How Does Money Affect You?

B. 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? (vs. 27...NKJV)

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… (Contributed to Sermon Central by: Mike Harris)

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

Ill- Did you know that during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco that during the first half of the construction 23 men fell to their deaths in the waters below. It was so dangerous that they stopped construction. Then they built a huge net under the bridge at a cost of $100,000, so if anyone did fall they would not be hurt. During the second half of the construction only 8 men fell and of course, none of them died. But here’s the amazing thing… during the last half of construction the work proceeded at 25% greater efficiency. Having the net under them didn’t make them more careless it made them more confident & more efficient. (Contributed to Sermon Central by: Timothy Smith) Those workers experienced a new freedom. Money, and the worry that travels with it, can place you in bondage.

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. He came to give you a meaningful life if you follow His teachings. Why not follow Him? Why not obey His commands? He had you in mind when he came into the world!

2. Second, I want to discuss God’s plan for handling money.

A. God wants us to handle money with a right perspective. If you get your perspective of money out of order you will limp through life. Jesus said "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Mt. 6:20 NKJV) Are you investing in eternity or investing in today? When you get eternity right other aspects of your life will fall into place!

Ill- Several years ago, construction workers happened upon a corpse outside the ancient city of Pompeii, where many people died when a volcano exploded. The evidence surrounding this corpse (a woman) was interesting. Apparently, she had been fleeing from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Overtaken by the molten lava, she died in the hot ashes. The corpses revealed hands that were clutched around jewels. The jewels had survived, but the woman had not. The same is true today. Death will overtake all of us and strip us of our earthly wealth. (Illustration #532 in Something to Think About) That story helps you put life into perspective.