to reflect more deeply on what I believe about money, faith, and the role of spirituality in our everyday lives.
One of the most interesting questions I received was:
"If money isn’t spiritual, how do you explain miracle money?"
Let’s dive into that.
Miracles Happen, But Are They the Blueprint?
First off, I absolutely believe in miracles. The Bible is full of examples where God intervened supernaturally to provide for His people:
In the wilderness, God provided manna from heaven to feed the Israelites (Exodus 16:4).
Jesus fed five thousand people with just five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21).
Even Jesus' birth was a miracle.
God is sovereign—He can do anything, anytime, for His purposes. But here’s where the misunderstanding often begins: just because miracles happen doesn’t mean they are the standard way God designed life to function.
Think about the manna in the wilderness. It was a miraculous provision, but it was temporary. Once the Israelites reached the Promised Land, the manna stopped (Joshua 5:12). They had to cultivate the land themselves. This shift wasn’t a punishment; it was God’s design for sustainable living. Miracles are extraordinary interventions, not the blueprint for daily life.
So, What Is Money?
At its core, money is a tool. It’s a reward society gives in exchange for the value you provide—through products, services, or skills. The more value you give, the more you can earn. This is why I say money isn’t inherently spiritual. It follows economic principles like supply and demand, productivity, and exchange—principles that God designed into the fabric of how the world works.
But here's the twist: while money itself isn't spiritual, how we use money reflects our spiritual values. Are we generous or greedy? Do we use money to bless others or exploit them? The heart behind how we handle money is where the spiritual aspect comes in.
The Question of Miracle Money
So, back to the original question: What about miracle money?
Yes, God can provide financial miracles. He can bless us unexpectedly. But expecting miracle money as a daily way of life—without work, planning, or applying wisdom—goes against the very principles God established. God designed us to be co-creators with Him in our lives, using the resources, skills, and opportunities He provides.
It’s like praying to defy gravity. Imagine jumping off a 10-story building and praying that gravity doesn’t pull you down. Gravity is a law God created—it doesn’t stop because we pray. The same applies to money. You can’t ignore the principles of hard work, diligence, and stewardship, and expect money to just appear.
Even the Bible supports this balance between faith and action:
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14:28)
Notice, Jesus didn’t say, “Won’t you first sit down and pray for money?” Prayer is essential, but so is planning and working.
The Three Categories of Laws That Govern Life
To better understand how money fits into both the spiritual and physical realms, I believe life is governed by three categories of laws:
1. The Laws of God:
These are moral and spiritual laws given by God, like the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), and principles like love, justice, and stewardship.
2. The Laws of Man:
These include societal structures, governments, and legal systems that help maintain order among people.
3. The Laws of Nature (or the Universe):
These are natural principles like gravity, aerodynamics, and yes—economic laws like supply and demand. God created these laws, and they govern how the physical world operates.
When we pray for financial breakthroughs but ignore economic principles, it’s like praying for a harvest without planting seeds. Faith doesn’t cancel out wisdom. It works hand in hand with it.
Balancing Faith, Work, and Miracles
Here’s the bottom line:
Money isn’t inherently spiritual, but how we manage it can be. God can provide miracle money when He chooses, but He’s also given us the ability to work, create, and steward resources wisely.
Praying without action isn’t biblical.
James 2:17 says, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” God calls us to combine prayer, faith, and effort. Miracles are real, but they aren’t a substitute for living according to the principles God has set for our daily lives.
In the end, we must recognize the balance:
Trust God for provision, but also apply the wisdom He’s given you.
Pray for blessings, but don’t neglect the work required to sustain them.
Believe in miracles, but don’t build your entire life expecting them to replace effort.
Final Thoughts
The conversations I had around this topic challenged me to think more deeply about how I view money, work, and faith. I’m grateful for the debate, and I hope this reflection brings clarity to anyone wrestling with the same questions.
Yes, God can bless you with miracles. But He’s also blessed you with a mind, skills, and opportunities. Use them.