Money Can't Buy His Love

Austrian millionaire Karl Rabeder is giving away all of his $4.7-million fortune. He said, "My idea is to have nothing left. Absolutely nothing. Money is counter productive—it prevents happiness to come." He will sell his six gliders, his 42-acre estate in France and his luxury villa in the Alps. He plans to move into a small wooden hut in the mountains or a studio apartment in Innsbruck. In selling everything, he says, he felt free.

I am sure most would agree that the above illustration describes some pretty extreme measures regarding material possessions. The point is that this man obviously has what many think would bring happiness and peace of mind. Yet, for this gentleman, all of his material riches did not bring him the type happiness he seeks.

This brings to mind the story of the rich religious leader who asked Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life. (Luke 18:18-29) After Jesus told him the price he would have to pay, the Bible says he became very sad. We can assume that he could not bring himself to pay the price by giving up all of his material possessions. He was never mentioned again after this.

In 1 John 2:15, John tells us, "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you." The Bible has many references regarding this theme: Material wealth and possessions will not bring you true happiness. Don't get me wrong. God is not denying us his blessings, if we are truly sincere about our faith. When it all starts to go wrong is when we begin to believe in the world more than Him. We see examples of this almost everyday in the media.

You see, it's not all about money, wealth, and fame. As mentioned before, the Bible teaches us this lesson. It is difficult sometimes for us to understand that nothing in this life is really ours. The world deceives us into thinking so. The Greek adjective aphilaguros is defined as without love of money; or not loving money; without covetousness. Having faith in Jesus Christ doesn't cost a thing. All He asks is for you and I to believe in Him for all our needs. That's it! He offers this to everyone. And what do we receive from Him? Eternal life! Try buying that someplace! (John 3:15)

Have a blessed day!

Debi Lynn