WRITTEN BY DR. JIM GRASSI
I once asked a multi-millionaire how much more it would take for him to be happy and fulfilled in life. His response was disappointing: “I need one more million than I have today. And tomorrow it will be another million.” For him, money was a barrier to living an abundant life in Christ.
Jesus came so that when we put our faith in Him, we have eternal life with Him, and while we are here on earth, we may enjoy life and have it in abundance (John 10:9-10). Many people think that “abundance” is synonymous with “wealth,” but Jesus wasn’t talking about having a lot of money. In fact, Jesus knew that if we did not keep money and wealth in proper perspective, it would actually become a hindrance to living an abundant life. An abundance of money doesn’t necessarily deliver a joyful life and doesn’t produce an abundant life.
God doesn’t want us to give our hearts to the pursuit of wealth. Money is neither good nor evil; however, our affection toward it determines its hold over us. Jesus warned, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24). He also warned against all types of greed because possessions don’t bring meaning (Luke 12:15).
King Solomon, armed with a bottomless bank account, staged a fantastic experiment to discover what gives people purpose and happiness in life. He built elaborate houses, vineyards, gardens, parks, and reservoirs, amassed possessions of every kind to a degree beyond anyone else before him, and denied himself no pleasure imaginable, from entertainment and fine wines to a large harem.
“Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:3-11).
In the end, it all left Solomon empty.
“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” – C.S. Lewis
When money is our chief ambition, we’re like that child. We are simply unaware of our deepest desires until we experience a profound sense of awe in God’s presence. When we find our ultimate satisfaction and enjoyment in God, He is our most valued prize—our treasure, joy, and delight. Our enjoyment of God dramatically shapes our perspective and conduct, including how we relate to money. When the Lord is our ultimate source of satisfaction, we have found a life of abundance—overflowing with divine joy, peace, and purpose—for all eternity.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:19-21
Personal Application: Have you experienced the abundant life Jesus wants to give you? If not, where are you searching for it? What is the difference between heavenly and earthly treasures? Observe your attitude toward money this week and intentionally seek your satisfaction and enjoyment from God—marveling at His creation, spending time with His people, worshipping Him, reading His Word, and talking with Him.
- Taken in part from Overcoming Barriers Men Face: Biblical Thoughts on Issues Confronting Men Today by Jim Grassi, D. Min
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5