By Dr. Jim Newheiser
Author Jim Newheiser considers God’s wisdom about money by addressing three common money myths which could potentially lead people astray:
1.) Is Money the Secret to Happiness in This Life?
The most common money myth among non-Christians is that money is the key to earthly
happiness. This is what is reflected in “The American Dream” which says that one must own a
nice house, two late model cars and a vacation every summer at Disneyworld in order to be
happy and fulfilled. Many devote their lives to acquiring wealth, often sacrificing their families,
their spiritual lives and their health to get ahead. Scripture warns, “He who loves money will not
be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity” (Eccl. 5:10).
There have actually been studies done suggesting that those with great wealth are no happier
than those of more ordinary means [1] and that even the very rich still believe that they need much
more wealth in order to be truly secure [2].
This money myth has been coopted by some so-called Christian leaders who teach a false
prosperity gospel, which claims that God will bless his
