Wealthy--ME?

I recently heard a commentator say that most Americans live better than the aristocrats and kings of the past. We have many modern conveniences, technology, utilities, comfortable transportation, and excellent health care. We are truly a wealthy people. Being wealthy is not good or bad. What is important is how we view our wealth.

“Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work — this is a gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 5:19 NIV

So if we have possessions and financial resources, we are to enjoy them. It is God’s gift to us. Wealth is only a problem if we have the wrong attitude towards it. Actually, whether we are wealthy or poor does not matter if our attitude about our possessions is wrong.

“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.” 1 Timothy 6:17 NIV

The temptation to have a wrong attitude about our prosperity is strong. It is so easy to think we deserve our belongings. We think our money will always be readily available. Not true. Our resources are a gift from God that we are to enjoy and use as he directs.

“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’" Luke 12:15 NIV

What does God say to the greedy person who hoards his possessions?

"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?… Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.” Luke 12:20, 23

What is the spiritual person to do if he is seeking to please God instead of being greedy?

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 NIV

So is your treasure with your possessions or with God?

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34 NIV

Lord, you are more precious to me than anything I own in this life. Forgive my digressions into selfishness and greed. Guide me in using all the possessions you have blessed me with controlling in such a manner as to please you.