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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: I attended a funeral recently and the husband of the deceased who was very wealthy claimed that no amount of money can bring health back to someone at death’s door. My wife’s response to this was livid. She gave several examples of money providing last minute, life-saving miracles that brought people back from the doorstep of death. She is so focused on wealth that we have no quality of a healthy marriage at all. What is the truth about what really brings contentment in the good times and bad times? – M.H.

 

Dear M.H.: Someone has said, “A man’s wealth consists not in the abundance of his possessions, but in the fewness of his wants.” We have confused needs with wants.

Heaven in this life and heaven in the life to come are not on a monetary standard. Nor can flesh and blood find the door to the kingdom of Heaven with its peace, joy, and happiness. Only those who are rich toward God will experience true contentment.

Marriage is the most serious long-term contract a couple will make in their lifetime, but many enter into it with a lack of maturity and knowledge.

When a husband and wife are concerned only about their own individual desires, the stage is set for conflict. The Bible warns that money cannot buy happiness. Money cannot buy true pleasure. Money cannot buy peace of heart and contentment. Today many couples put their hopes in materialism as the marker for success.

What is the answer? Turn to the Lord with everything that concerns your marriage. Husbands and wives will find answers if they both place their trust in the Lord and at the center of their marriage – and pray about everything, that the Lord will lead your minds to be one.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)