The Last Chapter And Money

“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” – I Timothy 6:9

We have all heard the statement that money can’t buy happiness. No one really believes this as testified by a society that scratches and claws its way to get as much green as it can. We try to convince ourselves and those around us that riches will never lay claim to our souls. I used to say that money can’t buy happiness, but it can certainly keep you from being sad. Here again I’m not so sure, as I have seen many sad people whose bank accounts would suggest the opposite to be true. Time and experience start to instruct us along the way demanding that we pay close attention to these experienced teachers.

Try to convince any youth that the goal in life is not to make money but to make much of God, as John Piper would say. But such appeals usually fall on deaf ears. I have talked to many young people who say we are kidding ourselves when we say that money can’t buy happiness. They look at a life spent in poverty and one spent in wealth and conclude there is no contest. I understand their reasoning but only from the reference point of youth. Inner turmoil is often camouflaged in jewels, yachts, and cocktail parties. Those who believe the almighty dollar will rescue them from pain have only to wait for time and experience to write the final chapter. Once life is spent, their view of happiness will take a different twist. Age has a way of putting the finishing touches on wisdom. At least that’s the way I see things.