Money Will not Buy Everything
 

by James R. Cope

Someone has said, "Money will buy everything on earth but happiness and an entrance into every place except heaven." Truly this is a good thought but is this all that money will not buy?

What of a baby's smile, a sage's wisdom, and a martyr's faith? Can money restore nature's gold to the hoary head, give youthful spring to the old man's step, or imprint God on a calloused heart? Can it turn back the flight of time, remove the present, or penetrate the future? Can it still the troubled heart or change a memory? Not one of these does money control nor can it buy.

A younger man met an octogenarian on a street in a Southern city. Not having seen the older man in several years and pleasantly surprised to see him, he greeted the elderly gentleman cordially and inquired, "How do you feel?" Apparently surprised at the interest the younger an expressed, the old man replied, "Since your manner indicates asking a sincere interest in the state of my health and general welfare I am going to tell you the exact feelings of my heart. The truth is: I am miserable! A miserable old man! And before you ask why I'll tell you why. When I was a young man I thought that there was only one thing that I wanted in this life. That thing was money. I wanted to be a millionaire. Every waking moment was directed to that end. When I got my first million I wanted the second. I was not satisfied with that and my desire for wealth became such an obsession I lost sight of everything else. I allowed nothing to stand in my way of making money. Now I am an old man. I have a few relatives waiting for me to die so they can get what I have. I am lonesome, my life empty and sad. You know my mistake? Here it is: While I was making money I took no interest in making friends. Now I need friends—true friends. But true friends are not bought with the millions I've made. I am lonely! Miserable!"

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8)

 

 

 

Other Articles by James R. Cope
The Restoration Principle
Consistency and Character
Abiding in the Doctrine
Helpful Hints for Bible Study and Understanding