The True Meaning of Wealth and It’s Not Money
Have you ever wondered how it would feel to be rich or extremely wealthy—that is, if you aren’t already? Does your mind wander, thinking about all the things that you could have if you just had lots of money? You may even feel inferior to someone who is rich. Are you willing to gain riches and material goods at any expense?
Many people work constantly trying to achieve wealth to the point they have no time for family life or time to “stop and smell the roses.” Riches with the wrong perspective can come with torment and stress. Celebrities with fame and fortune have committed suicide showing us that money doesn’t solve every problem. Some rich people even experience suicidal thoughts when unforeseen circumstances deplete their riches. I am not condemning having wealth, but I want you to think about the priority wealth has in your life. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns us that the love of money is the root of evil. It’s the love of money, not money itself that causes people to suffer many sorrows because they chase after riches. Some people work so hard they don’t have time to worship God, Who created each of them.
So having wealth is a good thing, as long as you have the right frame of mind in how you earn your riches and you can resist the temptation of putting your trust in it. Do not allow your wealth building to rule your thoughts and actions and become an idol in your life. It can be dangerous to be in love with wealth. The Bible, which is a great guide to life, tells us in 1 Timothy 6:17, “not to be arrogant nor to put [our] hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put [our] hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” Verse 18 tells us that we should rather be rich in doing good, being willing to help others. Instead of taking pleasure only in material goods, consider that everything that we have is a gift which shows God’s love and generosity towards us. Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us that we should not store up goods for our own enjoyment only, but that we should share with the needy.
On the flip side, instead of seeking wealth, follow Matthew 6:33—But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things (of which you have need) shall be added unto you. God is counter intuitive in this way. He wants us to seek Him first, then we’ll have want we need. As opposed to seeking things and never finding the true satisfaction we want. I can guarantee you that faith in Jesus Christ is the “true” way to successful living. So do not idolize any physical thing, but put your faith in God through His son, Jesus Christ, and experience the “good life.”
This month we’re talking about our culture of idolatry and how it affects our lives. Read our last blog!