Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 11, 2017
In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin! Revelation 18:17
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (I Timothy 6:17).
If there is one thing that is certain, it is the uncertainty of wealth. Riches can fluctuate up and down like a terrifying roller coaster ride. My financial net worth can evaporate overnight, or incrementally deteriorate over time. Hope in wealth is a recipe for sleepless nights and emotional fatigue. Why would I place my hope in money that migrates all over the map of life? Hope in money leads to false security and creates discontentment.
Yes, it is embarrassing to lose anything, especially money, but it can be replaced. Financial purging peels back our true intent, and exposes the object of our affections. Do we love money, or do we love God, because we can’t love both. Fortunately, hope in heaven is most certain. Christ is our reliable compass during a cash crisis. Jesus’ utmost desire is for you to toil for true riches, He says:
“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches?” (Luke 16:11).
True riches are trust in the Lord, contentment, and generosity. It is your passionate pursuit of true riches that trumps worries over worldly wealth. Do your children and friends see you lament in prayer over the lost souls of men more than the loss of money? What is the value of one person finding Jesus in a personal and growing relationship? Unworldly wealth compounds eternally with certain rewards, while temporal worldly wealth depreciates and is destroyed over time.
Therefore, take this time of financial transition and place your affections above where your certainty is in Christ (Colossians 3:1-4). Gently remind the fearful that fear of God and loving people are true riches. Money comes and goes, but Jesus remains faithful. Hope in Christ, not cash, brings contentment and the enjoyment of true wealth—this is for certain. Many have never regretted being generous in the moment, but sad are those who wait to give only to experience the evaporation of their net worth. We can ever depend on our generous Savior Jesus!
“Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle” (Proverbs 23:5).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me use money to further Your kingdom and not my own.Application
Where can I give a generous financial gift to contribute to Your kingdom and not my own?Related Reading
Job 13:15; Psalm 42:5; Matthew 10:42; John 17:8Post/Tweet today
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