The Delusion of Wealth

Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6:10-12; 1 Timothy 6:17-19

A national survey, conducted by scientists at the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, found that over half of Americans feel at least moderate stress in their lives. What is surprising is that the more highly paid and educated report higher and more persistent levels of stress. Apparently, education may lead to a higher income, but not necessarily to a higher life. Indeed, stress soared with the level of income, a factor many economically pressed citizens can hardly understand. And, more bad news, those who can most afford to enjoy the high life often don’t, missing meals and sleep, drinking more often, and getting less exercise. Perhaps even more unexpected, women, usually considered more tolerant of difficult situations, suffer more stress than men.

It seems that money becomes so important to people that all other aspects of life become secondary. When that happens, wealth becomes a vicious deity, inflicting an equally vicious penalty. Anticipating the problem from the first, God explained how we could have peace with him and financial security. God clothed Adam and Eve with skins, undoubtedly from the animal he sacrificed as an offering for their sins. God was teaching a lesson: he will be faithful to our needs if we are faithful to his forgiveness.

Courtesy of Speaker’s Sourcebook of New Illustrations by Virgil Hurley © 1995 by Word, Incorporated.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV © 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
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