This the second article in a series on unreliable idols. For Part 1 on Fame, click here.
Money may be the most misunderstood idol worshiped today. Many of the patriarchs of the Bible—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, and others—were both rich and righteous. The problem with money is not desiring it but greed, which is loving it more than anything else.
Idol of Fortune
In the book of 1 Timothy, Apostle Paul tells his son in the faith to “instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17 NASB). This verse addresses two common drivers behind money accrual: Provision and pleasure.
Money as Provision
No one accumulates wealth simply for the sake of having money. Money has very little actual value (a $100 bill costs ten cents to print). Money is valuable because of what it represents, and for many that is security.
I have a friend who grew up watching his parents discuss the mounting bills they had to pay many nights. One of his primary reasons for obtaining an engineering degree was never having to worry like his parents constantly did.
The problem with that mindset is that money, just like every other idol, is unreliable. One needs to look no further than this financial crisis to understand how a mountain of cash can transform into a valley of debt overnight.
Money as Pleasure
Many of us agree with the popular adage, “Money can’t buy you happiness,” yet we don’t live it out. We believe that obtaining that car, house, or vacation will fulfill us.
King Solomon, the richest man on the face of the planet during his lifetime (1 Kings 10:23), put that theory to the test. Here is a small subset of the things he used his money to buy: luxurious homes, legions of servants, exclusive live entertainment, and the most beautiful women in the world (Ecclesiastes 2:4-8). Yet he said, “When I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:11a ESV).
Solomon recognized that there was a yearning in his heart that material possessions couldn’t satisfy. There was something more than the natural, something supernatural, that his heart desired.
God of Provision and Pleasure
Jesus said the Father knows our needs and will always meet them—if only we keep our priorities straight (Matthew 6:22-23). More than that, He promises to provide us ample resources to enjoy life.
As 1 Timothy 6:17 says, God richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. This promise may not guarantee us a six-figure salary or an island in the Caribbean, but it does secure us what our hearts truly desire: the presence of God Himself. For in God’s presence there is “fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
Conclusion
If life has robbed you of your resources, know that you don’t have to hold out until you’re financially stable to experience security. You don’t have to hang on until you’re rich to be deeply satisfied. Our heavenly Father is offering you both blessings today if you are willing to exchange your idol for Him.
“I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.”
(Psalm 16:8-9 ESV)