How Much is Enough?

“…greed—for lack of a better word—is good.” If you are a child of the 80s like me, you will immediately recognize this line from one of the most iconic movies of that decade: Wall Street. In the film, Gordon Gekko, the main character, was ruthless in his pursuit of more: more money, more fame, more prestige.

Let’s be honest. In many ways, Gordon epitomized what that decade was all about, and his values seemed to trickle down into all of our lives.

Didn’t we all want the biggest hair, flashiest clothes, loudest music? And who can forget TV shows like Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, Dynasty and Dallas? Which all seemed to say that a life of extreme wealth and excess was the ultimate goal.

No limits. Nothing was enough. Greed was good.

But was it really that good for Gordon? Scratch beneath the surface of his fancy clothes and beautiful home, and you see a very different picture. You see a man acting from a place of fear, insecurity and anxiety, whose scheming ways resulted in broken relationships and disappointments. You see a man who more closely resembles Ebenezer Scrooge than a dashing Wall Street executive.

So, if greed is just a façade, then why is it so easy to fall into its trap? We need to ask ourselves, is greed really good?

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus clearly teaches us what our perspective on money should be: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” I think the key statement here is, “there your heart will be also.”

Jesus was more concerned with the state of our hearts than the size of our bank accounts.

Where are we investing our time, energy and focus? Are our efforts bringing glory to God and His Kingdom, or glory to ourselves? Are we chasing an eternal treasure, or are we spinning our wheels chasing things that will not last?

If you feel that your focus has shifted too far and maybe you have lost a biblical perspective on money, follow these four steps to ensure your heart is aligned with God’s plan for your life: 1: Seek first His Kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33) 2: Recognize God as the Creator and Owner of everything (1 Chronicles 29:11) 3: Trust in God to provide for your every need (Philippians 4:19) 4: Find contentment in God’s provision (Hebrews 13:5)

So, what about Gordon? Well, he ultimately ends up in jail. However, the most impactful scene for me is toward the end of the movie when his protégé, Buddy, finally sees him for the lying, cheating, egomaniac that he is. Someone concerned with his own power and status and zero concern for the lives of the people his decisions affect.

Buddy asks him a simple yet profound question: “How much is enough?”

Friends, when was the last time you asked yourself that question, and how would you honestly answer it?

How much is enough? *Image used with permission. *