Life Over The Dollar

Verses Used:

• Matthew 6:19–21
• Mark 8:36
• Ecclesiastes 4:6
• Psalm 127:2
• Joshua 24:15

Devotional

One of the biggest lessons God taught me this last year is simple but powerful: life is more important than work.

So many of us are living to work instead of working to live. We chase the mighty dollar like it’s the answer to everything. Without even realizing it, we can begin to make money more important than it should ever be. Yes — we all need money. We have bills, responsibilities, and families to care for. But somewhere along the way, our culture started convincing us that more is always better.

Do we really need Starbucks every day or need new clothes all the time or closets full of shoes? Do we have to drive the newest car or constantly chase a bigger house? Or is what we truly need something far more valuable — time with our family, laughter with our friends, and peace in our hearts?

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:19–21 that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. When we spend our lives chasing money and possessions, our hearts slowly drift toward the world. But when we invest our time in people and in God, we begin to experience a deeper kind of richness — one that money can never buy.

I look around today and see so many people working themselves into exhaustion. Some barely have time to send a text, let alone sit down and truly connect with a friend. For many, the only time they see people they care about is for a rushed five minutes on Sunday morning while trying to get the best seat at church. That’s not the life God designed for us.

It reminds me of a line from the movie The Shawshank Redemption: “Life went and got itself in a big hurry.” That’s exactly what happens when greed starts driving our decisions. Mark 8:36 asks a sobering question — what good is it to gain the whole world but lose your soul?

Slow down

This past year, God slowed me down in ways I didn’t expect. I became a caregiver for my mom and stepped into running a small business that I truly love. Financially, things can feel tight as the business grows. But spiritually, emotionally, and relationally — I feel richer than ever. I have time now. Time to breathe, to enjoy simple things. Time to build deeper faith and trust in God.

Ecclesiastes 4:6 says it’s better to have one handful with peace than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. That verse has become real to me. I have experienced God’s peace in a way that amazes me. He has taught me to trust Him more, to love Him more, and to see clearly what truly matters.

At the end of the day, your kids won’t remember every toy or phone upgrade. They will remember your presence. Your friends won’t treasure how busy you were — they will treasure the time you gave them. And your soul will not be satisfied by success alone. True rest and purpose come from God, as Psalm 127:2 reminds us.

Maybe it’s time for all of us to take a step back. Ask God what we can let go of. What distractions are keeping us from living a godly life instead of a worldly, greedy one? As for me and my house, like Joshua 24:15 says, we choose to serve the Lord.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for slowing me down and showing me what truly matters. Help me not to chase the things of this world more than I chase You. Teach me to value people over possessions, peace over pressure, and purpose over profit. Give me wisdom to manage what You’ve entrusted to me and faith to trust You in every season. Help me be present with my family and friends and live a life that honors You. In Jesus’ name,

amen.

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