Money’s Hidden Meaning

Money’s Hidden Meaning

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10

Occasionally I encounter people who believe it is worldly to be concerned about financial matters. They may even say money is evil. But the first part of 1 Timothy 6:10 says it’s “the love of money” that causes problems, not money itself. Money is inanimate; it’s how money is used that matters. But even though it is inanimate, it ranks as one of the most frequent reasons for arguments in married couples, especially if one spouse feels the other is trying to be the controller when it comes to financial matters.

Jim and Nikki were such a couple. She fretted over each purchase he made, whether it was a new radio or a newer car. Often her fretting turned into hand-wringing, tearful tirades. While their three children watched with fear-filled eyes, Jim would quickly respond with shouts and accusations that Nikki was nagging. Finally, to save their marriage, the couple agreed to see a counselor, whose first question was, “What does money mean to you?”

Initially, Jim and Nikki just wanted to accuse each other of either foolish spending or constant nagging, but the counselor continued to repeat his question. Gradually, as Jim was forced to ponder money’s meaning, he realized that to him, money meant power. Having a fancy car, a membership at the country club, and the latest gadgets was his way of showing the world (and a former girlfriend, who had rejected him) he was someone of importance.

Nikki, on the other hand, saw money as security. She wasn’t interested in proving anything; she just wanted to save money for that proverbial rainy day, even at great sacrifice. Once Jim and Nikki understood their arguments were about insecurity and fear rather than about the actual dollars, they were able to begin to look at money realistically and to work at restoring mutual respect within their marriage. —SANDRA

Lord, the question “What does money mean?” really hit me. I confess that to me, it means security. But that’s foolish, since a recent newspaper reported the latest scandal within one of the state’s richest families. Only in you are we truly secure. Help me realize that with my heart as well as with my head.

The love of money brings only grief. Contentment is a more logical approach to life and brings great blessing. —Harold L. Willmington, author, educator, and Bible lecturer