Neal Pollard
Recently, I heard former college player and head coach and current UFL head coach Rick Neuheisel say this. He was discussing why the “portal” and “NIL” is creating a “wild west” upheaval that is changing college sports. His co-host kept bemoaning and wondering why everyone was letting this happen and ruining something so many have enjoyed. Then came Neuheisel’s hilarious, but Solomonic reply. Isn’t it true? Where knowingly or not, the coach was quoting the king: “Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything” (Ecc. 10:19).
Why have we been sold so many lies about healthcare, diet, investing, politics, fashion, home design, education, and the like? “Take this. Do this. Buy this.” Many times, the answer is money. Money is a neutral commodity, but loving it drives people to do just about anything. Often, those drives are destructive. You remember what Paul said about it?
“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” (1 Tim. 6:9-10).
This is what so often follows “the answer”–temptation, traps, tragedies, transgressions, turmoil, tears, and treachery! Desire becomes harmful desire. Love of money eclipses healthy desires. People lie, cheat, steal, and kill for it. How many relationships, friendships, marriages, homes, and families have been blown apart because someone or everyone placed the money above the Master’s message about it?
“Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Mat. 6:24). Jesus warns against those who are trying to find the answer in money.
Money is such a wonderful tool and servant. It meets needs (2 Cor. 8-9). It provides supports (2 Cor. 8:4). It is a tangible way to show grace (2 Cor. 8:7). It can prove our love (2 Cor. 8:24). Giving it cheerfully pleases God (2 Cor. 9:7). It can increase the harvest of your righteousness (2 Cor. 9:10). Giving it enriches you in ways no net worth will reflect (2 Cor, 9:11). That’s how money can be the right answer. But we must let God both ask the questions and give the answers!
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