His possessions had come to possess him. They had become his god. One of the gods that ancient Rome worshiped was named Mercury. He was the messenger god and had oversight of business and commerce. There are still many who worship him without calling him by name.
Business is all they think about.
If a conflict comes up between family and business, business wins out. If it is between business and relaxation, business wins. If it is a choice between business and the church, there IS no choice. Business comes first. I have been successful, but so busy making a living, I never had time to live.