As a soccer fan (since 1997), let me be honest, I sometimes felt jealous of professional footballers, especially considering their fame and fortunes.
Let me take an example from Lionel Messi, who is arguably one of the world’s best footballers or athletes. He is my age, but he is way more famous and wealthier than I am—by human standard, at least. (Although I am confident that we are equal in the eyes of God) 🙂
Based on some quick Google searches, Leo Messi has approximately 517 million followers on his official Instagram account and his total annual income is approximately $140 million (combined on-field and off-field annual earnings), making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. The average annual salary of a professional soccer player varies drastically, ranging from around $35,000 to over $7 million per year, depending entirely on the league, country, and gender.
It’s an open secret that there are many well-known and high-paid footballers or athletes—many are even younger than me—who can afford mansions, private jets, islands, and other luxury properties.
If success is measured by the world’s standards, such as money, impact, and/or achievement, I may argue that life is really unfair. In reality, some people were born with privilege that others did not have. A good family, a good country, and/or a good environment—obviously, not everyone has this same kind of luxury (or one may call it blessing).
Of course, hard work is essential for success. But, working hard in a good environment is certainly more favorable than working hard in a poor one. And, in some mysterious ways, people can still succeed against all odds. Does God have more favor on them than the others? Does the universe give them an extra energy to make their dreams come true while withholding it from others? Does success ultimately depend on you, or more on the X factors outside your control, or both, or something else?
As a Christian, I have heard this statement: “If you have Jesus, you have everything.” I personally believe this is true. In reality, however, many Christians still struggle—financially, relationally, emotionally, personally, professionally, and/or spiritually, etc. Does that simply mean they do not have the fullness of Jesus yet? Or, does that mean even if you have Jesus, you may still struggle, because then you will experience Him more through it? Or, does that mean something else?
Admittedly, there are many things I do not understand and many questions I cannot answer.
However, I realize that in life I am not supposed to understand everything and to answer every question.
In my Christian faith, I learn that my call is to know and to believe in Jesus.
This means that I should stop making comparisons and just focus on living out my God-given calling and purpose.
My life, at the end of the day, is more about my relationship with my Creator. It’s ultimately to Him that I should give an account of myself [my life, my choice, my action, my belief]. Therefore, I must seek His approval more (or rather) than acceptance from others.
Here, I would like to share some comfort and encouragement I have received from the words of Jesus, when it comes to our life’s meaning and purpose. They are principles that I have believed and want to continue to embrace as a Christ’s follower.
Principle #1: SALVATION for our soul is found in JESUS
Salvation is ultimately everyone’s life’s purpose. We were born into this world not by our choice or free will, and, normally, every person would want to continue to live. No one would like to perish. This eternal life is our “promised land” and, Scripture reveals that we can enter it through Jesus Christ (John 3:16, John 10:9) who is the only way to God the Father (John 14:6, Acts 4:12).
No one would like to die, but, unfortunately, not everyone would want to choose life. Jesus Himself reveals there are people who deliberately choose to remain in darkness (John 3:18-20). The real life is not found in possessions, wealth, and power, but in the Source of life. Jesus clearly declares Himself as the One who gives life: abundant and everlasting (John 10:10), and He has the authority and power to give and take it again (John 10:18, 28).
Therefore, He is worthy to ask this question—perhaps one of the most important questions in life: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). Jesus teaches a very important principle that our eternal soul is worth more than all the treasures of this entire world. No wonder that, as the Good Shepherd, He lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11), and, as the King of heaven, He rejoices over a repentant sinner more than those who stay with the flock (Luke 15:7).
You and I are so much precious to Him. The Lord of heaven and earth is the Lover of our soul. What a wonderful truth!
Principle #2: SECURITY in our life is found in JESUS
All normal people would want a peaceful and secure life. But we may understand the meaning of peace and security differently. The world may value possessions, power, and prosperity as the source of security. That is why people work so hard for money, thinking that having it more will mean more happiness, more freedom, and greater impact. While that is true in some respects, the pursuit of money often happens at the expense of things that matter more, such as family and relationship, and becomes an idol in our hearts and minds.
Jesus remarkably warns that it is extremely hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24). By the parable that He uses, I should say that it is not even extremely hard, but it is nearly impossible! When money (and riches of this world) has captivated one’s heart, he/she is trusting his/her security [present and future] in a god other than the One true God. The love of money is an idolatry—a form of spiritual adultery. Scripture warns us the love of money is an evil spirit—it’s a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Jesus’s position and instruction is very clear: no one can serve both God and mammon [unrighteous wealth] (Matthew 6:24). There should only be one Lord in our heart, who is worthy of our worship and devotion.
This money-loving spirit manifests itself in a form of anxiety, greed, lust, and pride. When you work so hard to accumulate wealth, please carefully check your motivation. Are you being anxious (as if you want to be in control of your own destiny)? Or, are you being greedy (as you want to have power to rule or control others)? Or, are you being lustful (as you want to spend your life for sinful pleasures)? Or, are you being prideful (as you want others to praise and honor you)?
To these kinds of people, Jesus gives this warning: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15). Having greater wealth does not necessarily mean greater security. In fact, having more money might bring us more worry. As Jesus continues in His parable, He claims that a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God (Luke 12:20-21).
Our life does not depend on our wealth, but it depends on the Life Giver. Now, it is your choice: would you rather fill your life with God’s truth (that lasts forever) or with earthly things (that are fleeting)? May we be wise in every decision we make. May we choose what really matters for eternity.
Principle #3: SATISFACTION of our life is found in JESUS
In this life, there are blessings that money can’t buy (I wrote an article on this topic about 3 years ago). Salvation (eternal life) is an example of such blessings: it is God’s gift for all who trust in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8). Our security and identity in Christ are also blessings that money does not have power to buy.
