“If I had a million dollars” is one of my favorite songs from the Barenaked Ladies. 30 years after this song rocked Canada’s music charts, a million dollars can no longer buy a house with a well stocked tree fort and exotic pets in the backyard, certainly not in Vancouver. But the lyrics hint that the simple comforts of life such as having a reliable car, a warm coat to wear and eating kraft dinner would remain unchanged. While a lot of people dream of being rich, money can’t solve all problems and wealth can vanish faster than it is built. The recent news about a luxury yacht sinking off the coast of Sicily was a tragic reminder money can’t buy smooth sailing on storm free seas.
Our consumer driven society is an echo chamber telling us the more we have the better life will be. This mindset can lead us down a path of endless striving, where we place our efforts into acquiring fleeting treasures.
The Bible warns us of the dangers of measuring our worth in materials assets. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Paul writes, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” These verses remind us that if the pursuit of wealth becomes our primary focus, it can lead to spiritual peril forfeiting the peace and eternal security found with Jesus.
Jesus himself spoke of the futility of storing up earthly treasures. In Matthew 6:19-21, He teaches, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Here, Jesus points us to a higher purpose—the only treasures of this earth that can be brought to heaven, the only thing we should fully invest our hearts into, are loving relationships.
Contentment, then, is not found in the abundance of our possessions but in knowing God’s love is enough. Philippians 4:11-13 offers a powerful testimony from Paul, who writes, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Paul’s contentment wasn’t based on his circumstances but on the strength he found in Jesus.
Even without 1 million dollars may we sing with confidence; “I am rich.”