Publisher Frank Doubleday had a one-of-a-kind book that was bound in red, Russian leather. He called it the Book Of The Law And The Profits. Unlike the portions of the Bible that we call the Law and the Prophets, Doubleday's book was an account of his business dealings and his financial profits. According to author George Doran, the red book contained Doubleday's morning prayers and evening vespers. In other words, it seemed that he worshiped money.

Jesus knew how easily all of us are tempted to become devotees of money and all the things it can buy. He warned, "No one can serve two masters . . . . You cannot serve God and mammon [money]" (Mt. 6:24).

We are idolaters if we put our trust in money as the ultimate source of our security and happiness. Our Lord also warned against being absorbed in the things that gratify our fleshly desires and self-centered ambitions. He asked, "What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" (16:26).

Money can't bring us true and lasting profit. It can be found only by trusting the living God (1 Tim. 6:17). As we put our hope in Him and live in obedience to His Word, we will have eternal profit (v.19).  — Vernon C. Grounds