The Value of Riches

Most human beings look at riches from a different light than the Bible talks about them. We want to get rich quick, without any effort. It does happen for some. They win the lottery or receive an inheritance or make money in the stock market. Some people do well until the interest rates fall, or they lose their family and friends because greed over the money forces them to part ways. The money only lasts for a lifetime, if that long; and in the scheme of eternity, that is a very short time.

In fact, gold in heaven is so common that God paved the streets with it (Revelation 21:21). Jesus said that we can buy gold from Him, so we can be rich for eternity; however, it is gold that is formed in us though our trials (2 Timothy 2:12). We can also buy white cloth from Him with our righteous deeds, to use for our wedding dress. If we do not have any righteous deeds, we will appear naked and ashamed at our wedding feast between Christ and us (Revelations 15:16).

Loving money traps us with all kinds of evil, some of which causes us to stop serving God (1 Timothy 6:10). Our life does not consist only of the abundance of things, which we possess (Luke 12:15). Otherwise, possessions end up possessing us. Riches tend to bring us more misery than blessings (James 5:1-5; 1 Timothy 6:10). The only good thing about having money is that we can share it with those in need (1 John 3:17). Truly, Godly riches outshine anything this world has to offer. 

We cannot serve God and money at the same time, because they both require all of our time (Luke 16:13; 1 Timothy 6:10). Jesus calls us to repent and to live a zealous life for Him (Revelation 3:18-19). God is a righteous God and He corrects and disciplines those He loves (Proverbs 3:11-12). We gain wisdom in life by realizing what a totally awesome Lord and Savior we have in Jesus Christ (Proverbs 2:1-11, 9:10). He is the fountain of life, and the light of the world (Psalm 36:9).

Prayer:

Father God, it does not matter if we have worldly riches, because You see to it that every person, who is faithful to You, will abound with blessings (Proverbs 28:20). You exalt the one who is lowly (James 1:9-11). We do not want to gather earthly treasures, because moths and rust will just destroy them, and thieves will steal them (Matthew 6:19-21). We do not need to build an empire on this earth (Isaiah 5:8), because You already prepared a mansion for us in heaven (John 14:2).

Thought for the Day:

Our life does not consist of what we possess. – Luke 12:15:21

A Contented Heart

When we suffer, we often accuse God, as if it is entirely His fault that we are inconvenienced. As if He caused it. However, we can put suffering in its proper perspective, when we see that Jesus also suffered. He suffered for our sins. He was made perfect through His suffering. Everyone suffers physically, mentally, emotionally or financially in one way or another. Only those who turn to God, however, will also receive His comfort and grace during our trouble (Romans 8:28).

God gives us eternal life from the moment we come to Him in salvation (John 17:3). Therefore, we can give Him thanks regardless of our circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This thankfulness gives us a happy life, even if we are experiencing unhappy conditions (Psalm 103:5). Our situation in life does not define our character or our identity. We can live above these natural issues, by finding our strength and joy in Christ who is our all in all (Colossians 1:17).

Having a Godly attitude along with contentment helps us to grow in Christ (1Timothy 6:6). We brought nothing into this world, and we must leave everything behind. Therefore, we find our contentment in God’s provision of food and clothing (1Timothy 6:8). God gives us everything we need to find joy, even in our tribulation. He also uses our discomfort to comfort others. Having worldly riches and a love of money presents a trap and a temptation. They cause us to entertain many worldly desires, which may plunge us into ruin and destruction.

God encourages us to pursue eternal life and to flee from worldly gain. Instead, he wants us to seek His holiness, faith, love, gentleness and endurance to run the race (1 Timothy 6:6-12). Possessing Christ is the main ingredient in living a joyful life (Romans 5:3). His grace is all we really need to have power, which is perfected in our weakness. He teaches us contentment even in the face of insults, sorrow, trouble and persecution for Christ’s sake. Christ in us is strong even in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Dishonest gain is a reproach, as is greed and materialism (Luke 3:14). If we covet our neighbors’ possessions, the envy will rot our bones; but a contented heart gives life to our body, as well as to our soul and spirit (Proverbs 14:30). As we respect and obey the Lord, He leads us into life and godliness, so that we can rest in contentment so sweet that we are not even disturbed by trouble anymore (Proverbs 19:23). As we serve the Lord first, He provides everything we need (Psalm 34:10; Matthew 6:33).

Prayer:

Father God, teach us to be content no matter what situation we encounter. Help us to prosper in spirit even in humble physical means; and keep us humble in prosperous physical means as well. Christ in us provides the inner strength to endure any hardship (Philippians 4:11-13). Christ in us is our only true source of contentment. Remind us to walk in Your ways and to seek Your face, and You will provide everything we need.

Thought for the Day:

Like Job, we will find that God will provide for us more than we ever lost through our trials and tribulation.