Can money meet all human needs? Recently, there was a report in the paper about a woman who used to spend $32,000 a month on designer clothes and accessories, shoes, facials, cosmetic treatments of her fingernails (manicures), cosmetic treatment of her feet and toenails (pedicures), and jewellery. To her, money was everything. With that kind of money, she could do anything she wants. But now she said, "I don’t do this anymore. I don’t have the kind of money today" (The Strait Times, "Wife splurged $32,000 a month on Luxuries," Thursday, February 25, 1999).

This woman whose husband was estimated to be worth a $100 million dollars, had all the money she could have. Why did she spend $32,000 a month to beautify herself? Could she have a low self-image? Despite her luxurious living and lifestyle, had she gotten what she wanted? No. Unfortunately, she was still unhappy. Is money everything? No. Money could not buy her a happy marriage. Money could not stop her from divorcing her husband. Money could not stop her husband from seeing his sweetheart (though money could hire a private investigator to track her husband’s affair with a woman). Money is not the answer to everything.

Dearly beloved, are you one of those who still believe that money is everything? King Solomon, in his pursuit of happiness and satisfaction of life, had sought satisfaction in every aspect of life - science, philosophy, pleasure, possession, wealth and music, religions, but all in vain. He exclaimed, "Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity" (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

Is there a way to a life of happiness? The answer to this question is found in the second last verse of chapter 12 of Ecclesiastes: "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

The wealth and pleasures of the world are here for a moment only and offer only a passing satisfaction, a transient happiness and a fleeting contentment. A man’s soul is far more precious than all the riches in this world (Mark 8:36, 37). Therefore, don’t squander your life in pursuit of a transient satisfaction that will only leave you emptier than before. Don’t waste your youth and energy and resources in the things that cannot ease your innermost longings. Don’t throw away your eternal soul by chasing an illusive dream that will turn to dust in your hand. May your eyes be opened, your priorities be set right and your true sense of values (like the prodigal son who came to his senses and returned to his father in Luke 15:17, 18) be restored by the carpenter from Galilee. Money is not the answer to everything.

How should Christians view money? There are certain biblical principles to follow:

1. Christians do not believe that money is evil (1 Timothy 6:10). They believe that money is only a form of commodity exchange. They need it for buying and selling. They do not believe that money is the answer to everything. They are aware that money can lead to many temptations. Some people who desire to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction (1 Timothy 6:9). Why should they wander from the faith and pierce themselves with many sorrows? Let us be warned of the danger of covetousness!

2. Christians do not place their hope in money. They may have some savings in the bank, but that is not what they place their trust in. Their motto is: "In God We Trust," and not in the mighty dollar. Parents should provide for their children (1 Timothy 5:8). They should save enough for rainy days. Some parents buy insurance for their children. They open a bank account for them. They do everything they can to provide for their future needs. That is scriptural and commendable. However, there are some parents whose hope is solely in their mighty dollar. Their motto is: "In the Mighty Purple Note We Trust." (Can you guess what dollar note I am referring to?)

To remind his people not to put their trust in the mighty dollar, God sends us a plague spasmodically. For example, the economic downturn has taught many people a precious lesson not to place their hope in wealth. A person may be a millionaire today and tomorrow a poor man. In First Timothy, Paul warned the rich not to place their trust in uncertain riches (6:17) because money has wings (Proverbs 23:5; 11:28). Instead he exhorted them to share their riches with those who were in need (6:18, 19; Acts 2:44, 45; 4:32; Romans 12:13).

3. A man’s life is not made up of the abundance of his possessions (Luke 12:15). Riches do not determine a man’s happiness. A friend of mine just lost $300,000 in shares. Of course, he felt sad about it but he did not mourn over his loss. Instead he gave thanks to God for the lessons learned. That should be the Christian’s attitude toward money.

Some think that they have everything
When riches come their way,
But that they’re poor will be revealed
On God’s accounting day.

God has blessed some of you with wealth. May I encourage you to use it to the glory of God. The wise use of money pays eternal dividends. Jesus said, "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21). Some of you may not be blessed with riches. However, this should not stop you from giving glory to God (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Rather you should bring your daily needs to the Lord and wait on him to provide for you (Philippians 4:6, 7; 13). The contented person is never poor; the discontented person is never rich.

Thinking it over
What worries do you have about money?
Which ones can’t God take care of?
Give God your financial worries right now.

Is money everything? Money is not the answer to everything. A struggling soul rightly said, "It’s pretty hard to tell what does bring happiness. Poverty and wealth have both failed." "I don’t care too much for money," said the Beatles’ song, "Money can’t buy me Love." "Money will buy - A bed but not sleep; food but not appetite; a house but not a home; amusement but not happiness; a cross but not a Saviour; a church pew but not heaven." However, what money can’t buy for you, Jesus Christ gives freely without charge.

Friend, have you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? Have you been truly born again? Let me gently remind you that money will not save you from eternal suffering. After you have gone to an unknown world, your loved ones may burn you tons of paper money, buy you the latest paper mobile phone to call for help, or any paraphernalia, but none of these things will help to ease your suffering. Only Jesus can save and rescue you from this impending suffering. Come to Him today!

Lifers, what is your view on money? How should you invest your money? C. T. Studd aptly said, "Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last." May I encourage you to invest your money in God’s business, for it surely pays eternal dividends! Amen.