Real Wealth
My husband, Jim, said something to me today that was very profound. He said, “We are rich- because we have God and we have each other.” Such a true statement! However, if you look at my bank account, the first word that would come to mind would probably not be “rich.” Natural circumstances would try to defy the truth that I am wealthy beyond measure. But- I am wealthy and rich- very much so.
I have a peace and sense of well-being that cannot be purchased with money. I know I am loved and accepted, which you cannot put a price on. Because of Jesus I am righteous and filled with knowledge and wisdom. Because I seek Him first, my needs are all met, and because I delight myself in Him, He gives me the desires of my heart. I don’t have to figure things out on my own, because I trust in the Lord with all my heart. I am filled with joy because of His presence. All of these things are invaluable and eternal; they will never fade away.
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 16:19-21 (New Living Translation, NLT)
By living for Jesus and allowing Him to live through me, I am storing up riches and wealth in heaven- a wealth that is eternal. And because I have my eyes on Him, and not on natural means, I show that have my priorities right. And when we show that our priorities are right, God knows we can be trusted with big things in the natural.
But people who want to get rich keep falling into temptation. They are trapped by many stupid and harmful desires which drown them in destruction and ruin. Certainly, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people who have set their hearts on getting rich have wandered away from the Christian faith and have caused themselves a lot of grief. But you, man of God, must avoid these things. Pursue what God approves of: a godly life, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. I Timothy 6:9-11 (Names of God Bible, NOG)
Material wealth can be a person’s destruction if they do not have their eyes fixed on the Lord. Wealth can easily become one’s god and the real God is forced out of first place. And when money is your god, you are controlled and manipulated by the enemy. That’s why our real desire must be for God, so we are not able to be drawn away when God brings material possessions our way.
May those shout for joy and rejoice, who take delight in my vindication; And may they say continually, “The Lord be exalted, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.” Psalm 35:27 (New American Standard Bible, NASB) emphasis mine
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
You see, God does not want His people poor. He made sure the Israelites left Egypt with great wealth. His Word says that the wealth of the sinner is laid up for us, the just. Poverty is part of the curse, and Jesus destroyed the curse, meaning we are meant to be wealthy, not broke or barely getting by. There is a great wealth transfer coming, but in order to have this wealth and not allow this wealth to have us, we have to have our priorities right. When we place God as the center of our lives and do not allow Him to be removed from that place, we will be made wealthy- both spiritually and naturally.
Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands….Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. Psalm 112:1,3 (New International Version, NIV)
