2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Exodus 8:1-9:35 ESV, Matthew 19:13-30 ESV, Psalm 24:1-10 ESV, Proverbs 6:1-5 ESV
Daily Verse: “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mathew 19:24 ESV)
PLOUSIOS (4145): “Wealthy, abound with.” [I]
Rich people abound.
Everyone living in America abounds in food, housing, and jobs compared to the rest of the world. No one enjoys the freedom of life as much as we do in the USA. Unfortunately, we take our luxuries for granted. Instead of privileges, we think rights, becoming self-entitled. Spending a week in a third-world country changed my materialistic perspective into gratitude. I only had to use the outhouse in El Salvador one time to praise God for my porcelain pot that doesn’t require lime to tame the smell.
Witnessing the rectangular cement tank filled with bug-infested water changed my life. Watching as the women scooped water, using it for cooking, cleaning, and drinking, made me nauseous. Controlling my features and acting completely normal in such utter poverty challenged all my senses. Living in what they considered a luxury, the family devoted their lives to Jesus. Connecting over our love of the Lord, one of the most profound days of my life. My El Salvadorian friends didn’t have material wealth, but the richness of their relationships with God and each other, inspiring.
Become richer.
God gave us life in America for a reason. Having material wealth doesn’t make someone a sinner. What we do with our wealth does. Keeping a Biblical perspective, we remember all good things come from God (James 1:17). First and foremost, we’re to give back to God through our local church (Malachi 3:10, Mark 12:17). When we put God first in our finances, money loses its hold. The best way to offend money, give it away. Don’t let the dollar control your life; let Jesus become your financial planner.
Giving requires faith. Becoming involved with a local church allows you to share God’s gifts with others. When we adopt the principles of the early church, everyone wins.
“And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” (Acts 2:45 ESV)
As you apply Biblical principles to your finances, your faith will grow. God will provide in ways you can’t imagine, not always financially. Good health saves money and allows for a fuller life. When you begin counting blessings, you’ll realize your wealth, much more significant than you think.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. (p 204) Thomas Nelson
