It is interesting to me that Genesis states there was gold in the Garden of Eden. Later, God moved on the Egyptians to give silver and gold to the children of Israel as they had requested before they left Egypt. God included gold rings in the blessing he gave to Job. In Haggai, gold and silver are mentioned in the same context as the glory of God.

I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty. The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty” (Haggai 2:7-9).

Have you read through the Song of Solomon? As you read the description of the bride you will find that she looks beautiful! Oh…and interestingly enough she is wearing gold and silver.

Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels. We will make you earrings of gold, studded with silver (Song of Solomon 1:10-12).

Relax. I am not suggesting we start the First Church of the Gold and Silver or a new theology of wealth. I just want to point out it doesn’t seem that God minds having gold and silver around. He is probably more comfortable with it than most Christians. In fact, he uses it for a paving material in the New Jerusalem. Clearly God’s economy is different than ours.