What are you going to do with that money?

• 1 Timothy 3:2-7 (NKJV) A bishop then must be…not greedy for money…

There is nothing sadder than a life ruled by money.  Life is reduced to a bottom line mentality where everything has a price – including family, friendships, faith, principles and character.  Tragically, a life ruled by greed for money eventually leads to evil and the final return on that money is sorrow.  (1 Timothy 6:10)

I have a simple antidote: Ask yourself regularly (very regularly) what you are going to do with the money you’re hoping to receive.

Sonja and I have a little fun-bantering that we will often use on each other.  She will want something that I didn’t see coming or that I think is a little out of our comfort zone budget-wise and she will remind me, “I thought that was why you worked.”  She got that expression from me.  Over the years I’ve reminded myself and my family of reasons why I work.

For example:

• I refuse to allow myself to just work to pay bills; I work to provide a good life for my family.
• I don’t work to buy a bigger house; I work to provide a home.
• I don’t work to accumulate more money; I work to finance a ministry and a dream.
• I work so my family can have fun, enjoy life, and share memories …now.
• I work so Sonja and I can be generous.
• I work to bless my family so that my family can be a blessing.

I could go on, but hopefully you get the picture.

Bottom line, the ONE THING about money is being able to hold on to your money without your money getting a hold on you.  One of the best ways I found is reminding yourself what you are going to do with the money when you get it.  If you honestly know that the answer to that question is not people-focused and God-exalting then it may be time to go on a greed-killing campaign.