Money Myth Debunked: Money Management is the KEY!
In the January 6th, 2004 Fort Smith newspaper, Southwest Times Record, Mary Hunt had a list of MYTHS about money, which Lois read to me and I was impressed with most of them, especially the first one. Let us examine it, and then make some valid points that are related, also some that are related to what the Lord said in the Scriptures to spirituality.
Myth: “If I just had more money, all of my problems would go away.”
Reality: “Until you learn how to take care of the money you have already, more money will never be enough.”
This reminds me of a seminar I took some years ago in Manhattan Kansas, at KSU. I was given a folder that had this on the cover: “You don’t get rich by making money, but by managing the money you make.” That has stuck with me these several years. I see a number of people who have made a lot of money, and yet they can never seem to keep their heads above the financial waters in the lake of money management. I am convinced that anyone can spend more money than they make. However, most of us could get by on less than we do. There is a great difference between what we need and what we want! The Lord points to principles that indicates that He is interested in man learning to live within his/her means, and not be wasteful, etc. Paul points to the need to be satisfied when one has the necessities of materials and places his trust in the Lord: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (I Timothy 6:6-8).
There is nothing wrong, as I see in the scriptures, in desiring to have some of the better things of life (materially speaking) IF that is not our prime goal in life. Yet, many could live a lot better than they do, if they learned to manage the money they make honestly in a profession that is decent, doing good for oneself and helping others. (Cf. Ephesians 4:28). It appears to me that the Lord shows how foolish it is to go out and squander one’s money away. Consider the Prodigal son (Luke 15:11-16). This son had wasted his money and found himself in a condition that was very distasteful, to say the least. However, this son “came to himself,” which many modern-day people seem never to do.
It is easy to develop the attitude that people who have money, materials, and things that might be seen as “the better things of life” got them by luck or unfairly, keeping others (especially them) from having them. However, beloved, I’m convinced that any normal person can get adequate training to do a job so that he/she can make a decent living, support the family (Cf. I Timothy 5:8), and have the necessities of life. Surely, this is true in Modern America, our nation. But it does take some money management. Anyone can do it, but many don’t. They go through life thinking I was just unfortunate; others are luckier than I am! Beloved that is a myth, not true, a false idea -- really an excuse!
Money is not the answer. Rather, a mind set is the key! First, let us all remember that we can make money a god, and it will fail us in the end (Cf. Matthew 6:24): “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” We are warned against trusting in riches (I Timothy 6:17-18).
Secondly, let us all remember that the proper use of money is necessary in pleasing God and having a decent life here and now. A healthy attitude toward money - its limited ability, and the need to manage what we have will enable us to be more fruitful in the Lord’s service. Look at the different talents: USE is the key factor, isn’t it (Matthew 25:14-30).
