I’ve learned that money can indeed buy happiness!
It’s a happy day when you sit in a new car, or launch a new boat. It’s fun to put on a new pair of shoes or jump in your own pool. But I’ve also learned that the happiness purchased has a pretty short shelf life!
The Divine opens a can full of learning when the story is told by Jesus of a wealthy young leader asking the Lord what he would need to do to receive eternal life. Let’s pick up the story in Mark chapter ten…Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Mark 10:21 Most folks think this story is about money. It’s not! It’s about anything that keeps you from offering your best to the creator and sustainer of life. I love to refer to that CREATOR & SUSTAINER AS ‘THE DIVINE.”
The making and keeping of big bucks takes considerable effort. Left unchecked, money becomes a master when not held in check. Our hearts lean toward what we care about most. If the bulk of our waking moments are consumed by the thought of making more money, then we are distracted.
Of course we need to do our work with excellence. But, if making money becomes our consuming focus, then its devotion competes with the Divine. Billions of people wake up every day to make money, but are they making money or is money making them? If our lives are consumed by money, there isn’t much left for a life well spent.
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13).
Jesus said that greatness is what hangs in the balance when we choose padding our pockets over serving others. He is the one who said “if you want to be great, serve.”
When you allow money to love you, you feel a debt to more money. Your emotions and energies feel obligated to love back. A love affair with money and the stuff it affords you leaves nothing for the lover of your soul. And, without an intense love relationship with the Divine, you will become discontented and unfulfilled. A passionate relationship with the Divine will always satisfy your soul.
When you let God love you—then you are compelled to love Him. The distraction of another dollar is derailed by a love relationship with your Creator. Then give generously to whom He loves, especially the poor. Generous givers love God, not money. Heavenly rewards await the folks that send ahead what they cannot keep.
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:19-21)
I’ve had a few seasons when I had money, and I’ve endured seasons when it seems as though I’d never make it to payday. Paul wrote that he had “learned to be content with little or with much.” As for me, I’ve yet to learn that lesson. I tend to worry, fret and toil over money. I am convinced that we should work hard, that we should kick butt and take names. I think we should want to succeed and strive for more. I also think that’s we should seek the blessing and heart of the Divine. Only one can be your master. Choose well!
—AChuck