The Almighty Dollar

Which is more important: God or money?  A recent Wall Street Journal poll found that money is more important to Americans than belief in God. If that is the case, then we are selling ourselves short.

Oh it’s tempting to believe that money is the answer to our troubles. Understandably, money is in the forefront of most minds. Every time we go to the supermarket and pay our bills, we see rising costs of living taking their heavy toll on our daily lives. We need money to live!

However, at the risk of sounding preachy, let us not put our faith in the “almighty” dollar. Consider this: Governments put a monetary value on human life. Quantifying our worth sets limits and raises the question: when is life worth living and saving?

Value and Purpose

We know the value of human life surpasses dollars and cents. Truly, our purpose extends beyond the here and now, and far past the age of retirement. However, if money is our ruling factor, we may be hard pressed to find full satisfaction.

Fulfillment comes with faith in God; we become participants in the divine life and work of our Lord and Savior. “In him we live and move and have our being” [Acts 17: 28]. Today, many people believe life has value, purpose, and fulfillment without God. If that is the case, then, whatever we do is limited by our own resources.

We also face personal limitations when we believe in God, but unlike human resources, God’s goodness is infinite. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good” [Romans 8:28]. With or without money in the bank, faith in God holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

Saving humanity for eternal life in heaven is God’s plan. Therefore, we are called to partake in our Lord's work of salvation. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” [Colossians 3: 23-24]

Treasure on Earth

Of course, one could say treasures in heaven don’t pay the bills on earth. Understandably, putting faith and trust in what we cannot see is difficult. Besides, as we put together our household budgets and grapple with our debts, it’s tempting to think about winning a multi-million dollar jackpot rather than contemplate our inheritance in heaven.

Certainly, we can do a lot of good in the world with money. But, how we earn it, how we spend it, and what we are willing to compromise to hold onto money also can lead to all kinds of evils. “It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” [1 Timothy 6:10] And what would happen to us and our money should we become a cashless society?

Remember: On U.S. currency is the phrase: In God We Trust. Attempts to remove those words have failed. Therefore, let us not diminish ourselves. For what would it profit us if we gain the whole world and forfeit our souls? May trust and faith in God remain with us always. Amen!