Balancing Material Success with Spiritual Growth: The False Choice We’ve Been Sold
- Dillon Andres
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Can You Have Both? (Spoiler: Yes, You Can)
Some people treat money like the root of all evil. Others act like if you're not bathing in hundred-dollar bills every morning, you're failing at life. This creates a false dilemma: Do you choose material success or spiritual enlightenment?
For years, I believed the same thing. Either you renounce wealth and meditate on a mountain (preferably with a pet goat), or you chase success and risk losing your soul. But what if that’s just a limiting belief? What if balancing material success with spiritual growth is not only possible but necessary?
Reframing the Money vs. Spirituality Debate
I used to think that true spirituality meant rejecting money, possessions, and comfort. It wasn’t just an idea—it was reinforced by the way spiritual leaders were portrayed. The most “enlightened” figures seemed to live with next to nothing.
Yet, I wanted both. I wanted to be financially free, and I wanted deep inner peace. But I didn’t know how those two could coexist until my mentor, Corinne, challenged me to see money differently.
Money is a Tool, Not a Moral Compass
She introduced me to a life-changing idea: Money isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s a magnifier. If you’re generous, money will help you amplify that generosity. If you’re selfish, money won’t change that; it’ll just give you a bigger stage to be selfish on.
This realization helped me shift my mindset. I began noticing a pattern: Many of the so-called spiritual influencers online struggled financially, while the truly spiritual people I knew in real life were thriving. Clearly, something was off.
Redefining Success: What Does It Really Mean to You?
When I was younger, I thought success meant:
A high-rise apartment in New York City
Designer clothes
More money than I knew what to do with
A watch so big it made my arm hurt
Today? Success looks very different.
A peaceful home
A car I love driving
The ability to travel without anxiety
A few deep, meaningful friendships
Money is still part of the picture, but it’s no longer about status—it’s about freedom. It’s about using money to create a life I love, not chasing it for external validation.
The Biggest Spiritual Myth About Money
One of the most common beliefs in spiritual communities is that money is bad or corrupts us. But let’s be real—money itself isn’t the issue. It’s how we relate to it. If we see money as a tool for power and control, then yes, it can be destructive. But if we see it as a tool for growth, impact, and generosity, then it becomes an incredible asset.
I believe we are meant to live abundantly—not by hoarding wealth, but by thriving and helping others thrive in the process.
How to Balance Material Success with Spiritual Growth
So how do we actually integrate both into our lives? Here are three practical ways:
1. The Want vs. Need Check
When making financial decisions, I ask myself: Is this a want or a need?
Neither is bad, but clarity is key. If I find myself rationalizing a purchase, I take a step back—because if I have to convince myself, I probably don’t truly want it.
2. Daily Journaling
Journaling is non-negotiable for me. Some days, I reflect on personal growth. Other days, I focus on gratitude. Either way, it helps me stay grounded and aligned with my values.
3. Influence Checkups
We absorb the energy of what we consume. If I constantly expose myself to scarcity-driven messages, I start to feel like I don’t have enough. Instead, I choose to follow people who embody both abundance and integrity.
The Mentors Who Helped Shift My Perspective
If you're looking for external insights, here are four thought leaders who helped me reframe my mindset:
1. David Bayer
His teachings on mindset, business, and spirituality reshaped the way I approach success. He showed me that material and spiritual growth don’t have to be at odds.
2. Neville Goddard
His work on imagination and belief taught me how powerful our thoughts are in shaping our reality.
3. Alan Watts
His philosophy on Eastern spirituality and Western thought helped me find harmony between the two.
4. Dr. Joe Dispenza
His work on energy, abundance, and rewiring limiting beliefs helped me understand the science behind transformation.
Each of these mentors helped me see that money and spirituality can actually fuel each other.
Final Thoughts: They’re Dance Partners, Not Enemies
After all this reflection, here’s where I’ve landed:
Spirituality and material success aren’t enemies—they’re dance partners.
The key is defining success on your own terms, not what society tells you.
Money isn’t about greed; it’s about freedom and impact.
Your Turn:
How do you balance material success with spiritual growth? Have you found harmony, or does it feel like an ongoing battle? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
And if this post resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on mastering confidence, success, and deep personal growth.
Until next time, remember: Money might not buy happiness, but it sure makes the ride to enlightenment a whole lot smoother.
If you're ready to go deeper into understanding your relationship with yourself, grab my FREE eBook, 30 Days to Know Yourself,
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