Attitude About Wealth

Attitude About Wealth “You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24 Even as children we are bombarded with the attitude that attaining wealth and worldly possessions is the goal we must strive for in our lives. Our success in the eyes of most people is measured by the kind of house we live in, the kind of car we drive, the job we have, the clothes we wear, the clubs and social circles that we belong to, and the amount of material wealth that we possess. If we do not have these kinds of material possessions most people think that we have failed in our lives. I grew up thinking this way as I thought this was what I was to work toward. I wanted the big house, big car and all the material possessions that the wealthy people in our area were identified with. However, I now know that there is more to life than the accumulation of material possessions. Although I feel God wants us to be successful, the amount of material wealth that we accumulate is not indicative of the type of success that God has in store for us. God provides us the means to obtain wealth, but it is how we use this wealth is what determines our success. For example, God does not want us to be successful at the expense of other people. God also wants us to be a good steward of all that he gives us. The parable of the talents is a good example of how he wants each of us to use what he has given us. He expects each of us to take what he provides, and make it grow. God wants us to be a cheerful giver, not hoarding our wealth, but sharing it with others. Money and material possessions does not provide us happiness. We need to always remember that whatever we have, God already owns it all. Strive for success, work hard in all that you do, but don't let your wealth become your God. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Six October 15