True Wealth
Those who love money will not be satisfied with money; nor will they who love wealth, with gain. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
Ecclesiastes 5:10-20; I Samuel 8:3-4; Isaiah 56:11; Jeremaih 17:11; I Timothy 6:10
What Is God Saying?
Ecclesiastes is written in a popular genre of the time, wisdom literature. It seems disjointed to us, but there are flashes of insight like sunlight catching a window. Ecclesiastes is inspired, but it deals with everyday life. It all boils down to this—life lived without God is futile. It is meaningless, pointless, and empty. If life without God is all there is to this brief sojourn on earth, then it's a cruel hoax or a not-so-funny joke. It is vanity, promising a lot and delivering nothing.
However, this book has more than cynicism and despair, thank God. It states that God truly can bring joy to life (2:24-26; 3:10-15; 5:18-20; 9:7-10) when we seek satisfaction in God and in what he gives (Matthew 6:33). Again, "Those who love money will not be satisfied with money, nor they who love wealth with gain."
How Does This Apply To Us?
There is nothing wrong with money or with having money. There is a vast difference between having money and loving money. It is not evil to be financially prudent and to prosper. The question is, "What are we doing with the money we have?" and "What is the money we have doing to us?" People with money often lack real wealth, and those without money can be rich in satisfaction, contentment, joy, and peace. We should pray not for more things but for the wiser use of the things we have.
God will give us all the things we need. That's a promise (Matthew 6:32). If God entrusts us with more than we need, we should pray that what we have does not have us. The love of money is like water that evaporates in our hands. Being rich in love toward God is like a tree planted by the rivers of water. It prospers. It bears fruit. It gives. It lives. It is rich and enriching. We have to choose—no better way or time than in prayer.
Pray With Me
Heavenly Father, direct me in all the things upon which I should set my affection. I often love things that cannot satisfy me. I frequently seek comforts and advantages others seem to enjoy. I covet fame and talent others seem to possess. I want the wealth and power that others seem to achieve. Envy has made me restless. May I have your forgiveness, Lord. But beyond forgiveness, give your sufficient grace, perfect wisdom, and the constant cleansing and filling of your Holy Spirit. May I know that "those who love money shall not be satisfied with money".
Silver and gold cannot purchase my redemption, nor can they buy my joy. Increasing riches can mean increasing sorrow. Help me be rich toward you in the treasures of faith, hope, and love. As material security rests on rotting pillars, help me build on the foundation of your promises and the eternal worth of Jesus Christ. Those who love money and all it represents shall not be satisfied with it or anything it means. Those who love Christ shall be satisfied with Christ today, tomorrow, and forever. I affirm this today in a deliberate act of faith.
In the name of him, who always satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with his goodness. Amen.
Moving On In The Life Of Prayer
The more we commit ourselves to God's will by surrendering ourselves, the richer we become in things that count: love, joy, peace, and compassion. How rich do we want to be?
