I had many motivations for wanting to go into full-time ministry, some of which were less than noble. I remember as a teenager listening to global workers share at my church, amazed by their stories of life far away from the stresses and realities of American life. Becoming a global worker, I mused, meant never having to worry about peer pressure or money ever again. 

Spoiler alert: Global workers do, in fact, think of money at times. They still need it, and yes, they still even want it. 

When I lived in Asia, I remember waiting eagerly for my monthly trips to a big city on our island, looking forward to buying coffee, makeup, and new clothes that were more difficult to acquire in our smaller town. I also remember being consumed with worry when our monthly support dropped unusually low, and I wondered how we’d have enough to pay for bills as well as our upcoming (and necessary!) visa trip out of the country.  

When we returned on Home Assignment, we found that our young sons were also prone to loving money (or at least the things money could buy!). I remember one particularly embarrassing Sunday morning, when our youngest walked into a church and ran excitedly to a table overflowing with toys. Being accustomed to receiving gifts from family and friends, he mistakenly thought the gifts collected for Operation Christmas Child were all for him! 

What’s the real danger with love of money? It strips us of our confidence in who God is. On what He’s promised and how He works. 

He will sustain me another day, even when I can’t get to the mall or my kids don’t get that special treat. 

I don’t need to fear when that monthly check is less than expected, because HE is enough. 

When I choose contentment, there is courage in the face of need or want, trusting that He will never leave me or forsake me. Courage that declares before the watching world where my help comes from. Not from money or from more “stuff,” but from the Lord!