The Idol
The Idol
Question from one of our own: Kevin G.
So guys, here's the question? Do any of you feel as though you don't have a good grasp on the perspective of money or should I say the right attitude? I have been wondering how many people are in this boat. I personally feel like my entire life revolves around the almighty dollar. It is either a question of why don't I have more? What can I do to make more? What do I want to buy now? Where should we go out to eat tonight? Etc. Etc.
Life can feel like a prison, freedom seems so elusive! By the way I do save more than 10%. I say that to say that I am not talking about living pay check to pay check. I am talking about the power of the dollar! My fundamental attitude about money and what it really is. What to do with life long habits and attitudes that have been embraced and imbedded into the core of my soul from childhood. So how does one practically get the right attitude about money and life in general with regard to money?
The "LOVE" of money is the root of all evil! I want to share a dream that I had while in the dentist chair high on "nitrous"! (Now you know why it might be a bit convoluted!) I was walking around up in the clouds and it was right at dusk. In the distance I saw a large bon fire burning with what I thought were people around it laughing and having a great time. As I got nearer to the scene I realized that those around the fire were demons and they were totally oblivious to me watching them. They were standing around this huge bon fire with sparks flying high in the air as they threw stacks and stacks of money into the flames to keep them warm. They were beside themselves with glee as they mocked us crazy humans who would do almost anything for this worthless stuff that they were using to keep themselves warm.
My mind was immediately drawn to all the things I have done for money and all the stress that I personally have put myself thru. I realized that I was one of the people that they were laughing at! This dream has haunted me and it makes me want to try to figure out how to free myself from the "love" of this worthless stuff that they were burning as though it were dried up cow manure. Does anyone have any thoughts?
(Signed Kevin G)
Kevin,
I think I do. I think the Love of Money is directly linked to a self-image problem. Whatever we live for or wrap ourselves in is what we use to make sure we feel loved, secure, powerful, and to create a sense of belonging. Any one of these four needs lacking in our life and we'll search for an external behavior to meet the need.
Your question isn't about how to get rid of your love of money. Your question is, how can you learn to love yourself enough to not need money as part of your identity.
If you want to know the truth, it can be money, sex, drugs, cars, power, anything that makes us feel better about the fact that deep down inside, we actually feel defective. We fear we won't be loved or belong. We fear losing our security. We fear becoming powerless to control our destiny and to protect ourselves. We fear the rest of the world will also define us as being defective.
I've got news for you my frind. YOU'RE NOT DEFECTIVE! You just believe you are. Change your beliefs and you'll change what you love. Change what you love and you won't be driven to excess behaviors.
Your buddy...JL
posted by The "JL" Zone @ 1:12 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
Kevin,
I think I do. Love of money is directly linked to a self-image problem. Whatever we live for or wrap ourselves in is what we use to make sure we feel loved, secure, powerful, and to create a sense of belonging. Anyone of these four needs lacking in our life and we'll search for an external behavior to meet the need.
Your question isn't about how to get rid of your love of money. Your question is, how can you learn to love yourself enough to not need money as part of your identity.
If you want to know the truth, it can be money, sex, drugs, cars, power, anything that makes us feel better about the fact that deep down inside, we actually feel defective. We fear we won't be loved or belong. We fear losing our security. We fear becoming powerless to control our destiny and to protect ourselves. We fear the rest of the world will also define us as being defective.
I've got news for you my frind. YOU'RE NOT DEFECTIVE! You just believe you are. Change your beliefs and you'll change what you love. Change what you love and you won't be driven to excess behaviors.
Your buddy...JL
JL, I totally identify with your "angst" about money! The problem with us is the value we attach to the stuff!
Therefore, how do we re-value money? Look at Matthew 6:33 and the surrounding context. The issue is not being anxious and on top of that, giving it away!
Promise: if you seek first the Kingdom, the stuff of life seems to take care of its own!
JL,
Thanks I think you are on to something. I now need to figure out the identity thing.
I've sure grown to love you and appreciate your words of support.
Kevin G
Hebrews says, "Keep yourself free from the love of money for I will never leave or forsake you."
Question: From the above statement, how would you define the love of money?
The sin that is contrary to God's provision for you is — covetousness. The over eager desire of the wealth of this world and envying those who have more than we, cannot dwell in the same life that depends on God for everything. The love of money occupies a greater portion of your heart than what God has room for. He has not intended to dwell in the heart of man along with a roommate that is contrary to His power and provision. God wants to dwell in you - exclusively.
This sin we must allow no place for in our conversation; for, though it be a secret lust lurking in the heart, if it isn't subdued it will enter into our conversation, and discover itself in our manner of speaking and acting. We must take care not only to keep this sin down, but to root it out of our souls.
We all know somebody who can't refrain from commenting, within a few moments of meeting them, on their current financial status. It may be to talk about a recent luxury vacation, diamond ring, vacation home, etc. Why is that? Why do I care what car they drive, or neighborhood they live in, or income bracket they fall into? It doesn't matter to me but to the other person, it is assumed I value it. If I assume you have as great a value for money as I do, then I should be able to impress you with my ability to have it. I'll believe that the value of money establishes that I'm valuable. I'll feel more acceptable, more capable, more like I belong.
The grace that is contrary to covetousness is that we can be satisfied and pleased with such things as we have; present things. The things of the past cannot be recalled, and future things are only in the hand of God. So, what God gives us from day to day we must be content with, though it fall short of what we may have enjoyed before, and though it does not come up to our expectations for the future. We must be content with our present lot or God will be robbed of our focus, our energy, our love of Him. We must bring our minds to be satisfied with our present condition.
If the love of money is present, we cannot see any present condition as that which is from God's provision. The love of anything will dictate a constant pursuit of it. It will dictate the direction of our emotions and energy. The love of money ultimately dictates that money brings contentment, not God. If we see ourselves (self-image or self-esteem) as lacking in life because we don't have enough money, then we are in essence not content with God's ability to satisfy our soul.
Haman was the great court favorite, and yet not contented—Ahab on the throne, and yet not contented—Adam in paradise, and yet not contented; yes, even the angels in heaven, and yet not contented; but Paul, though abased and empty, had learned in every state, in any state, he learned to be content.
Why should a Christian be contented with their lot in life? It's because God hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." His omnipresence in our lives keeps us.
Challenge
To be content, which would you rather have? God, or money. If it's money, then that's your god and if you should lose your money, your soul would be bankrupt.
I hope this helps.
JL
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