Would you like to have more money? Would you even say that you love money? In America, many of us are tempted to love money. Most of us worry about it and want more of it. Today, we'll talk about the truth about money because if you want to be a leader who makes today count, you have to grasp the concept of what
money really is and what we are to do with it.
King Solomon was an extremely wealthy man. In Ecclesiastes chapter 5, he shares some important truths that having wealth has taught him.
1. If you love money, you will never be satisfied. (v10)
- The more you have, the less satisfied you will be because you’ll always want more.
- “I’m a simple man, I don’t need a lot, I’m good right here with what I got, but a little more, a little more, a little more would be alright.” – Drew Green
- Coveting causes anxiety and disappointment when you don’t get what you want. Or guilt and shame from running up debt trying to get what you don’t have.
- Living for the things that money can buy is vanity. It’s like chasing after the wind, which can never be grasped.
2. Having money costs money. (v11)
- Having money attracts a circle of people who you end up spending your money on.
- What’s the advantage? Solomon says there is none. All he can do is watch
people take and use his money. - The more property you own, the more toys you have – the more money you need to take care of those things.
3. Money is stressful. (v12)
- Loving money causes stress and loss of sleep.
- A rich man’s diet can have negative physical affects.
- The worker isn’t consumed with the cash flow. He physically works hard and sleeps like a baby.
- Don’t assume that having more money is always a blessing.
4. If you’re selfish with money, it will hurt you. (v13-14)
- God gives so that we can be generous with others.
- Money can be easily lost.
- Financially plan for your family. (Proverbs 13:22)
- Count on God to provide for you, not your money.
- Saving up your money doesn’t mean you’ll get to keep it.5. Money disappears at death. (v15-17)
- What is the point of loving money when it causes loneliness and frustration,
and you don’t get to take it with you when you die. - At the end of life, you will not be thinking about money. You will be asking,
- Did I making a difference? Are the people I love with me? Where am I going when I die?
6. Money is a gift from God and so is the ability to enjoy it. (Ch 6, v1-2)
- The only way to enjoy wealth is to put God first.
- Enjoyment doesn’t come from the “stuff,” it comes from God.
- Enjoy God first, and then you can enjoy the blessings He gives to you.
7. The person who is truly blessed is the one who knows God and has a genuine relationship with Him through His Son Jesus.
- When material things come your way, you can enjoy them without coveting
- At the end of your life, you won’t care about how much money you have; you’ll care about how much love you have given.
- Don’t love money, love God and use the money you have be generous and to glorify Him.
Bottom line: Love money and enjoy nothing or love God first and enjoy everything.
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