For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26
Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. Ecclesiastes 5:10
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Money is associate with power in today' society. Obviously we need money to provide for our families and ourselves, but the question remains, how much importance you give to your wealth and riches? Do they go beyond serving you or are you serving them? Do you see them with the highest regard and value? Are you consumed by the need to gather more and more of them? Do they hold the most important place in your life? Dear friend, I pray that you know that all the riches in the world (money, jewelry, expensive cars, boats, gigantic houses, ect.) will not be able to save you when it matters the most. You and I came to this world empty handed and that is the exact way we will leave it. The legacy that we leave behind for our family, community and humanity is what really meaningful. The only question is what kind of legacy would you like to leave? As important as it is to leave a legacy for your children and grandchildren (Proverbs 13: 22 says a wise man leaves an inheritance for his children's children), it is even more vital to ensure that they know God. Friend without God, everything is meaningless.
When you know God, you will understand that life is not about the pursuit of wealth but it is about serving others. When you know God, you will be able to see Him in the eyes of a starving child and you will be compelled to do something about it. To know God is to receive the person He sent: Jesus Christ. If you and I are to truly know God, we have to acknowledge Jesus. Any religion that separates knowledge of God apart from Christ is not presenting complete and sound teaching. To know God is to know Jesus and Jesus Christ did not only teach us what was important but He also demonstrated "servanthood" when he was living among us. There are countless accounts of the man who would later be known as the King of kings serving the less fortunate. In fact, His purpose for coming into this world was to give the greatest gift of all: His own life. Let your family know that riches are to be enjoyed but life has even more value when riches are used to bless others. Wealth without God is meaningless.
Friend, I can appreciate a nice house with a stunning view just like anyone. I am not saying that enjoying material things is wrong. There is a definite difference between owning things and letting things own you. Scholars and Theologians agree that the book of Ecclesiastes was most likely written by Salomon, the son of king David and the richest man to ever lived on this earth. Salomon says wealth is meaningless. Wisdom is meaningless. Pleasure is meaningless. Work is meaningless. Time is meaningless. Advancement is meaningless. A man who had everything acknowledged that without God everything else is meaningless.
So according to the richest man ever lived, owning a collection of luxurious cars is meaningless. Owning the most exotic islands is meaningless. Having the best education is meaningless. Having the latest Hermes' hand bag is meaningless. Having the most thoughtful spouse is meaningless. No matter what we own there will always be a sense of dissatisfaction. It will never be enough. God created us with a need for Him and only Him can fill that void. We have heard of many rich people who died of loneliness, and there are those who even put an end to their lives. Salomon was never against wealth but He was a man who asked for wisdom over riches and God decided to bless him with everything including wisdom. We can learn much from Salomon. Knowing God is more meaningful than anything and everything in this world and life without God is meaningless.
Friend, I need to ask you the following questions: will you start today by giving your life to God? Will you make the decision to be a servant? Will you find time in your busy schedule to do something for someone less fortunate or will you continue to serve self and self alone? Will you continue to live and meaningless life or will you chose a life of purpose? I pray that you will make the right choice. One day soon, you and I will have to come before God and we have to account for our time on this earth and whether you believe it or not does not even matter. It will happen. What will you say to Him? What excuse will you use? I don't think "I was too busy enjoying life" will be a good enough reason for not helping others. Do you?
Father, in Jesus name, help me find a meaningful way to live. I want to please you and you alone and Father, less of me and more of you every day. Thank you for answering my prayer. Amen!
Parise the Lord!
