How Do You View Money?
Someone coined the saying that, “Money makes the world go round.” It was first used in a musical play ‘ Cabaret’, written in the 1960’s. The idea of this line was to convey the idea that money makes the world turn, not nobility or love. It highlighted the fact that our society is heavily dependent on money. Of course there is some truth to that statement. We all know that it takes money to buy food, to purchase clothing, to pay your bills and pay for rent or purchase a home. Today, everyone knows that the role of money in our society is very important. If there was no money, the world would go into panic and perhaps even war within short order.
While having money is important, we all know that there are limitations in possessing it. A Norwegian poet Arne Garborg stated that with money “you can buy food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; soft beds, but not sleep; knowledge, but not wisdom; glitter, but not beauty; splendor, but not warmth; fun, but not joy; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness.”
If we have a proper view of money, and regard money as a means to an end rather than an end in itself, it is possible to enjoy contentment.
Having money in itself does not bring harm to the person possessing it. It is the unreasonable focus on money that can cause people to oppose one another or turn against one another.
A distorted view of money can cause people to become excessively critical of others. For example, a wealthy person might assume that those who are poor are too lazy to work and earn a living. Or a person with lesser means might hastily conclude that those who have more are excessively money-oriented or even greedy.
It is interesting to note that according to the book The Narcissism Epidemic, people who strive to gain wealth are more apt to “suffer from poor mental health; they also report more physical health problems such as sore throats, backaches, and headaches and were more likely to drink too much alcohol and use illegal drugs. Striving for financial success, apparently, makes people miserable.”
This does not mean that a person who is content is not immune to financial anxiety; he still has to pays his bills, buy food, pay his rent or mortgage; however, he knows how to look at his anxiety differently. For example, a content person will not overreact to financial loss. Rather, he will strive to know how to do without.
Money matters and debt are often the cause of rifts within a marriage according to some researchers; many times ending in separation or even divorce. Money problems have also been a factor in suicide. For some people, money is more important than their marriage vows or even their life! In contrast, those who have a balanced view of money do not put their trust in money. Instead, they recognize that life does not result from what you have.
What you can do:
A self-examination might alert you to the need to acquire a balanced view of money.
Make an effort to reject materialistic thoughts and temptations. Avoid friendships with people who attach too much importance on money and possessions. Instead, seek friendships with people who place a greater value on high moral principles than on possessions.
Always keep money in its place; always be secondary to your friends, family, and your emotional and physical health. By doing so, you will show that you have a proper view of money.
Good health to you!
