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The title of this article has almost become trite. If you search for the phrase, “Money cannot buy happiness,” literally hundreds of articles appear with the same or similar title. So why is it that people still seek after money with such diligence? A second question is comparable. Why do people seek things like notoriety and fame as if it’s an end-all of life?
I think the answer to both of those questions is that things like riches and fame are a poor substitute for putting God first in your life.
Consider the example of Marshall Brain. Professor Brain was a multimillionaire. He had all the money anyone could want. He was the founder of HowStuffWorks.com which sold for $250 million in 2007. He was a very popular writer and TV host. Among scientists and students of science, he was a rock star. He was also a militant atheist.
He was apparently forced into retirement by the university where he taught. But he stated in media and to over 30 of his colleges that he was being fired for filing ethics complaints against his bosses. So he took his own life, according to authorities in his home state of North Carolina.
Riches and fame let Mr. Brain down. Money makes a good tool; but it is a lousy god. The same can be said about fame. All Brain had left was his lack of faith.
We have a God who has promised hope in this world and everlasting joy and fulfillment on the other side of this life. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
Larry Fitzgerald
Woodlawn church of Christ
Abilene, TX