When Life Feels Emptyنموونە

One Thing Money Can’t Buy

By the time she was born, Doris Duke’s father was already an extraordinarily successful entrepreneur. When he died 12 years later, he left her the equivalent today of more than $1 billion. She quickly became known as “the world’s richest girl.” However, when she passed away at 80, her obituary carried a different headline: “Doris Duke, 80, Heiress Whose Great Wealth Couldn't Buy Happiness, Is Dead.”

Death seemed to be the final word, and happiness was merely a dream that passed by. Divorced at 33, Doris told a fellow journalist, “All that money is a problem sometimes. ... After I've gone out with a man a few times, he starts to tell me how much he loves me. But how can I know if he really means it? How can I ever be sure?”

Money, rather than paving her path to happiness, became a roadblock to honest, trusting relationships. Doris would marry again in hope, only to divorce again a few years later.

If she ever read Ecclesiastes, Doris Duke may have laughed bitterly at Ecclesiastes 6:2: “God gives some people wealth, possessions, and honor, so that they lack nothing their hearts desire, but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them.” Bingo. Doris Duke could afford anything she wanted. Nothing was out of reach. Still, she desired what no amount of money could buy.

Many people today have concluded the same as the Teacher: eating, drinking, and being satisfied with their “toilsome labor” is the final goal. Even if “death” is the last word, let’s at least live it up for now. Don’t think about it too much. Let’s find some distractions to help.

Fortunately, despite what the newspapers might say, “death” is not the last word. Paul assures us it’s Jesus who defeated it.

As followers of Christ, we live knowing that God’s love is more secure than money. It cannot be earned, bought, or lost, and it meets the deepest longings of our hearts. Every day, we can embrace what truly matters, finding joy, peace, and purpose that no wealth could ever provide.

Prayer

Dear God, guard me from chasing wealth as if it could satisfy my soul; let me drink deeply from Your presence, cherish the gifts of grace You freely give, and find in You a joy that no riches can buy, a love that endures beyond every fleeting desire.

In Jesus’ name.
Amen.