There is more to life than money

Money can buy you a lot of things: A beautiful home, a fancy car, the latest gadgets, cool clothes and even fame.

But chasing money often leads to stress, busyness, emptiness, and regret. Running after money will cost you your time and freedom.

Money cannot buy you everything: Money cannot buy you love, peace, good friends, good health, happy memories, and money definitely cannot buy you the beauty of God’s creation.

“Our entire life we chase the wrong things because we think having more money and buying more stuff will make us more happy. But it doesn’t. You know why a billionaire has 100 Ferraris? Because 99 weren’t enough.” – Oliver Markus Malloy

Some people, even though they have loads of money, are still poor because the only thing they have are material possessions.

I watched a Ted Talk recently, where an expert who studied happiness stated that there are so many people who are chasing after wealth and fame. Many will do whatever it takes to be “successful”, but unfortunately many are left unfulfilled.

A while back, I watched a documentary about building your dream home. The program features spectacular and unusual homes. In this episode, a wealthy businessman was so focused on building a huge mansion on a cliff overlooking the sea with breath-taking views, that he ended up cash-strapped, and put his family through severe strain. In striving so hard to finish this giant task, his marriage fell apart, and he was left with an unfinished mess of a home, and was close to bankruptcy.  

What are you prepared to DO to get rich? What are you prepared to GIVE UP in order to have wealth and fame?

Are you prepared to give up on your quality time with family and friends to make money?

Are you prepared to miss out on watching your children grow up in order to be rich?

Are you prepared to give up on your marriage for money?

Are you prepared to take advantage of someone in order to get ahead?

Are you prepared to sacrifice your time and your health in pursuit of fame and fortune?

Are you prepared to give up on your passions and dreams?

Are you prepared to be miserable to achieve success?

Are you prepared to give up the “real you” to pretend to be someone else, just to get ahead and be famous and successful?

Are you prepared to live stressed out, and give up your peace and joy for money?

Are you prepared to compromise on your values in order to make it?

I am not against money. Money can be a great blessing and can lead to great quality of life. It is vital that we have sufficient income to cover our expenses. Show me one father who doesn’t want to be able to give his children the best in life!

In a nutshell, all I am trying to say is that money is not the be all and end all. Money should not dominate our lives. Money will never satisfy and bring inner contentment. Only God can do this!

Chasing after money will leave you stressed out and empty.

There is more to life than money!

I would seriously suggest that you set goals, that you dare to dream, that you aim high and that you attempt great things. It is good to work hard and to be the best you that you can be. But we need balance and we need to ensure that our priorities are right.

I would suggest that you work hard and manage your money well, so that you can build wealth slowly while enjoying the journey. But make sure that you also use your time, treasure and talents to be a blessing to those that God brings across your path.

Lastly, I want to encourage you to remember that there is more to life than money.

Why not put God first and live to please him?

Why not make quality time for your family and friends?

Why not make time to enjoy life?

Why not make time to rest and exercise?

Why not make time to build memories with your loved ones?

Why not live with purpose and passion and run after your dreams?

King Solomon had the following wisdom to share about chasing after money…

“Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!” (Ecclesiastes 5:10)  

“People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep.” (Ecclesiastes 5:12)  

“Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19)

Jesus had the following wisdom to share about chasing after money…

Jesus said “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet loses his soul?” (Mark 8:36)

You can be the richest person on the planet, but be lost for eternity. Your walk with God is more important than your money or lack of it.

True wealth is not in money.

“After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.” (1 Timothy 6:7)

To be truly rich is to know Jesus as your Savior.  

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.” (Psalm 127:1-2)

Living life without God is scary and fruitless. Rest in God and let God be your supply. Jesus gave his all so that we can share eternity with Him. Why not give him your life, along with your burdens and concerns? He wants to walk the journey with you.  

Pray:

Father, today I put my life in your hands. Thank you Jesus for making a way for me to find forgiveness and abundant life. I put my hope in you and ask you to be my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

There is more to life than chasing after money. Live with purpose and passion. And remember, there is more to life that just the here and now. Seek God first. Live to please Him and leave your concerns in His able hands.

God bless you.