The truth about money

Having more money can give you more opportunities to do good in the world. Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14 NIV). And fulfilling that commission will require money—lots of it. But money by itself will never make you happy or secure. Solomon, one of the world’s richest men, wrote, “Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:4-5 NKJV). When one of the world’s wealthiest men died recently, a reporter asked a family member, “How much did he leave?” The relative replied, “All of it!” No matter how much money you make, save, invest, or keep, eventually your money will leave you or you will leave your money. Someone wisely observed that there are seven ages of man: First, a child sees the earth. Second, he wants it. Third, he hustles to get it. Fourth, he decides to be satisfied with about half of it. Fifth, he decides he’d be satisfied with less than half. Sixth, he’s now content to possess a three-by-six-foot burial plot. Seventh, he gets it! There are lots of things you can live without—and great wealth is one of them. What you can’t live without, however, is peace with God, a family filled with love, a lifelong friendship with your kids, and a life well-lived for the glory of God.