Pretending!

Things are not always as they appear. Therefore a closer look is merited. Some things are not intended by some to appear as they are. We must then attempt to see through the deception. The appearance that people put on is sometimes meant to mask the reality and such may be in great contrast either way. Solomon even noted this between the rich and the poor where he stated. . .

"(7) One PRETENDS TO BE RICH, yet has nothing; another PRETENDS TO BE POOR, yet has great wealth." ( Proverbs 13:7 ESV)

Does that sound strange? Both the affluent and the impoverished attempting to appear as the other; neither wanting to be identified for what they are. Perhaps these poor do not want to be pitied while these wealthy do not want to be preyed upon. As the next verse indicates (vs.8), the rich may be held for ransom while the poor might not have such a fear. Pretending to be poor such threats are less likely. Perhaps we could say the poor have an advantage here.

The thing of which to be mindful is the status of the rich or the poor has its potential pitfalls. There are those who live BEYOND THEIR MEANS and not only suffer themselves for it, but their families may as well as they appear well off while moving deeper and deeper into debt. There are wealthy -- on the other hand -- who may live BELOW THEIR MEANS in the sense of not being the contributors and supporters in society they should be as good stewards of that with which God has blessed them. The lesson to take to heart is that regardless of possessing little or much, we ought to learn contentment (rather than greed) and glorify God in the manner in which we put to use whatever we may possess. Therefore the poor may be RICH IN SPIRITUALITY while the rich maintain an attitude of being "POOR IN SPIRIT" ( Matthew 5:3) as they trust God rather than their wealth, knowing how much they are in need of His daily guidance.

No pretending, we all need God. May we therefore surrender completely to Him as we allow Him to use us and whatever He has placed in our hands -- whether little or much -- to fulfill His purposes in this life.

Have a great day HUMBLY DOING A WEALTH OF GOOD TO GOD'S GLORY AND PRAISE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Life Perspective