April 27 ~ Proverbs 16:8
It's better to be honest and poor than to be dishonest and rich.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve always told my husband that “I’d live with you in a pup tent.” He laughs at that… knowing I like the comfort of a warm bed and a good hot shower… but he also understands what I am saying. As long as we are together, it really doesn’t matter where we live or how much “stuff” we have. Many people assume that the “rich” are happier – or that becoming wealthy will equal lifelong contentment. We toss around phrases like “When I win the lottery…” or “When my ship comes in…” or “When I marry a rich man/woman…” The truth is… chasing wealth has been the downfall of many people. This doesn’t mean it’s wrong to have ambition or to desire to be financially secure. If you work hard, with honesty and integrity, and treat people well – and you make a lot of money as a result - good for you! But if you “kick and claw your way to the top” and are willing to do things that are dishonest or illegal – or you mistreat others along the way – your “victory” will be rather hollow. You may not go to jail like Bernie Madoff and others, but Judgment Day will surely come.
God wants us to be happy. And while some think that Jesus’ call for the disciples to leave everything and follow Him means that we are supposed to live meager lives in very simple houses, drive clunkers and wear cheap, plain clothing, they are mistaken. God doesn’t begrudge us having nice homes, clothes, cars and more… as long as we earn them honestly and honor Him in the bargain.
Please hear me… you do not have to apologize for what you have… or what you don’t have… as long as you are serving God according to His will for your life. If God wants you to sell all of your belongings and move to a Third World country to serve him, do it! But God may want you to use your fancy house and car to witness to others in your neighborhood… or to host meals and get-togethers for a group in your church. He may have helped you afford a Suburban so that you can haul the youth group to weekly activities. Or He may have chosen you to work with the less fortunate – and to relate well to them because they readily accept you as “one of them.”
The point is… God isn’t doling out favors and punishments in the form of monetary wealth and possessions. He is calling us to be rich in HIM… not in things. This is not a license to be a slacker and decide that God wants you to goof off and just barely get by in life. Truly find out where God wants you to be… then serve Him honestly and faithfully in that station. Be the best employee, boss, teacher, student, parent, son/daughter, servant that you can become. Always do your “job” honestly and make sure your behavior is beyond question or reproach. Measure your wealth in terms of God’s favor… not man’s. You’ll find your value is far higher in HIS sight than on this earth… and that’s where it really counts!
©2010 Debbie Robus
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