Most assume that if only they made a couple of hundred dollars more each month, they would be happy. However, the real satisfaction is not found in money but in righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness - in short, living with God and according to His values (see 1 Timothy 6:11). Doing right, responding to others s God would respond, expressing love, being patient with imperfection, and having a realistic appraisal of yourself - these are the things that bring true fulfillment to a relationship.
Not that we should romanticize poverty. Constant deprivation and struggle are equally harmful to the soul, and many affluent couples are true servants of God. But we are to put these things in perspective, as Jesus reminds us: "See the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need" (Matthew 6:33). "Everything" includes food, clothing, and shelter (see Matthew 6:25).
Most of us have to work for a living, and it is by this act that God normally provides our necessities. But work is only one "righteous" act. There are many more, such as godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. We must not allow the pursuit of money to erode these more important areas.
Take some pray and ask God to...
- open your eyes to any wrong motivations or attitudes you may have toward money;
- give you and your loved one the wisdom to give money its proper priority - no more, no less;
- bless your efforts to make money decisions that honor Him.
Take time to reflect on these questions:
- What is your most pressing financial issue at the moment?
- How have you dealt with it so far?
- What changes do you need to make in your approach to the issue so that you can honor God more?
Consider these passages for further study on Money:
Ecclesiastes 5:10 Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
This too is meaningless.
Philippians 4:11-13 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Hebrews 13:5
5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”[a]
Great thoughts of Gary Chapman when communication is very important with relationships on the topic of money. Can you share any wisdom with how you communicate money with your relationships?