Monday, July 15, 2013

Are you running after earthly treasures?

Proverbs 22 encourages us to live Godly lives instead of running after earthly treasures. “Being respected is more important than having great riches.” (v.1 NCV) In today’s society, so many people are caught up by the media circus of Hollywood and Wall Street. We make idols out of celebrities and money. Sadly, our society tends to look to celebrities and the wealthiest of the wealthy to determine what's most important. What the world sees as "important" is the exact opposite of what God sees as important.
God sees that which is determined to be eternal wealth as important. But how does one find  such wealth? According to Proverbs 22:4

“Respecting the Lord and not being proud will bring you wealth, honor, and life.” (NCV) 

Verse 5, goes on to say 

“Evil people's lives are like paths covered with thorns and traps. People who guard themselves don't have such problems.”
As I look at the examples that are splattered on my TV screen, I see the consequences of this fallen world; drug overdoses, adultery, pornography, murder, alcoholism, pre-marital sex, abortion... and the list goes on and one. 

Today as I read the words of Proverbs 22, I was reminded of this simple truth: riches and blessings will last far beyond the time constraints of this world. When I talk about riches here, I am not talking about earthly riches.
The wheels turned in my mind as I thought about what brings eternal riches. What I learn as I read my Bible is the respect of the Lord brings wealth, honor, and life far beyond the time constraints of this world. So my question becomes: Am I allowing my wealth, honor, and life to come from living a Godly life or a worldly life? And what am I teaching my young son? What does he see in me?
I think it’s anything but ironic what the very next verse in this Proverb says (Proverbs 22:6)
“Train children to live the right way, and when they are old, they will not stray from it.”
God wants me to get my worth, esteem, and life from Him. He wants me to focus on His truth and not get so wrapped up (tripped up) by the “temporal stuff” of this world. As I'm learning from Him, he wants me to teach the same principals to my son.
Related reading: Romans 12:1 – 2; 3 John 1:11; Colossians 3:1-4; Philippians 4:8

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