In today’s world, we compare ourselves to others’ social class or accumulation of material goods for the appearance of being Greater. We love what God has given us until we see what He has given somebody else. We can find ourselves on a financial performance treadmill running and chasing after the wrong things just to end up feeling tired and never going anywhere.
King Solomon, known as the wisest of all kings, was also the richest. In 1 Kings 3:5, God said to Solomon, “Ask. What should I give you?” Of all the things he could have asked for, Solomon asked for wisdom. Not only did God give him wisdom, but the Lord also said, “In addition, I will give you what you did not ask for: both riches and honor” (1 Kings 3:13a).
That is precisely what happened. Solomon was given everything the world had to offer money, riches, houses, etc. Then, toward the end of his life, Solomon shared the wisdom he learned from his wealth and success: “I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself...I constructed reservoirs for myself ...I also amassed silver and gold for myself ...I became great and surpassed all who were before me...I did not refuse myself any pleasure...When I considered all that, I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:4–11).
Have you ever tried to catch the wind? It is impossible. Even though Solomon compared chasing financial gain with chasing the wind, we still do it. Solomon was “greater” than any other man according to the world’s standards. He had it all—the big houses, all the stuff, all the money anyone could ask for—yet it was all meaningless. Because life apart from God is meaningless, no matter how much you have.
Although we may know this in our heart, we may still compare ourselves to others in our mind: “I wish I had their car.” “I could use a house like theirs.” “Are they going on a vacation again? That would be nice.”
Comparison kills contentment. When we focus on what we don’t have, we lose sight of everything we do. “For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life?” (Mark 8:36).
We can be “Greater” financially according to the world’s standards and end up chasing the wind and losing our soul in the process, or we can live according to the wisdom of King Solomon and realize money can help us but will never heal us. Only God can do that.
How can you affirm your spouse’s identity daily as a child of God? What would that result produce for each of you and your marriage?
Read Hebrews 13:5; what are some areas of finance do you have anxiety? Write down those anxieties and pray over them ask the Lord to help you let go and be more contentment as well as increase your faith.