"Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich."
- Proverbs 28:6
How is success measured? Most people will tell you that success is the equivalent of a person's monetary value; if you have lots of money, you're successful. If you possess real estate, you're successful. A striving business, a promising career. All these things spell "success".
Yet we forget the words found in Luke 12:20 - "But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?'" We can acquire many things while we are here on earth: money, material possessions, what the world would call "riches". But what are they worth once we leave this life? In heaven they are worthless. Those that put all their energy into gaining riches, regardless of how they do it, find in the end that these riches will do them no good, and someone else will enjoy it all once they're gone.
Does this mean we shouldn't have money? No. Does it mean we can't own anything? Not at all. But these shouldn't be the things we are after in life. Why not follow the advise found in Proverbs 22:1 instead? "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold." Those are the things that money can't buy. They're priceless.
2 comments:
I think a lot of Christians today get too wrapped up in treasures on earth instead of treasures in Heaven...myself included. It takes dying daily, and taking up our cross, to discipline ourselves and remember that we are living for the Lord and not for ourselves. I changed my deffinition of success a long time ago, and I don't care how the "world" sees it. I don't have to answer to them, but I do have to answer to God someday for how I managed the money and things that He gave me!
Good thoughts!
right now, we're beyond broke. So broke we can't even pay attention. But you know what? Our wealth is immeasurable. We've been doing more at home fun nights, making breakfast, lunch and dinner together, snuggling together on the couch with blankets to keep warm (we do have heat its just down super low). Making "it work" as a family, being patient and loving each other is better than anything money could ever buy us.
This is great! Thanks for sharing!
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