Our Perspective of Money

Our Perspective of Money …What’s Really Important?

By Joanne L 2008

Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, had an annual income of more than $25 million. He lived in a palace that took 13 years to build. He owned 40,000 stalls of horses and sat on an ivory throne. Yet, he did not hesitate to say that riches would never bring you happiness. “Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it!  (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11)

In this day and age many people fall victim to the “if only” trap. If only I had a new car, if only I had a particular job, and so on… I would be happy. The Bible offers a sharp contrast to this attitude. As someone said,

                                        Money will buy........

            A bed but not sleep;

            Books but not brains;

            Food but not an appetite;

A house but not a home;

Medicine but not health;

Amusement but not happiness;

A crucifix but not a Savior.

Money is not evil.  It is morally neutral. Money can be used to bring good into our world. It can also be used to bring much evil. When we examine 1 Timothy 6:10 we read: ^“People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” It does not condemn money itself, only its misuse of or a wrong attitude towards it.  We must remember some of the holiest men where wealthy! But the “love” of money can get our priorities out of line. The problem comes when our definition of “need” differs from God’s. Much too often we buy things to fill a void or a need in our lives .We must keep reminding ourselves that God must be first in our lives and that money cannot satisfy our deepest needs. 

So how do we keep it all in prospective as we live our daily lives much of which revolves around money? May I encourage you to read the scriptures on this subject. You will be assured, encouraged and today’s society’s pressures will be lifted!  Scripture actually tells us to!  “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.” (Psalm:36)

Here are some scripture readings to guide help us to keep money in perspective:

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13)

And I will close with my personal favorite…….

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1)

By studying God’s word you will discover what He says we need for a fulfilling life. The bible points the way to acquire a deep and lasting happiness that always satisfies!