“Wisdom to Live By!”

The pursuit of worldly riches seems to be what “the American dream” is all about. Few people are satisfied or content with what they have, and many are caught in the trap of believing that money and things can produce happiness. Yet the misery of those who pursue the things of the world is obvious to those who have been given eyes to see. In His “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be a/so” (Matthew 6:21). Solomon writes about the deceitfulness of riches in his proverbs, declaring that “whoever trusts in his riches will fall” (Proverbs 11:28}. He explains “the blessing of the LORD makes rich” (Proverbs 10:22}. God’s blessings and His promises all point to Jesus Christ and His work on the cross for us who by His grace have been moved and enabled to believe in Him. All that we have and all that we are is a gift from Him to be used to proclaim His Name and to advance His kingdom, telling others of the way of salvation and of the reign of Jesus Christ over all things. Nothing we have is ours! We are but stewards of God’s gifts and true joy is found in understanding that we ARE rich IN CHRIST!! With the Apostle Paul we can say, “Whatever gain I had, I counted as Joss for the sake of Christ!” (Philippians 3:7). Have you reached the point where you can say that you are pursuing true riches in Christ, drawing near to our Father in heaven through faith in Jesus, trusting Him to give you all you need to serve Him, to endure trials and to persevere as His Spirit works within you? Ask God for the wisdom to let go of the things of the world that try to grab your attention and distract you from true riches. HE is enough!!