HOW DOES MONEY EFFECT YOU?

Money is a subject with which all of us struggle. For some it is lack of money. For some it is the desire for money. For some it is wrong use of money. For some it is poor investment of money.

A man named stumpy illustrates how money affects people. Stumpy and his wife Martha went to the state fair every year and every year when Stumpy saw the antique bi-plane he would say, “Martha, I’d like to ride in that airplane.” Martha always replied, “I know Stumpy, but that airplane ride costs 10 dollars, and 10 dollars is 10 dollars.

One year Stumpy and Martha went to the fair and Stumpy said, “Martha, I’m 81 years old. If I don’t ride that airplane I might never get another chance.” Martha replied, “Stumpy, that airplane ride cost 10 dollars, and 10 dollars is 10 dollars.

The pilot overheard them and said, “Folks, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll take you both up for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and not say one word, I won’t charge you: but if you say one word it’s 10 dollars.”

Stumpy and Martha agreed and up they went. The plot did all kinds of twists and turns, rolls and dives, but not a word was heard. He did all his tricks over again, but still not a word.

When they landed, the pilot turned to Stumpy and said, “By golly, I did everything I could think of to get you to yell out, but you didn’t.” Stumpy replied, “Well, I was going to say something when Martha fell out, but 10 dollars is 10 dollars.” 

Problems usually associated with how we handling money.

Several years ago actor Sylvester Stallone was asked what effect money had on his life. Stallone said: "Money does not bring peace of mind. Actually it brings more problems. Everything is magnified one hundred thousand times. That is not to complain. But once you make a fortune, you’d think it would be all green lights and blue skies. But that’s not true. As a matter of fact it brings out some of the most vile characteristics that you can imagine.” 

Money has a powerful affect on people. Sometimes the impact can be negative. The Bible instructs us that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (I Tim. 6:10) It was the love of money that caused Judas to betray Jesus. It was money and insecurity that drove the looting in New Orleans during hurricane Katrina.

Sometimes we have blind spots when it comes to money. 

The first problem we face in handling money is that it can cause worry We heard in today’s Gospel: "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Jesus indicated the concern for life’s basic needs: food, clothing and water can cause us to worry due to money.

 A second problem we face in handling money is that it can lower the quality of life. Jesus asked a vitally important question: "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

Someone has described this situation well. Money can buy a bed…but it cannot buy sleep. Money can buy amusements but it cannot buy happiness. Money can buy companions but it cannot buy friends.  Money can buy books but it cannot buy brains. Money can buy a house but it cannot buy a home. Money can buy medicine but it cannot buy health. Money can buy flattery but it cannot buy respect.

A Gallup poll illustrated how money can detract from life. The poll revealed that: 64% of all couples argue over money issues….And … this is also the #1 cause for all divorces… 54% of all divorces are over money issues… 

A third problem we face in handling money is that it can lead to bondage. Jesus said in today’s Gospel “You cannot serve two masters: God and money.” (Mt. 6:24)

Some people struggle to follow Jesus Christ. Let me put in a commercial for Him using these three problems to encourage you. Jesus Christ came to offer us a rich life, free of worry. Jesus Christ came to offer a full life free from bondage and the besetting evil it brings.

God wants us to handle money with a right purpose. In verse 33 Jesus states the purpose of life. The purpose in life is to live for “the kingdom of God”. (Mt. 6:33) God wants us to live our lives in service to Him.

The apostle Paul describes this purpose “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward” (Col. 3:23-24)

Billy Graham has often told a story that illustrates the importance of having your priorities in the right order. The story is about a little boy named Paul Haley. The little six-year-old Denver boy was dying from cancer. His story had hit the newspapers along with his fondest wish. The little boy wanted to meet the President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower. One day, quite unexpectedly, Eisenhower announced to his aides that he was going to see Paul Haley. Hopping in the presidential limousine, they drove to Denver and pulled up outside of the Haley home, flags flying from the limo’s fenders. Eisenhower simply strode up the little walk leading to the Haley front door and rang the doorbell. Donald Haley, the little boy’s father, answered the door. When faced with the neatly-dressed stranger he simply asked, “Can I help you?” Suddenly, a little boy appeared between his father’s legs, peering up at the stranger’s face. “Yes, I’m Dwight Eisenhower and I’d like to meet your son.” The little boy scampered out to the limo and the president showed him the car and allowed him to sit in it. They parted with a handshake and a hug. All the while Donald Haley stood in the doorway awestruck. His neighbors are still talking about it to this day. 

Our first and greatest priority in life should be to know Jesus and serve Him with all of our might. We should serve Him with our money, our time and our hearts.