The world of advertising is full of “get rich quick” schemes, most of which benefit only the advertisers. But such things are tempting, especially when bills seem big and income seems small. Gambling and lotteries appeal to some until it gets out of hand and they discover that more has been spent than ever comes back. This is a real temptation which can be addictive and a snare which wise people will want to avoid.
More appealing, especially to younger people, is going all out to make more money. This often involves frequent changes of employment and taking on additional jobs which create so much stress that no quality time is left for the more important things in life. Career progression is important, and reward for honest work is a proper expectation. Indeed, the Bible commends honest work to provide for one’s self and one’s family and it rebukes those who are careless and idle (see 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).
It is not money itself that is the problem, it is “the love of money”, as our verse states. Money is necessary and useful as a means to an end. Money is for using, not hoarding and looking for more to hoard. Savings are important for specific or unexpected expenses, but that is different from just loving the luxury of having more.
You will know about people who have amassed large amounts of money, but at great cost to themselves, their health, and their family life. It has been well said that money cannot buy happiness. It can buy a house but not a home, a bed but not a good night’s sleep, food but not an appetite. You know which is more important. And of course you know that money cannot buy a place in heaven. It could never pay the price of our sin. We are “not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold . . . but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19).
Iimage source: Mahdi Bafande (Unsplash)
