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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: My marriage is troubled for the want of one thing: money. This is driving both of us to work more, buy more and worry about how to pay the credit card bill each month. Most of the stuff we buy ends up in the closets, unused, untouched, forgotten. Because we work all the time, our paths rarely cross. This doesn’t make sense, and I’m through with it, but my husband is not. I want to appeal to the goodness of his heart because he is a good and generous man. What are we missing? – M.D.

A: The Bible warns that money cannot buy happiness. Money cannot buy true pleasure. Money cannot buy peace of heart and contentment. Today, many couples put their hopes in materialism as the marker for success. Someone has said, “A man’s wealth consists not in the abundance of his possessions, but in the fewness of his wants.” We have confused needs with wants.

Heaven in this life and Heaven in the life to come are not based on a monetary standard. Nor can flesh and blood find the door to the kingdom of Heaven with its peace, joy, and happiness. Only those who are rich toward God will experience true contentment. Marriage is the most serious long-term contract a couple will make in their lifetime, but many enter into it with a lack of maturity and knowledge.

What is the answer? If husbands and wives would turn to the Lord with everything that concerns marriage, they will find answers if they both place their trust in the Lord and put Him at the center of their relationship – and pray about everything. This is God’s plan for marriage.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.