The Love of Money

 

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. 1 Timothy 6:10

I have a guilty pleasure, I watch Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. At first it was out of curiosity, I wanted to know what their lives were really like. How wonderful must it be to have all that money, all of those resources to draw from. What I realized, very quickly, is that their lives are not all that wonderful.

I remember growing up as a kid, not having a lot of money. We would often play the “if money was no object” game, or “if I won the lottery” game. We would talk about the things we would buy, the people we would help. There was an illusion that by having more money all of our problems would be resolved. Life would be better. We would be happier.

That is so far from the truth. In watching the Real Housewives I have learned:

• You can have all the money in the world, and your husband will still cheat on you.
• You can have all the money in the world, and your business can still fail.
• You can have all the money in the world, and still be depressed and driven to addiction.
• You can have all the money in the world, and still have a dysfunctional family.
• You can have all the money in the world, and not have any authentic friendships or relationships.
• You can have all the money in the world, and still be alone and lonely.
• You can have all the money in the world, and it still isn't enough to make you happy.

Money doesn't solve your problems. Money doesn't make you happier. Money doesn't guarantee you will be spared trouble. Because, money has no power. God has power.

God gives us all the resources we need to get through this life. There are no promises that we won't struggle, but we know that we will not struggle alone. God fills our spirit, develops our character. God helps us define who we are & who we become.

I can have all the money and resources in the world, but without God.... I am bankrupt.

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; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Be challenged this week to not think about how your life could be different “if only you had more...” and instead examine what you have, and how you could better use it for His glory.

*Written by Gena McCown for the TC3 Women's Ministry Devotion Blog