The Cure For Affluenza
Let’s be honest; it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that just a little more money will finally bring satisfaction. Yet, as the ancient wisdom of Ecclesiastes reminds us, this pursuit is ultimately futile. Wealth, while seemingly promising, often leads to dissatisfaction, anxiety, and even despair. But there is hope, and it lies in shifting our focus from earthly riches to eternal treasures in Christ.
The Vanity of Wealth
Ecclesiastes 5:10 tells us, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.” The word “vanity” here, translated from the Hebrew word hebel, refers to something fleeting, like a breath or vapour—here for a moment and then gone. The preacher in Ecclesiastes, reflecting on life under the sun, observes that wealth, like all earthly pursuits, is transient and, at best, only temporary in bringing satisfaction.
Consider the story of John D. Rockefeller, one of the wealthiest men in history. When asked how much money would be enough, he famously replied, “Just a little bit more.” Despite his immense wealth, Rockefeller’s discontentment persisted, just as it does for many of us today. We often think that if we could only have a little more—whether it’s a bigger house, a newer car, or a larger bank account—then we would be secure. But Ecclesiastes teaches us that this kind of thinking is a never-ending pursuit, a striving after the wind.
Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems
Interestingly, the more wealth we accumulate, the more problems we seem to encounter. Ecclesiastes 5:12 contrasts the sleep of a labourer with that of the rich: “Sweet is the sleep of a labourer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.” The preacher notes that wealth can bring about anxiety and sleepless nights, as we worry about losing what we’ve gained.
This truth is vividly illustrated in the story of a couple who lost their home in the devastating Canberra bushfires. When asked how they felt, their response was striking: “We’ll be okay, we’re Christian. Our hope wasn’t in this home, and so God’s good.” Their faith allowed them to hold their possessions loosely, knowing their true treasure was in heaven. This kind of trust is what the preacher in Ecclesiastes points us toward—a trust that finds security not in earthly wealth but in God.
Moving from Greed to Gratitude
So, if wealth cannot bring lasting satisfaction or security, what can? Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 offers a glimmer of hope: “Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot.” The key here is to recognise that everything we have is a gift from God. True contentment comes not from accumulating more but from a heart of gratitude that acknowledges God’s provision.
When we move from greed to gratitude, everything changes. We begin to see our possessions not as ends in themselves but as opportunities to glorify God. We can enjoy the good things in life—a possession, an experience, or even a juicy steak—without placing our ultimate hope in them. This shift in perspective allows us to live with joy, even in a world where wealth is fleeting.
Investing in Eternity
Jesus takes this lesson even further in Luke 16, where He teaches about the importance of using worldly wealth with an eternal perspective. He challenges us to invest not in temporary treasures but in what truly lasts. “Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails, they may receive you into the eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9). In other words, use your resources to advance God’s kingdom, help others, and spread the gospel of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
We must ask ourselves this: Are we using our wealth to build our own empires, or are we investing in eternity? The things of this world will pass away, but what we do for Christ will last forever. As the old poem reminds us, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Considering these truths, be encouraged to examine your heart. Where are you placing your trust? Are you striving after wealth, or are you resting in the finished work of Christ? Consider how you can use your resources—not just your money, but your time, talents, and influence—to invest in God’s kingdom. True contentment is found not in what we can accumulate but in knowing and serving the One who gave everything for us.
If this message resonates with you, I invite you to listen to the entire sermon and explore these ideas more deeply. Together, let’s pursue the lasting treasure found only in Christ.
Listen to Dave Miers’ sermon ‘Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:9 – The Cure For Affluenza’ in our series THE END OF FUTILITY: