Do you feel like you never have enough money? The writer of Ecclesiastes says that whoever loves money never has enough. Take a read of what else he says.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-12

¹⁰ Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
This too is meaningless.

¹¹ As goods increase,
so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owners
except to feast their eyes on them?

¹² The sleep of a laborer is sweet,
whether they eat little or much,
but as for the rich, their abundance
permits them no sleep.

How tempting it is for us to love money.  Perhaps not the notes and coins themselves, but all the things they can buy… security, reputation, leisure, comfort, exciting experiences.  Even (perhaps especially) a sense of self-sufficiency and independence.  But, for the Teacher of Ecclesiastes, the love of money makes his list of “meaningless things.”

There are endless reasons for wanting more money…   what is it for you?  Food on the table next week?  A pleasant retirement?  A new phone or new clothes?  Funding your favourite hobby?  An overseas holiday?  These aren’t all wrong things!  But herein lies the snare:  how much money is enough?  How much money would buy you security, productivity, or pleasure?

A couple of years after graduation, I remember some of my Uni friends reflecting that they weren’t saving much more money than during their student days – it seemed that the more they earned, the more they found things to spend their money on!  The answer is that no amount of money will satisfy us.  The more we get, the more we want.  The more we think we need.  Riches aren’t even a guarantee that we won’t worry… there is simply more to worry about losing.  There is more at stake for us.  So, in creeps worry, anxiety, and more striving… robbing us of peace and sleep.

Jesus spoke candidly and often about money.  Money itself is not a problem, but the love of money is.  And Jesus warned strongly against the love of money.  He warned people to be on their guard against all kinds of greed, for life does not consist in the abundance of one’s possessions (Luke 12:15).  Rather, what we need most is to trust God.  To understand that he knows what we need, and to trust him when we are tempted to worry.  To seek God first – and his kingdom and righteousness. (Matt 6:32-33)  To store up treasures in heaven, through his grace to us in Jesus – trusting that they will be infinitely greater and longer-lasting than any treasures of earth.(Matt 6:19-21)  This is where life is truly found.

Head:  Why do you think money is such a snare for people?  Why did Jesus warn so strongly against it?  (Grow Deeper – Mark 10:17-31)

Heart: How does it make you feel to trust God before worrying about earthly treasures? What makes it hard for you to trust?

Hands:  Money is a great servant, but a terrible master.  How can you use your money to seek God first, and invest in his kingdom?  Think big and small, close and far away.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you that through the cross, you have lavished riches upon me, and made me your child.  Lord, I confess that I too easily cling to the things of earth.  Help me to trust you, to seek first your kingdom, and grant me wisdom, through your Spirit, to make godly decisions. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

A song to listen to:  “My Soul Finds Rest (Psalm 62)”

Josiah Wilson

This Grow Daily was originally posted as part of the Must See Passages series in 2016. During the School Holidays we take the opportunity to look back at the best of Grow Dailys over the years.