Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5

We should almost refer to it as the “M Word,” shouldn’t we? Take a moment to think about what kind of relationship you had/have with money this past year. Is it something you feel you didn’t have enough of? Too much of? How did money influence your decision making, your purchases, your motivations, and your future plans? Maybe you’re on the brink of financial ruin and lack of money has proven to be the greatest threat and stresser you’ve ever known. 

God understands that we need money in this world to survive. Money is not an evil entity, but scripture is clear that the love of money–whether from abundance or lack–should be guarded against, as it is “a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Tim. 6:10). 

The reason why we are so easily drawn to an unhealthy, idolatrous love of money is that we believe it provides security against poverty, and the realization of the dreams we’ve always desired. Now it’s true that money does offer some level of security. It’s true that money can be what purchases the material or experiential dreams you’ve always desired. 

But what money can never do is provide contentment of the soul. Money makes “a strange bedfellow” as some would say. Although it can buy you a comfortable bed, it can never compensate for the discomfort that envelopes the soul that seeks its companionship. The writer of Hebrews wants us to see money as a lousy companion through the crisis of life. We need a divine flesh and blood presence that can be counted on so that contentedness becomes one of our characteristics. 

Does money have you in its grip as you inch toward the new year? It may not be that you love money as much as you simply need it to survive because a job loss has created financial havoc for you and your family. Maybe you’ve come to the realization that the acquisition of more money and more opportunity dominated your thought life and strained out all of the affections of your heart. Wherever you find yourself entering the new year, remember these words from Jesus:

“I will never leave you or forsake you.”

What money could never provide has been provided by the promise of an everlasting presence. Someday, we may all shudder in horror when we consider the importance we placed on something as unreliable as money. How we looked to its fragility to be our stability. How we put our hope in it to satisfy the fathomless well of thirst that characterizes the depths of our spiritual desires. 

“I will never leave you or forsake you.”

Say those words. Pray those words. Believe those words, because they come from the wellspring of a heart that wants to be fulfilled by the filler of fullness. 

Reflect

Think back on some of the ways money has influenced your thoughts and actions this year. How will God’s presence provide you with a healthier approach to how you manage your finances?