Thu 25 Sep, 2008
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For those of you are not familiar with Rush, they are a Canadian progressive rock band, noted for the lyrics of their songs and edgy guitar work. At their best, they are “interesting” storytellers and commentators on popular culture. At their worst they were purveyors of top 40 sounding songs. Yet for the most part, their lyrics tend to be more complex and thought provoking than most pop music artists today. The Big Money in its simplicity, says it all…well almost. The song, The Big Money is a humanistic, cultural commentary on money. To Rush, money is seen as both bad and good; the problem and the solution. Yet after all is said and done, in an interesting twist, it ends with the line, “Big money got no soul.” Right here the writer, Neil Peart, hits the nail on the head! Big money is not immortal, eternal or spiritual as are the attributes of the human soul. Yet while they get this part right, as with many of their songs, they leave the listener just hanging. The ending line begs the question, so if “Big money got no soul”, what does it “got”? Let me suggest an answer to the question. Money, as a facilitator of organized culture and commerce on earth, is like all things, a gift from God. It is a gift that originates from The One who is eternal and is only “loaned” to us. Money has no soul, but we the borrowers and users of money do. As such, we owe the borrower responsible use of the money that He has “loaned” to us. God demands that we use money in a way that is not selfish but one that brings Him glory. In Matthew Chapter 25, the story of the servants and the talents clearly illustrates this. It is clear, that idea here is that those who have been entrusted with something and work with with the perspective of honoring the giver, they will be rewarded. |
The Big Money Sometimes pushing people around Big money goes around the world Sometimes building ivory towers Big money goes around the world |
This is not an isolated story. There are many references in the Bible about money. Yet they all tell much the same story. Its given by God for our use on Earth, for His glory.
So if this is the case, what is the right response to money?
Life is not about the accumulation of “stuff”. It’s also not about a journey of discovery. It’s about relationship with the Giver of not only money, but life itself. Its about coming to grips with who you are, why you are here, what is wrong with the world and how can what’s wrong, be made right. It’s all about your response to these 4 questions (1). Why? Because your response to these 4 questions will dictate your response towards money.
I would encourage you to read this book, with your Bible in hand, and then respond to these 4 questions. No “Big Money” needed, you can read it free here. Or if you want a hard copy, you can get one here.
(1) Credit to Voddie Baucham, for beautifully articulating these 4 questions in the book, The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World, by John Piper and Justin Taylor. Crossway Publishers
