“If I just had more money…”
It’s a common statement. You probably have said it before. You look at your financial picture and assume that the answer to your struggles is more money. More money would solve everything.
Certainly, there is a time when an increased checking account balance helps. But for many financial struggles, money is not the answer. More money will only exaggerate the existing problem. We sometimes see this with those who win the lottery. The winnings end up exaggerating existing issues and crushing the winner.
When won’t money solve your financial problems? Here are a few circumstances when more money is not what you really need.
- More money doesn’t transform disorganization into organization. If you are not able to get a handle on your current finances, more money will not help. Disorganization leads to all types of money problems, including a lack of generosity. If you cannot organize your giving, saving, and spending now, more money will only exaggerate your problems.
- More money will not stop you from comparing yourself to others. There will always be someone with more than you. Comparing yourself to others is a never-ending burden. You will never be satisfied. If you find yourself constantly trying to keep up with the Joneses, more money will not help. Because there will always be another set of Joneses to chase.
- More money will not unite a financially divided marriage. Financial stress and disagreement can severely hurt a marriage. Couples with separate financial goals and accounts are not in need of more money. They are in need of oneness. They are in need of a marriage that reflects the Gospel. More money will not help. In fact, it may only pull the husband and wife further apart.
- If you are not generous with little, you will not be generous with much.Generosity has never been contingent on wealth. In God’s economy, amount sacrificed always supersedes amount given. The desire to be generous doesn’t kick in when you acquire wealth. If you are not generous with little, more money won’t help. You will just not be generous with much.
More money is not always the answer. In fact, more money may create greater problems. If you are struggling with your finances, try to find the root of you problem. I recommend my latest book,
The Money Challenge, as a resource.
Let’s all strive to give generously, save wisely, and live appropriately. Let’s all strive to steward well the resources we have so that, if we are given more money, it is a blessing and not a curse.
Written by Art Rainer, member of the Summit Stewardship and Generosity Ministry Leadership Team.
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