I ran across this little piece the other day.

According to a study of high net worth individuals conducted by PNC Advisors in late 2004, the more we have, the more we "need." Here's what wealthy individuals report they would need to be worry free:

That's why a Hindu master once said, "Making money to quench our desires is like pouring oil on a burning fire."

I tend to collect references to money-dependency like this. I enjoy finding evidence that tends to confirm my own experience with money:

When money becomes the focus of my life, it only generates anxiety about money.

Ask me how much money the Phillips' family needs to get by. My first response will always be, "Just a little bit more."

Ask me how much money the Phillips' family needs to feel secure. Response: "Just a little bit more."

Ask me how much money the Phillips' family needs to be happy. That's right. "Just a little bit more."

This is always my first response. Jesus has taught me to ignore that first response. He encourages me to go with my second, more faithful response.

I need to learn to rely on the deeper mystery at work in my relationship with my covenant community. I need to know the power of God at work in my life and in the life of my family. I need to open my eyes to the real power at work in the world.

Once I learn this, know this, see this, I can then be a responsible and joyful manager of whatever amount of money flows my way as one part of God's abundant blessing in my life.

This is more than a passing thought. I put it to the test. I tithe. Instead of worrying about needing "just a little bit more," I prove to my anxious heart that I can get by with just a little bit less, I can feel secure with just a little bit less, I can be happy with just a little bit less.

Genuine joy and a worry-free life does not come from more money. There is not enough money in the world to settle an anxious heart.

The great need of the world is not more money.

The great need of the world is more faith.