Posts Tagged ‘money’

When Money’s not Enough

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Last night I turned on the TV to catch the late night news. On the screen I saw photos of two men’s faces, side-by-side. The commentator said, “Charlie Sheen and Muammar Gaddifi–what do these men have in common?” The commentator then proceeded to answer her own question. She said both men tend to rant illogically. She also said it appears that mental illness may be an issue.

Here’s a third commonality: Both men are filthy rich. Sheen earns $2.5 million for every episode of “Two and a Half Men” and his net worth is nearly $100 million. Gaddafi’s net worth is approximately $1 billion. That’s more money than most people can fathom. These guys can buy anything they want. Or can they?

Actually, no. Psalm 49:6,7 says, “They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God.”

Sheen and Gaddafi might have more money than most, but their lives are a mess. They’ve hurt many people around them, and they’re doomed for destruction barring spiritual transformation. How will they find that transformation? Certainly not by buying it. No amount of money will purchase the redemption of their souls. Christ alone can do it for them, but it won’t happen unless they place their trust in Him rather than in their wealth or, in Gaddafi’s case, their military might.

“But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave,” says Psalm 49:15. That’s true for me and for all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Money’s not enough to save anyone’s life. It might buy a fancy new car, but it can’t bring inner peace. It might buy a beautiful house, but it can’t buy love to make it a home. It might purchase stylish clothing, but it can’t clothe me in the robe of righteousness. It can buy an expensive casket, but it’ll never purchase eternal salvation for the soul.

Here’s my personal challenge: As I see these guys’ faces in the media, what action do I take on their behalf? Shake my head at their craziness and misplaced trust? Or pray that they’ll understand how God has paid a ransom for their lives and place their trust in Him?

Question: God wants our trust to be in Him alone. Have you placed your trust in anything besides Him for happiness?

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Does Money Bring Peace?

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

What brings inner peace?

Many folks think it comes from prosperity. Everything would be okay if only I had more money. And so they work harder. They slave longer hours. They claw their way up the career ladder only to discover emptiness at the top.

No one would deny that money reduces stress in a lot of different ways. A reliable car, for instance, removes the worry of breaking down on the freeway. Food, health care, a roof over our heads with the mortgage being met regularly—all of these help make life easier, thanks to money. But money can never guarantee inner peace. One glimpse at a troubled celebrity’s life verifies this is true.  

True peace thrives apart from circumstances and belongings. Jesus’ example and teaching prove this is true. Billy Graham made this observation: “Jesus didn’t leave a material inheritance to His disciples. All He had when He died was a robe, which went to the Roman soldiers; His mother, whom He turned over to His brother John; His body, which He gave to Joseph of Arimathea; and His Spirit, which returned to His Father. But Jesus willed His followers something more valuable than gold, more enduring than vast landholdings and more to be desired than palaces of marble—He willed us His peace.”

So how does one access that peace? Through a right relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace. It begins by acknowledging Him as Savior –trusting Him for forgiveness of sins and for eternal life. And it grows as we pursue a friendship with Him by reading His Word and praying, by fellowshipping with other believers, and walking in obedience to His commands. Money has nothing to do with it.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you,” said Jesus. Herein lies the secret to inner peace. Do you know that peace today?

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Obedience and Spiritual Well-Being

Friday, May 28th, 2010

Obedience to God is vital to one’s spiritual growth and effectiveness. Without it, we’re like a brittle bush, stunted and unfruitful. I know. I’ve been there. That’s how my spiritual life felt for a year while I tried to persuade God that He was wrong in asking me to write Moving From Fear to Freedom.

Thankfully He didn’t let up. He persisted, His finger of conviction pointing straight at my rebellious attitude every time I opened my Bible or tried to pray. When I finally agreed to do what He’d asked me to do, I experienced a surge of physical strength and mental creativity that lasted until the manuscript was complete.

I also experienced the thrill of seeing God change my ideas along the way. I’d written a list of women whose stories I hoped to include in the book, but each time I started a new chapter, He’d bring someone else along whose testimony was even more relevant. Every day was a new journey that led me into a deeper understanding of His adequacy, and that understanding has enabled me to say yes more readily to other assignments.

The more spiritual birthdays I celebrate, the more I believe that obedience to a believer is like water to a potted plant. With it, we flourish. Without it, we shrivel up. Psalm 119 is loaded with insights about it. Here are some to ponder:

“Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found” (Psalm 119:34,35).

“I will keep on obeying your instructions forever and ever. I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments” (Psalm 119:44,45).

“Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived. I reflect at night on who you are O LORD; therefore, I obey your instructions. This is how I spend my life; obeying your commandments” (Psalm 119:54-56).

Good stuff, eh? These words make obedience sound like a good thing rather than something to be done with gritted teeth. Imagine – we experience joy and freedom when we do what God says. What a concept!

I can relate to the Psalmist. I choose to spend my life obeying God’s commandments. That’s not always easy. Sometimes doing so interferes with my own plans. Sometimes it requires sacrifice of time, energy, and money. Sometimes it means doing something I just don’t feel like doing. But I’m getting smarter in my old age, and I know that it’s necessary for spiritual growth, fruitful living and for overall peace with God. What can beat that?

What’s your story? What’s your take on obedience and its importance to your spiritual well-being?

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Abe Believed God

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

Abraham believed God’s promise (Gen. 15:6). Do I demonstrate the same level of trust?

Take finances, for instance. How often have I heard God’s promise to provide our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus? And yet, how often have I felt afraid in money matters? The fear comes from my lack of understanding God’s ability to provide, not from His inability to do so. Heaven knows He’s more than able.

What about His ability to give me wisdom when I’m faced with decisions about the direction I’m to go? He’s promised to direct my steps if I trust in Him (Prov. 3:5,6).

For every issue I face, there’s a God-given promise. It’s up to me whether or not I choose to believe that promise is true.

Abraham chose to believe, and God was pleased. I want to follow his example. I know it’s not always easy, but it’s always the best thing to do because God cannot lie. He’s faithful. He will fulfill.

How about you? What God-given promise are you choosing to believe even though, humanly, the odds are stacked against you?

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