Wednesday, May 10, 2000
 

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

Ecclesiastes 5:10, New International Version

    We have examples of those who used their wealth wisely and who generously blessed others and honored God in the process -- e.g., Barnabas in Acts 4, see also 2 Cor. 8-9 & 1 Tim. 6:17-18. But, the New Testament repeatedly warns us about our desire for wealth. Unrestrained, this desire can become our god and lead us to ruin (1 Tim. 6:9-10). It can become full-fledged idolatry (Col. 3:5). Chasing after wealth is just another vain attempt to make life meaningful. In the last two verses of Ecclesiastes, the Wise Man reveals where true meaning is found and explains what Paul means when he says, "Godliness with contentment is great wealth." (1 Tim. 6:6).