Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Ecclesiastes 5:10, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.”

Background

Chris Johnson is an NFL running back for the Tennessee Titans. Heading into this season, he had two years remaining on his contract. However, he refused to show up for practice unless his contract was renegotiated to make him not only the highest paid running back in the league but also one of the highest paid elite players in the entire NFL. Eventually, both he and the team compromised some, and Johnson signed a four-year contract extension worth more than $53 million, including $30 million guaranteed. His original contract was set to pay him slightly more than $1 million this season. I would gather that most of you are like me in that you do not play the lottery. But I have found myself thinking from time to time how nice it would be to just “win” enough money for me to be able to pay all of my bills and debt. If I could pay off the house and car, then I could manage my monthly expenses and do something meaningful with the surplus. Perhaps you have had the same dream I have had. It seems to make perfect sense and brings with it such freedom and inspiration.

Application

But it’s a pipe dream, isn’t it? Just like whatever was motivating Chris Johnson to get a contract raise more than ten times his original salary. The freedom, the prestige, the security is all a vapor and a mirage. If money is the focus, then why will $30 million be enough? Next year, someone will demand more, and his $30 million will be who knows where. Will he be satisfied with his income then? And if my debt is gone, why should that change the way I live? If I’m waiting to be out from under bills and payments before I can be free, then where is my faith? What am I hoping in? Freedom from debt would be nice, but isn’t freedom amidst the debt where God calls most of us to live? Life has expenses, and sometimes long-term financial commitments. But our satisfaction should come from someplace deeper. Our love should be in something more real. The only price tag that matters to us is in the shape of a cross.

Charge

As we seek Him today, dig deeper into why you might not be as satisfied as you should. See if there is anything you are waiting on that is keeping you from complete peace and faith.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words