Solution And Problem!

Those of you who are teens have perhaps begun giving consideration to the occupation you desire to someday have. Whatever that might be may be focused on as something you see as being worthwhile, would be enjoyable, and even makes good economic sense. Your studies now and the kind of discipline you are presently developing are the foundation upon which your future expectations will rest. Therefore, be very mindful of how you are handling what is presently within your hands. Though providing a good living is a noble quest and more WEALTH is often viewed as a solution to many problems, it must also be noted that WEALTH can in itself become the problem.

During a period of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God we read. . .
“(19) They cast THEIR SILVER into the streets, and THEIR GOLD is like an unclean thing. THEIR SILVER AND GOLD are not able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They cannot satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs with it. FOR IT WAS THE STUMBLING BLOCK OF THEIR INIQUITY. (20) His beautiful ornament they used for pride, and they made their abominable images and their detestable things of it. Therefore I make it an unclean thing to them.” ( Ezekiel 7:17-19 ESV)

The New Living Translation reads, “for THEIR LOVE OF MONEY MADE THEM STUMBLE INTO SIN.”

Their WEALTH was not a solution, but rather became a problem. There was pride in their possessions and some of that WEALTH was also used for the making of idols, thus drawing the focus away from the God Who had actually been the One to bless them. That which could have been viewed as a blessing had become the source of their downfall; instead of being life’s solution it became life’s problem.

It is important to retain a balanced perspective that causes us to retain God -- as the Giver of all good gifts -- at the center of life’s focus. When this is not done it is far too easy for the “things” and the WEALTH to become a distraction and hindrance rather than a help.

Agur appears to have wisely understood the challenge when he wrote. . .
“(7) Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: (8) Remove far from me falsehood and lying; GIVE ME NEITHER POVERTY NOR RICHES; feed me with the food that is needful for me, (9) LEST I BE FULL AND DENY YOU and say, “Who is the LORD?” OR LEST I BE POOR AND STEAL and profane the name of my God.” ( Proverbs 30:7-9 ESV)

As we look at life’s solutions, let us be careful they do not become the problem. Loving God and others more than the “things” (note 1 Timothy 6:10) will help us maintain a proper perspective in how we use that with which we have been blessed. (note also 1 Timothy 6:17-19) Let us seek God’s help in finding the greatest value for what we possess so that we may truly be laying up treasure in Heaven ( Matthew 6:20) remembering that what we truly consider our treasure is where our heart will be also! ( Matthew 6:21) May our greatest WEALTH be in good deeds to the glory of God.

Have a great day NOT LETTING THE GOODS GET IN THE WAY!
Carl

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