24/08/2026
Chasing Money to Change My Lot
Ecclesiastes 2:10–11
There is nothing wrong with desiring prosperity, but there is danger in making money the ultimate measure of our lives. When the pursuit of wealth becomes an obsession, people can begin to compromise their values, character, health, and even their faith in an attempt to change their circumstances.
Some take drugs or resort to harmful substances to enhance their performance or achieve what they believe will bring them success. Imagine a married man struggling with low s***m count who resorts to diabolical means to enhance his sexual performance and please his wife, rather than trusting God while seeking legitimate help. Others alter their appearance simply to gain attention, acceptance, or access to wealth. The desperation to make more money has pushed many people into choices they would never have considered otherwise.
Some are even willing to exploit or sacrifice relationships with family members in their pursuit of wealth. People no longer want to wait, build patiently, or trust the process; they want instant results at any cost.
But there is integrity in hard work. There is dignity in patience, discipline, contentment, and trusting God. We must understand that every shortcut has consequences, and not everything that produces money produces a meaningful life.
The Bible calls this pursuit “vanity of vanities”: “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).
We must therefore learn contentment. Be careful when the desire for more money, fame, possessions, or recognition begins to control your decisions. Do not allow your desire to change your circumstances to destroy your character.
Consider the story of Gehazi in 2 Kings 5:20–27. Gehazi was the servant of Elisha. Naaman, a great man in his country, came to Elisha seeking healing from leprosy. After following the prophet's instruction, he was healed and offered Elisha gifts, but Elisha refused to accept them.
Gehazi, driven by greed and covetousness, secretly pursued Naaman and obtained what his master had rejected. When Elisha discovered what he had done, Gehazi was judged for his actions.
Gehazi's mistake was not simply desiring material things; he allowed his desire for wealth to override his loyalty, integrity, and values. He compromised his position for temporary gain and paid a terrible price.
What should Gehazi have done? He should have remained faithful to his master, served with integrity, and trusted that his reward would come in due time.
Do not destroy your destiny trying to change your lot overnight.
Work hard. Build patiently. Maintain your integrity. Trust God. And remember: not everything that makes you richer makes your life better.
Hannah_Olowo
