A famous Hollywood celebrity once scoffed at the idea that money can’t buy happiness, saying, “Look at the smile on my face! Although still wealthy, a few years later that actor was divorced and battling substance abuse (and probably not smiling anymore.) So what does bring happiness? Howard Dayton joins us to talk about that.
A chapter in your book Your Money Counts is titled "What's Really Important." Is it money?
Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, was a rich man who didn't hesitate to say that riches don't bring happiness: In Ecclesiastes 5 he writes, "He who loves money shall never have enough. The foolishness of thinking that wealth brings happiness! The more you have, the more you spend, right up to the limits of your income"
But the world doesn't think that, does it?
Most people believe you can buy happiness. No matter the income level, Americans say they need about 40 percent more than they make. The Bible offers a sharp contrast to this attitude. As someone has said, money will buy: - A bed but not sleep; - Books but not brains; - Food but not an appetite; - A house but not a home; - Medicine but not health; - Amusement but not happiness; - A crucifix but not a Savior
As people begin to understand that, do they wonder if money is evil in some way?
Yes, but of course, money is not evil. It’s morally neutral. Money can be used for good, such as supporting missionaries or building hospitals. It also can be used for evil, such as financing illegal drugs and pornography. 1 Timothy 6:10 reads, "The love of money is a root of all sorts of evil." The Bible doesn't condemn money itself, only the misuse of it.
Another misconception among believers is that godly people will always prosper financially. How do you address that?
Christians often embrace one of two extremes. Some say if you’re really spiritual, you must be poor, because wealth and a close relationship with Christ can’t coexist. The second and opposite extreme is the belief that if a Christian has enough faith he or she will enjoy uninterrupted financial prosperity. The Bible doesn't say that a godly person must live in poverty. A godly person may have material resources. Proponents of the so-called “prosperity gospel” believe all Christians who truly have faith always will prosper. This extreme also is in error.
Why then do you suppose the Lord doesn’t always bless godly people financially?
There are three reasons: First, due to violating a Scriptural principal. Second, the building of godly character. And third, is the mystery of God's sovereignty - sometimes we simply can't understand or explain His decisions. Scripture never teaches the necessity of poverty or uninterrupted prosperity. What it does teach is the responsibility of being a faithful steward.
So God's perspective of prosperity is quite a bit different from the world's?
The Lord evaluates true riches based on His spiritual value system. In Revelation 2:9 we read, "I [the Lord] know your tribulation and your poverty, but you are rich."
How should we manage money?
Scripture offers three instructions.
First, be humble. 1 Timothy 6:17 tells us, "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited."
Second, put no confidence in your assets. 1 Timothy 6 goes on to say, "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not - to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy."
Third, give generously. Continuing in that passage, "Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed."
Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at Questions@MoneyWiseLive.org:
Is it wise to purchase cancer insurance that is offered through your employee benefits?
What can you do if your husband refuses to talk about finances and you have a good income but no savings?
What's the best way to eliminate debt on multiple high interest rate credit cards?
How can you manage taxable income from an inherited annuity if you are afraid it will affect your Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidy?
If you and your wife are struggling to find an affordable house to purchase in Florida but your landlord wants to raise your rent on your 1 bedroom apartment to $2000 a month, should you just go ahead and buy?
What's the best route to paying off your house, if you have no other debt, make a decent income, fully fund your tithing and retirement savings, and have $30,000 in cash?
Is it wise to refinance your two rental properties worth $200,000 to purchase an additional property, if you also have a 2.8% mortgage on your primary residence?
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