Could money worries be fatal?
Worrying about money and wealth is a national pass time. Americans are very focused on making money and they seem to be very good at it. It is normal to have about ten days of paid leave in US companies, compared to about thirty days in Europe. If you are tied into that level of commitment you better value earning money as it takes over life. Money is extremely useful and it can be used to bring about tremendous good, when we share it, helping the hungry, the homeless and the lost.
One of the dangers of money is that it can give us a false sense of security, lulling us into a reassuring state that we are in control and that we have the power to do what we like so long as we can afford it. I feel very sorry for those who have lost a lot of money in the recent stock market crash. We have not because most of our assets are in our home, but that has also gone down in value and so has our business….Our financial shock started a few years ago and it absorbed much of our thoughts and time. It took away our power, our status and a sense of control.
Of course we never really had much power or control anyway but the perception can be reassuring. The Bible warns us of assuming too much: “Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog-it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil.” (James 4:13-16)
Our financial situation is more threatening now than when we first experienced a downturn in our personal finances. However, it seems so much better because we no longer expect to be in control. Martyn and I worry less and pray more and Jesus gives us encouragement and reassurance. Recently our van “died”. Martyn suggested that we should pray and soon after a good friend gave us one of his cars. It had belonged to his wife who had died a year ago and he very kindly offered it to us. Meanwhile, the talented Welsh man who has been working on our roof applied his technical skills to our van. He managed to salvage it and now that California has re-introduced the scheme to pay money to car owners whose cars fail the smog test, we will now receive $1,000 dollars for the vehicle. A few weeks later, I was handed a $100.00 visa card at church. Minutes before I had told a friend that we were enjoying an opportunity for kids to find out mote about the Bible in our home, but feeding teenage boys regularly could be expensive. The gift was perfectly timed and was a reassurance that Jesus understands and cares about what we are doing. I believe that the givers will be blessed for they are significantly involved in God’s work.
At different times in our lives we may have much or little money, but it is important that we do not let it, or other concerns, dominate our thoughts, words and actions. I can say with confidence that Jesus will take care of us. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us that Jesus can very competently deal with our worries: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all that he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything that we can understand.” This does not mean that we complain at God but rather that we should trust Him with the outcome with a thankful and faithful heart.
Unless we re-focus our lives and yield control to Jesus, we are in danger of looking like the seeds in the parable about the sower (Matthew 13) that started to grow but they were choked by the thorns. Verse 22 explains that “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.” Isn’t it ironic that stressing about life’s worries and pursuing wealth as a life goal can actually prevent us from being fruitful as Christians. In fact these people, along with those who give up as a result of persecution (verse 21and blog post: “Christians should expect persecution“) are in danger of falling away completely. They may earn lots of money but in the end this will not solve the eternal issues of life and death and peace, and our need for the wonderful presence of Jesus in our lives. Let’s not crowd out Jesus with other distractions.
In answer to the question “Could money worries be fatal?”, the answer is yes. Not only are we more likely to suffer an early heart attack but also a preoccupation with money can prevent us worshiping the one who can give us everlasting life. This would be fatal.
Christian Women Respond: trust Jesus completely whether you do or don’t have much money.
www.WomenRespond icom
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Just for the record, not all Americans are focused on making money. We work to make ends meet and to enjoy life. Most people work for minimum wage and can barely make ends meet.
If we could have 30 days of paid vacation like the Europeans, we would be overjoyed!! But the employers want us to work more – without extra pay. Not every state has the law like California, where some jobs get paid for overtime even though they are salaried. I know families where both the husband and wife each have 2 jobs so their kids can be involved in activities at school, and they can afford some of the luxeries in life.
So make sure you really know what you are talking about when you generalize that “Americans are focused on money”, as you drive your Jaguar down the street.
Sorry, I was over simplistic. I agree that many Americans do not want the focus to be on money but because they are in a company that forces them to work long hours for little pay, they have no choice. In many instances they are working hard to make a lot of money for someone else. Certainly many company executives seem to be focusing on money and profit and that is why so many are expected to work such long hours. Americans are generally generous, positive and trusting, but it still seems to me that the dollar and what it can buy is too much of a focus for many who have influence. Britain is moving in the same direction, although until recently there was more focus on public drinking of alcohol and meeting friends, in my one- sided opinion!
The real challenge is for each person to question to what extent we are driven by money or materialism. Money is a necessary resource to buy the things we need. When money, or anything else becomes more important to us than Jesus it can become a god. Idolatry is putting something else in the place of Jesus in our lives. Idols can include children, work, cars, appearance, intellectual excellence.. and Buddha etc.
The parable of the sower warns us that we can be preoccupied with other things and fail to worship Jesus. This is a danger that we all face whether rich or poor, old or young. Our spiritual growth is capable of being stunted
if we are inwardly focused and worrying or complaining about what we don’t have or dwelling on what we resent or
fear . Instead we should pray to Jesus about our worries, confess our resentment and trust Him with everything. This is true for those of us who are not earning much money at the moment. We need to seek Jesus’ help. The plight of many Americans’ financial situation is terrible but the response from rich and poor must be to seek Jesus’ help and make wise decisions based on the Word of God.
We are all tempted to look at what people do or do not have and make assumptions about their lifestyles. Sometimes we are right and often we are wrong. The Word of God needs to speak to us individually so that we can repent of sin and make necessary changes. Your words indicate that you may sense that our Jaguar is suggestive of elitism, wealth etc…and therefore I am being somewhat hypocritical and ignorant of the financial pain experienced by many. I do understand because for at least a year after Martyn bought it seven years ago I would not sit in the car because I did not want to appear rich when I was not. However, the car is now fifteen years old and is worth less than $4,000. It is running well and although we have thought of exchanging it, we can’t risk the mechanical problems that we might purchase at that price.
We all need to ask God to show us where we are idolatrous, or greedy and all the other things that we tend to be guilty of. I am guilty of making an over generalized comment regarding Americans’ focus on money, but please don’t assume anything about our Jaguar. It provides us with affordable motoring which we rely on at the moment!
Of course we are all pathetically lost and sinful and every day we struggle with our human nature. The good news is that Jesus understands and He wants to help us. He paid the price for our sin when He died on the cross, and I for one, need that forgiveness and His presence to help me get through each day. May God bless you as you find out more about Him.
Thank you for admitting your error and one-sided opinion. I agree that the media, Hollywood, and marketing make money, expensive cars and clothes sound like only these things will truly make you happy and successful. If a person stops listening to that nonsense, and focuses on family, friends, and God (not necessarily in that order), they will discover, like I have, that happiness does not come from things. It comes from the love and goodness in your heart, being with family and friends, and from loving and trusting God. – darcy