Wealth and Safety
Gold bars. Author Stevebidmead. Source https://pixabay.com/en/gold-ingots-golden-treasure-513062. (CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication)
The world is not a safe place.
We may, at times, delude ourselves about that. We may make material things our security blanket, convince ourselves that wealth and luxury translate into safety. We may view self-assurance and independence as guarantees of success, confuse the strength God has lent us for our own.
But there will always be circumstances to teach us the foolishness of this. Celebrities may have the means to buy mansions. But despite his bank account, the rich man can lose a son. Despite her jewels, the rich woman will grow old. In the end, neither will escape death and judgment.
Worldly security is false. It is temporary. When we rely on it – especially to the detriment of those less fortunate – we miss out on God’s offer of real security. And we misuse God’s gifts.
The child’s security blanket is only as effective as the love his parents have for him. In their absence, the blanket quickly loses its magic and provides shallow comfort.
In difficult conditions, we must not lose our faith in God or fail to trust in His providence. We must not pursue an immoral course of action, in our effort to attain the things we desire.
The temptations of prosperity can be greater than those of adversity. In prosperous conditions, we must not become proud or grasping.
The world is not a safe place. The future may hold illness, poverty, even persecution in store for us. But we need not give way to depression and despair.
In every situation, God is able to strengthen and sustain us.
“Do not be afraid when one becomes rich,
When the glory of his house is increased;
For when he dies he shall carry nothing away…
Though while he lives he blesses himself…
A man who is in honor, yet does not understand,
Is like the beasts that perish” (Ps. 49: 16-18, 20).
Lord God, help us remember that our security rests with You. We trust in your care. Whatever trials or temptations we may face in this life, we know that You will bring us safely home to You.
Amen
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse https://avoicereclaimed.com
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Amen.
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV
Insightful post! Thank you Anna.
Thank you, Nicodemas. I always appreciate your kindness.
Peace
Good stuff, Anna. I appreciate this message.
Great post Anna!
We are to store up treasures in heaven.
Thank you, Mary. Yes, that is where our true home is.
Very true. Matthew 6:19-21 tells us to “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Money cannot buy us anything that truly matters; love, life, family or entrance into God’s Kingdom. Jehovah God promises to take care of all of our needs if we seek His Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33,34).
Well said. Thank you for commenting.
This is especially relevant given the current political climate. The personal is political. And the personal is, ultimately, God. The values worth valuing have nothing to do with money, or authority. Thank you for your work!
Thank you, Kimberly.
This blog always faces due North. Hope it’s been a blessed season, Anna.
Thank you so much!! That’s high praise coming from you. Have a very Merry Christmas! ❤
Very good, dear Anna! You wrote,
“Worldly security is false. It is temporary. When we rely on it – especially to the detriment of those less fortunate – we miss out on God’s offer of real security. And we misuse God’s gifts.”
How true. Jesus did not rely on earthy treasures and security; in fact He turned the group’s bag for donations they received over to a KNOWN thief! And His words backed up His actions:
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt 6:19-21, KJ2000)
And to a rich young practicing Jew He said,
“If you will be perfect, go and sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” (Matt 19:21, KJ2000)
I wonder how many of us have a larger balance in heaven than we do here on earth? Hmmm.
Thank you so much, Michael. I always appreciate your insights. ❤
You are welcome, Anna. May the love of Jesus flood your heart always. ❤
Michael
I wish you the same, Michael. ❤