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Posted By Aaron Marcelli on October 4, 2010

“You’re just in it for the money”

I find this argument to be based on peculiar reasoning.  I say that because the above line is only said (or only an insult) to those in certain industries.  This line is almost always said by someone making less many than the person they spew it at, meaning perhaps jealousy is a motivation in their reasoning.  Also, it is only said to people who hold positions that in some way involve a moral code.  No one accuses drug dealers or pimps of being in it for the money!

Like with the accusation of being arrogant, it is difficult to find an appropriate defense for being told you are just in it for the money.  The immediate defense that comes to mind is to tell our critic how little we make which is painting a ‘poor me’ picture that most will not accept.  You may also be tempted to compare and say something like “I don’t make as much as the guy down the street who does the same thing” but playing the comparing game cannot be done with integrity.  Telling how much of your money you give away or invest may seem like proof of your good stewardship but can sometimes borderline on bragging and most likely anyone who would accuse you of being in it for the money is not going to give you the benefit of the doubt on your explanation.

There is nothing wrong with making money.  Our American culture requires we do so.  There is also nothing wrong with making a lot of money. But in church world, which is where I have heard this said most, some have the idea that church employees should be underpaid so they can “live on faith.”  The Bible actually says that a minister should make twice as much as the average worker but that argument is not for here.  If someone says this to you, it’s likely they are not as concerned so much with the dollars and cents you take home as they are challenging your motives.  And your motives are something that is between you and God.

It’s hard to defend and sometimes explain your motives and most likely you will be wasting your breath to try.  Allow your character to continue to speak for you and do not fall into the menial mind game of comparing numbers and arguing dollars.  Do your job and do it well.  When someone is working and leading effectively, only those detached and uncommitted will question the motive (or salary) of the one who is making things happen.

Category: Church Life / Denominations, Communication, Emotion Issues
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