Is Money Really never Enough?

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Was reminded again today how easily discontentment can so easily well up in me when it comes to money.

It is that time of the year again when the company decides on the amount of salary increment for the employees. Not surprising, most of the conversations the past week in the office tend to revolve around the same topic. Of course, everyone thinks that they are underpaid by the company...:)

But honestly, my current pay even before this coming increment is not exactly low. God has been faithful in my 11 working years, and there is much to give thanks for, that I do have more than enough to provide for my family in relative comfort.

Yet, I suddenly find myself not at peace within....thinking of when I can make the next salary grade, when my pay can hit the next ceiling; and even worse, I find myself envious when I heard how some of my peers received large salary adjustments from their bosses...:(

But wait...I need to check myself before this goes too far....when it comes to money, when is "enough" ENOUGH? Why is contentment so elusive? Why does envy creep in so easily?

I need to be reminded again of God's warning in this area:

ECC 4:4 And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:7-10)

Wow...this is indeed a slippery slope to go! God calls envy and the love of money a "meaningless chasing after the wind", that tempts men to "plunge into ruin and destruction".

So what is the answer? 1 Timothy 6:6 sums it up :

1TI 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

It goes on to remind us:

1TI 6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

In other words, I better remind myself again to get my perspective and priorities right. Ultimately, it is God who determines my rewards at work. So quit worrying about my salary and just concentrate on doing the best I can at work to serve my employers; as well as being the light for Him where He has positioned me. As encouragement, Paul showed that the elusive "godliness with contentment" can indeed be attained:

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
(Philippians 4:11-12)