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You and God
I have notice that as time goes along, there is a shift from the teaching of God's glory and might to our glory and riches. There are many preachers that will try and guide you through the Bible to scriptures that tell you how you can get from God all the wealth you want. And while God can give you wealth, the seeking after wealth can replace a greater joy.
In Ecclesiastes Solomon comes to realize that he is chasing the wind by trying to fulfill his life with women and things. Solomon was so preoccupied with lust and greed that he failed to see God's real plan for him. Let's look at what the Bible says about having a wife. Proverbs 18:22 Says that who ever finds a wife finds a good thing and favor from Yahweh. It doesn't say wives, it says wife. The purpose of marriage is not to fulfill all of your lusts. It is a type and shadow of your relationship with Jesus. Marriage should be pointing you to the greatest and most fulfilling relationship that you will ever have, the one with Jesus.
I know a man that bought a pickup truck. He paid sixty times more for this truck than I did for mine. He doesn't appear to be any happier than I am. And there is a lot of folk in this country loosing their houses and much of what they own because of greed. All this searching for more of costly things is a form of slavery. Can I ask you some questions? There are Christians in China. If believing in God makes you wealthy with material possessions, why are these Chinese Christians poor? What are they seeking that they risk death and prison for?
What many don't realize is that God and his ways are what we should be seeking. Read Psalms chapter 119. Real riches and the fulfillment of desire are found in God and his ways. Real righteousness is found right there in the Bible. A new car isn't mentioned (it would have been called a chariot in those days). Bigger house, not there. Following Yahweh and his commandments are mentioned repeatedly.
Come on now. You know you have heard the following: God is boring. Only the good die young. Why go to church? I'll tell you why. The only thing you can obtain on this earth and have after you die is God and his ways. All of your other possessions will be sold, fought over, or donated after you die. All I really treasure I will take with me. Because I have been absolutely convinced Psalms 119 is absolutely true.
Jesus said to people who lived in very modest accommodations that there are many mansions in heaven. These were folk that often lived with their extended families. A mansion would give them the room they might have really desired. He didn't say believe in God now for a bigger house. That is because Jesus wants you to be rich in the bigger picture of eternity because all of this will pass away.
So if you really want to be rich read and follow Psalms 119. After all, what is the point in saying you believe the Bible if you don't read and believe????
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