Don't Make Money an Idol

I love stuff.  I mean, I really love stuff.

I love purses and shoes and going to nice restaurants. I love a lot of the usual stuff that women my age are into. But here’s the issue: All of that stuff costs money. Who knew?

Even though I want to buy cool stuff all the time, I have to watch myself. Because when I become obsessed with stuff, I become obsessed with money.

When you make money an idol, you basically make it more important than anything else in your life. That includes your faith, your relationships, your grades, and your future. Everything!

Idols in your life can eventually ruin your life. Marriages and relationships end all the time because of money fights.

So the natural question is this: “How do I know if I’ve allowed money to become an idol?” Honestly answer the following questions, and you’ll have a good idea.

1. How often do I think about making more money?
2. How often do I wish for other people’s stuff?
3. How often do I want more?
4. How much and how often do I give?

Now I’m not talking about focusing on getting rid of debt and improving your financial situation. I travel all over the country helping people learn more healthy ways to deal with money, so that isn’t the issue.

The problem happens when you make money the end-all-be-all of your life. If that’s your situation at the moment, then you’re headed toward a dead end.

Here’s a better way: Make your primary focus getting out of debt and being content with where you are now. Then, begin saving for you future, giving, and helping others.

Take the focus off yourself, and you’ll start releasing the hold money has on your life.