Rags to Riches to Rags
If you set 10 almonds in front of me, I will eat all 10. If you place 25 there, I will consume every last one, probably in a bowl of oatmeal with fruit on top :-). Generally, we tend to adjust our consumption based on what’s available to us. Nutritionally, it’s called ‘portion control’. According to a 2010 study by researchers at Vanderbilt University, the more money you win in the lottery, the more likely you are to end up bankrupt. And I believe it’s the same principle for people who receive big settlements through a divorce or lawsuit.
‘Get rich’ schemes or opportunities that involve making a lot of money really fast are rarely a good idea if we’re broke already. It was poor choices that got us penniless in the first place, and it’s the loss of self-control that’s keeping us there. Yet there are plenty of people who believe if they could only come in on big cash, it would straighten out their situation, and things would be different this time.
Luke 16:10-13 Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Financial guru Dave Ramsey says most people raise their cost of living and increase their expenses when they come into large sums of money. All of a sudden, everything becomes an emergency or necessity to buy. Studies have also found that the more a person is given in a short amount of time, the quicker they land in debt. The problem is a lack of discipline, and no “pay raise” or “gifting” is going to get to the depth of this habit that is holding us back from prosperity.
You ever think about what this means for our relationship with God? Pastor Craig Groeschel from Lifechurch.tv just finished up a series called “Being Rich”. He reminded me that the promises money makes are deceitful. Money swears us security and happiness, but those gifts are only what God can provide. All money can do is make you more of what you already are. If you’re miserable now, a wad of ‘frogskins’ will only make you more of it. Happiness can’t be bought with cash in hand. Ecclesiastes 5:10 Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
It’s more difficult to depend on God when needs are met with your money. Scripture tells us there’s no faith in the things you can see. Jesus knew money and things would be a competitor for our hearts with God, and He spoke often about it. Truthfully, money has destroyed a few relationships in my life and come between love. In the end, money won’t cure a heart problem.
Sometimes, we don’t realize our desire to work more, so that we earn more, is hurting others. Groeschel pointed out, “If you ever hurt your loved ones so you could work more to make more money, then you serve money, and you’re under its power.” Essentially, we then are a slave to money. Great wealth only distorts what’s really important. We’re called to trust in God who richly provides, not how much we have. Treasure people’s hearts and not our own finances. Be concerned about others and walk in love instead of our own needs and desires. That’s the heart of Jesus.
Don’t let the temporary need or desire for money come between the lasting legacy of love. That’s my two cents. 😉
Heavenly Father, I’m encouraged in your reminders about riches that you knew us even then; the devil has always used the deceit of money against us. It’s a struggle for my mind to understand at times that money is not for me. You are for me, Lord. The riches I find in you cannot be imitated with what the world offers. Help me not to be frustrated in times of need, but to press deeper into my faith, trusting in you.
The richest thing I could have is already living in my heart. Your holy spirit is my most treasured gift. With you, I am already a wealthy woman in this land. I don’t need a castle when I wake up dwelling in your courts. It’s your presence that gives me the peace that money can’t buy. Let my heart never break again. Guide my life, lead me in your disciplines to invest in this gift of you, Jesus. Amen.