|By Frank J. Buchman
“Money is a strange creature.”
That might sound peculiar to many, but it’s definitely true.
What does “money” really mean? Mr. Webster and his collaborating cohorts have come up with more than three dozen synonyms (a word substitute or alternate expression) for money.
That is why people from all walks of life around the world are so confused when the subject of money comes up.
While seemingly no logic to “money,” yet, Number One requirement to exist is “money,” in some form.
“There’s never enough money.” It’s true in most situations, but not always. Those with sufficient money in many cases want more.
It’s hit home in personal employment where no matter how much revenue sets records, there’s continuing prod to “get more money.” Somebody is growing richer, but often not those doing the work.
More money doesn’t make lifelong contentment. Just ask lottery winners.
Food on the table, shirt on the back, and roof over the head are essential. Remainder is “luxury,” in a certain sense.
Everything’s high priced, remembering penny bubblegum, nickel candy, dime apples, 19-cent bread, quarter hamburgers.
Minimum wage in Kansas is $7.25 an hour, sharply higher than personal first job. Always remember Dad started at dollar a day, got along fine.
Surveys indicate many home incomes “below standard of living.” Depends on expectations. Lots spend more than necessary, beyond the means
Difficult to understand how some with extremely large incomes are always broke. Yet, big families with very low wages live quite well, happy, healthy, never with their hands out.
Managing money is perhaps the most difficult task. Few have not made some serious mistakes with money. It’s easy to do, even repeating same errors. Government is the best example.
Attitude plays a role. The coworker throwing a penny into the air calling it worthless makes cringe. “Pinch a penny until it squeals,” and “Walk a mile for a penny” have psychological bearing on money handling.
Scenario to another extreme is saving a penny to end up losing a dollar, percentagewise thereof. Investments must be made to get return.
Reminds of Deuteronomy 2:6: “There is money for you to buy necessities so that you might live.” Yet, Matthew 6:29: “Wasting money on pleasures makes no happiness.” Remembering, First Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is root of all evil.”