[Do
not] trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all
things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17
One evening a news program devoted its entire broadcast to the problems of many young
athletes who suddenly become multimillionaire sports celebrities. They start out buying
expensive cars, living luxuriously, and partying. Then they get into immoral conduct and
illicit drugs. Soon their careers are in shambles.
The writer of Ecclesiastes could have empathized with these young athletes. In chapter 6,
he illustrated the emptiness of a life that has wealth and riches but does not include
God. Two men are portrayed. The first is either a workaholic or a playboy. He is a quick
success but is unhappy and dies with no heirs (vv.1-2). The second lives longer and has
many children but is also unfulfilled and dies unloved (vv.3-6). The writer concluded that
it is better not to have lived at all than to be rich and famous but miserable!
The apostle Paul said that when we give God control of our lives, earthly blessings can be
enjoyed, for He "gives us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17). And when
we use money to do good, we are using it for God's eternal purposes, and we "lay hold
on the true life" (a literal translation of verse 19). A bright future and a
joy-filled presentthat's the difference God makes!
-HVL
You may have much gold and grandeur,
Yet by God be reckoned poor;
He alone has riches truly
Who has Christ, though nothing more.
-Anon.
To be rich in God is better than to be rich in goods.