This topic is adapted from the PursueGOD Sermonlink YouTube channel.
We would all agree that money is a necessity that we cannot live without. But have you stopped to ask yourself, “What can’t money do?” You can probably think of many things money can do, but there are also some things it cannot do. Let’s take a look at what money can and cannot do.
[Related: Why Does God Bless Us?]
What Money Cannot Do
- Money cannot buy security.
As important as money is, you can’t build your security on it. When it comes to money, the saying “easy come-easy go” is quite true. To attempt to build your life and security out of money will leave you empty-handed and heartbroken.
Proverbs 23:5 In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.
- Money cannot buy love.
Money can buy friends for a while, good times for a season, even lust for a brief moment, but it cannot buy love. True love isn’t for sale. Money can buy parties with people and nice places to travel, but money cannot buy a loving relationship to go with you to those nice places. Money can buy kids off for a time, but it can’t replace a close connection with a parent. Money doesn’t make the world go round – people do.
Mark 8:36 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
Does it really matter that you gain the wealth of the world if it means you lose your marriage and your family?
- Money cannot buy true happiness.
Most of us have bought the subtle lie that money is the secret to happiness. The truth is that whoever loves money never has enough of it, and money will never make us as happy as we hop it will.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!
[Related: Don’t Want to Be Rich]
What Money Can Do
- Money can ruin your relationship with God.
God gave us money as a tool to pay our bills, to provide for our needs, and even as a means to enjoy life. However, money was never meant to be something we love. Jesus was very clear when he said that we are either going to love God or money, but we cannot love them both.
Matthew 6:24 (MSG) You can’t worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you’ll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can’t worship God and Money both.
Everyone has to choose: love God or love money. We cannot love both. The most regretful decision you could ever make is to choose to love money over God.
- Money can help you honor God.
Gift giving is an important part of any relationship. It lets people know that we love, care, appreciate, and value them. It is the same with God. We honor him and worship him by demonstrating generosity towards him.
Proverbs 3:9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.
God wants us to offer him our best and not our leftover hand-me-downs.
- Money can help you provide for your family and others.
There is nothing wrong with money. It is God’s gift to us and one of the best uses of money is to provide for the needs of your family and others.
Hebrews 13:16 And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
As you can see, there are some things money can’t do and some things that money can do. Take a look at these lists and ask God to help you evaluate areas where you might need to grow. In the end, we all want to use money in a way that pleases God.
[Related Series: Money Basics]
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Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- If money cannot buy things like security, happiness, or love, why do you think that so many people attempt to use it toward these things?
- What are some of the things you have noticed about the lives of famous people who have a lot of money?
- Reread the things that money cannot do and the Bible references attached. Which of these three things do you find yourself most tempted to do?
- Read Matthew 6:24. How can money get in the way of a person’s relationship with God?
- Read Hebrews 13:16. What specifically do you think you could do to please God with your money?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
