Continue with A Balanced View of Money

THE BIBLE SAYS:  "let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things." -Hebrews 13:5.

A person who is content is not immune to financial anxiety; however, he knows how to put his anxiety in perspective.  For example, a content person will not overreact to financial loss. Rather, he will strive to have the attitude  of the apostle Paul, who wrote:  "I know how to be low on provisions and how to have an abundance. In everything and in all circumstances I have learned the secret of both how to be full and how to hunger, bot how to have an abundance and how to do without." -Philippians 4:12.

 THE BIBLE SAYS:  "The one trusting in his riches will fail." -Proverbs 11:28. 

Researchers cite  money problems as a common factor in marital strife resulting in divorce. Money problems have also been a factor in suicide.  For some people, money is more important than their marriage vows or even their life!  In contrast, those who have a balanced view do not put their trust in money. Instead, they recognized the wisdom of Jesus' words;  "Even when a person has an abundance, his life does not result from the things he possesses." -Luke 12:15. 

FAMILY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MONEY

"My father recently made a decision about his will that substantially reduced the amount  I would inherit, while increasing the amount that would go to my siblings. But we talked about it. I understand his reasoning completely, and I agree with his decision. I will never allow anything as trivial as money to cause a division in my family." -Josue, 55.

MONEY AND FAVORITISM 

"The poor man is hated even by his neighbors, but many are the friends of the rich person." -Proverbs 14:20.

As that verse from the Bible indicates, our view of money can affect how we treat people. For example, we might tend to despise those who have little means and who can do nothing for us. On the other hand, we might fawn over those who are rich, ingratiating ourselves with them in an effort to gain their -favor and perhaps some type of monetary reward. 

The Bible expresses disapproval of people who show favoritism, whether by despising the lowly or by "flattering others for their own benefit." (Jude 16; Isaiah 10:1, 2) Make it your goal to view and treat people equally.

Next time: Continue with A Balanced View of Money -HOW DO YOU VIEW MONEY?

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2015