Sustenance, in addition to salvation and security, is a real blessing from God. Scripture tells us that the ability to work and to enjoy the fruit of our labor is God’s gift (Ecclesiastes 2:24; 5:18-19; 1 Timothy 6:17). Enjoyment in our work is a spiritual blessing that is immeasurable financially. People can earn a lot of money and still feel empty and hate their work.
In many respects, life and health are also blessings that we cannot buy with money. Life and death are in God’s hands, and when the time comes, no one has power to resist it (Ecclesiastes 8:8). We cannot buy more time to delay death. In the same way, no amount of money can buy healing from a terminal illness. This reality alone should be a sufficient reason for humanity to fear God. When all our money and human resources fail, we will humbly realize the Almighty is our true, ultimate hope. Why don’t we realize it sooner? If God is truly our ultimate hope, this means our satisfaction is also ultimately found in Him!
So, what does it mean to be satisfied or content in God? In my simple words and understanding, this means that we let Jesus fully live in us. As the Apostle Paul reveals, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20), we will be satisfied in God when we live by faith, not by sight, in Jesus. Our sight can be deceptive; therefore, we need to live by faith—by fixing our eyes on Jesus. This means that our life’s priority is no longer for our own glory, but all for Christ’s glory.
Paul shares an essential secret to our satisfaction in life: “True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7). Contentment is not only a blessing that money can’t buy, but also a desirable attribute of all Godly people. Why? Because we know that having Jesus means having everything (or lacking nothing) as it is written, “The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1).
When we find contentment in the Lord, we also find our purpose and meaning in Him. We will pursue what truly matters for God. We will no longer place our identity in things that are not of God. We will not let money (or anything else other than God) take control of our lives, our decisions, and our actions. We will not let the worldly standard of success define us.
Contentment in God will set us free from the money-loving spirit, bringing us constant gratitude and dependence to Him—that is, awareness of His presence in our lives (Hebrews 13:5). In His presence, there should not be any complaints or worries; there is only fullness of joy! The joy of knowing our salvation is secure in Him. The joy of being satisfied in Him—in His goodness, grace, and mercy.
Reflections and applications:
Now, does this all mean that we cannot desire to be financially rich? Of course not. But, we need to examine our motives in desiring riches. Make sure that our efforts are not motivated by anxiety, greed, lust, and pride—which all are forms of insecurity.
In fact, some people can live happily and gratefully with significantly less amount of money than others. In some cases, the poor can even outlive the rich. As Paul expresses in his letter, “If we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” (1 Timothy 6:8). However, in this modern age, people are inclined to think that food (drink included) and clothing are not enough. We need house (even a big one!), car, phone, computer, and experience (travelling, entertainment, sports) too!
Let’s again learn from Jesus. Notice what He says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25). Clearly, Jesus also implies that food and clothing are indeed our basic needs—enough for our physical contentment. Interestingly, even Jesus Himself does not suggest that owning a house is essential to our living when He says, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” (Matthew 8:20).
Wow! That statement should humble us. Anyone who has car and house today may be considered wealthier than Jesus during His earthly ministry, yet no one has a greater and long-lasting impact than Him. It’s clear that affluence does not necessarily correspond to influence.
Scripture says that “whoever claims to live in God must live as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6). Now, let’s examine ourselves: if our pursuit or priority in life is for luxuries and pleasures of this world—driven by anxiety, greed, lust, and pride—are we really living as Jesus lived?
Going back to soccer. The facts that many professional footballers (and other sportsmen) are so rich, popular, and influential should not make me jealous; but they prove to me that God is good—even really good! He is able to prosper people in such a way that they can thrive through His gifts manifested in physical activities that may look simple [but not easy or trivial], such as running back-and-forth the field, dribbling and kicking the ball, and sometimes throwing and heading the ball.
A goalkeeper’s job is even more specific: to stop the opposing team from scoring by blocking, catching, or redirecting the ball away from the net. This goalkeeping job may not sound very sophisticated or complicated (unlike a scientist, engineer or doctor who must be very precise and meticulous), although it undoubtedly requires physicality (endurance), discipline, and focus. Yet, God is able to generously bless those whose work is ‘simply’ keeping the goal (or kicking the ball), so they can afford building schools, hospitals, or other businesses that bring benefits to the society or even the country.
God is so good that He can bless you richly—whether you are working more predominantly with your head, your hands, your feet, or even your mouth. Every blessing that we have in this life comes from God (James 1:17). Yet, He also gives us the responsibility to steward the gifts He has given: time, talents, and treasures.
Jesus teaches this very important principle about accountability and integrity:
- “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” (Luke 12:48)
- “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” (Luke 16:10)
So, I believe our fortunes, resources, or achievements in this life are not just a blessing; they are also a burden. Every blessing is a test of humility and faithfulness. This is where our characters come into play. Each of us can genuinely ask the following questions:
- “Am I a trustworthy person?”
- “Do I seek blessings for my personal gain or ambition?”
- “Am I willing to help others with my gifts?”
- “Do I feel secure despite other’s seemingly greater fortune, fame, influence, or accomplishment?”
- “Am I attracted to pursue the things of God more than the things of this world?”
- “Do I really trust that God is fair, just, and perfect in all of His ways?”
- “Will I humbly and honestly acknowledge that my success comes from God—because He alone is good?”
Finally, let’s never stop learning from Jesus. Seek Him and bring our burdens to Him. Find rest in Him and trust in His love and power to carry us through every mountain and valley in life. For He alone is trustworthy and able to finish what He has started in our life. Thank You, Jesus, for Your life-changing words!
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
This article was originally written on September 28, 2026 in Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada.
The featured image was generated with AI.
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