November 9th - Psalm 37:16-17

Psalm 37:16-17 It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich. For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the LORD takes care of the godly. The Old Testament has no problem with wealth; many of its stars were incredibly rich – think of Abraham, Job, David and Solomon. Indeed, wealth is seen as a sign of God’s blessing. But if you’ve got to choose between having wealth and a life focused on God, then the best choice is God, whether or not you happen to be wealthy. When our relationship with God is right, every other consideration pales into insignificance. Jesus pointed out that you have to choose between gods. You cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Only one of them can be in the driving seat. This is a vital message for our society, where the chasing after money is largely unquestioned. Many of the things that money can buy are excellent in themselves and can rightly be admired, but they have a limited shelf life. How very different from living a life that is deliberately focused on God, because the blessings he gives us last for ever. It would be interesting to consider whether you believe that you have a little or a lot. Then ask yourself whether you have a little or a lot in world terms, given that the majority of people in the world earn less than £5 a day. Even if you have come out of that exercise still concluding that you only have a little, listen to King David who concluded that your little, together with your love of the Lord, is in every way preferable to those who are wealthy and who know nothing of him. True wealth is found in knowing God personally. Question Be honest. Which is most important to you? God or money? Prayer God our Father thank you that my relationship with you is more valuable than anything that money can buy. Amen