Even the most beautiful things in this world are but trash in comparison to the Gospel and what Christ did for us. Living in a country where wealth is so highly sought after it can be difficult to battle the urge to jump on the material train lifestyle. We are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us “more of this” and “better of that” is what will make you happy. Ultimately you will end up chasing a dream that can never be achieved because the reality is, it will never be enough. Wealth does not have a ceiling and technology is ever changing. There will always be a better and a newer something and so the cycle of upgrading will continue on forever.

Now, there is nothing wrong with wealth and God obviously places people in positions of power and ability in a financial way. We see King David who was of high position and Solomon who was very wealthy too. The thing that matters is the heart about the position in which you are in financially. Paul teaches us that it is wise to know how to abase and abound in Philippians 4:12. This simply means we must be thankful and glorifying to the Lord in all circumstances regardless of our possessions at the current time.

Personally I have “had it all” and have also had next to nothing. Both come with their own separate pride challenges and traps to fall in to.

Being faced with a world of wealth how do we keep our eyes on the prize and not become swept away in the current of currency? We keep our eyes on Jesus. We stay in tune with the Holy Spirit and give freely no matter what financial position we are in.

Luke 3:11 says: “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

The financial wealth we have, weather great or little is not ours anyway. We are merely stewards of what we have here on earth and therefore should give with wisdom and with freedom not being tied to what we have so tightly that it controls us.

We are not just called to steward our finances and possessions well we are also called to manage our time properly too.

Ephesians 5:15-17 reads: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

When is the last time you took an account for the time you are spending? How much of your time are you spending on yourself vs. others? How much time are you spending with the Lord?

Keeping an eternal prospective on our mission here makes it all the easier to live in the freedom of the Gospel and do the kingdom work we have before us. We were not saved so we could build wealth here and store up treasures on earth.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Finally, it is all about the heart. I am not here to judge the status of another. God places people in all different walks and lifestyles for His message of the Good News to be spread. Our economic status doesn’t change who we are, whose we are, or who we serve but the attitude of our heart certainly can. Walk in freedom this week and remember Matthew 21: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Take some time to evaluate where your heart is and what treasure you are chasing here.

Father you are so magnificent. Anything on the face of the earth cannot compare to your glory! It doesn’t even come close. Let our minds be renewed and refreshed in this truth of our purpose here. Let the world grow strangely dim in comparison to the gospel. You love us so deeply and fully and we deserved death but you sent your son to save us. You stepped in and changed our eternal path because you love us that much. We are so blessed to be yours. We pray that you would shape our hearts to be more like yours. Keep our eyes on you. Guard our hearts from the traps of comparison and help us to encourage and lift up the body of Christ in whatever way we can. Strengthen us to do your good work God. In Jesus name, Amen.