He Gave Up Financial Security

How much money will make you happy? America’s first billionaire said, “Just a little bit more.” Just a little more and you can buy that something that you believe is the secret to satisfaction. And for a beat, it might be.

But that satisfaction won’t last long term. Ask anyone who has focused their mind and motivations on material things – a big house, a nice car, a successful job, a dream vacation. But once they achieve it, they’re back wishing for something else.

Things weren’t much different in Jesus’ day. Even then money promised freedom, status, security, and popularity. Money was just as much a magnet as it is today.

But Jesus turned that financial concept upside down. He knew that people invest in what they love.

We get that. Many of us sacrifice our time, our money, even our dreams if it helps the people we love. Jesus loved people, every one of them, so he gave up what would benefit himself for them. In fact, he gave up the symbols of status to show us how to think about our stuff.

In essence he said, invest your heart in the things that God blesses and don’t worry about all the other stuff. Live for God. Live for others. Live for what’s right. You’re not going to miss out . . .

Jesus invested wisely, not in things we can own, but in relationships—and a plan to provide us a way for an amazing life. But get this, when he said, “I came to give you a rich and satisfying life,” it might look different than we imagine. It may not include luxury cars, designer handbags, or the next shiny object to hit the shelf. Ask anyone who has those things—there’s gotta be something else.

Jesus’ priorities changed his life radically. When he died, he left no inheritance, and was buried in a donated grave. He left no financial portfolio. They were in his reach but not in his priorities. He gave them all up.

And yet . . .

Jesus was so rich, people are still talking about it. For sure he had a crazy upside-down way of looking at life but who’s to say that in the end, it wasn’t Jesus who knew which way was up?

The smartest financial move you can make right now has nothing to do with money and everything to do with your priorities. Take a fresh look at what’s really important.

Consider this: What would bring the most satisfaction to my heart? Where is my treasure? You don’t need, “just a bit more.” Jesus’ life shows us a better way.