What do you think of money? Perhaps you are not exactly sure how to articulate it, or maybe to divulge your musings would be a bit embarrassing. But there is certainly nothing wrong with having “enough” money, after all money can be used to accomplish good things—but it can also be a gruesome taskmaster, and steal away the true substance of life as God intended for us to live it. He said, “…a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (Luke 12:15)” And yet so many have succumbed to the “song of the sirens,” and fallen into the clutches of the dollar gods who exploit our obsession, only for evil.
Though I am sure it is not a categorical truth, it seems to me that few “professionals” (e.g. medical, legal, engineering, political, retail, etc.) offer their services for the health and betterment of mankind (My apologies to the exceptions). Most seem to be motivated these days by the insatiable desire to obtain more money. Moral and ethical decency seem to be set aside in order to gather dollars from the dark side—No, not illegally, but with motives and methods that they would rather not disclose.
These are not my ideas, but God’s. He has said, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1Timothy 6:10)” These words are applicable to individuals, families, churches, businesses, and governments. But our God is no cosmic killjoy who desires to keep us poor and miserable. After all, His Son, Jesus, taught us, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)”
So, how much is enough? What are our basic needs? The Lord instructs us, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (1Timothy 6:6-9)”