What’s Better Than A Boatload of Money?

A friend of mine used to say, “They say that money isn’t everything—but I’d sure like to prove them wrong!” Of course, most of us who live with an eternal perspective would agree with the “money isn’t everything” bromide, my guess is that most of us are secretly like my friend—we’d sure like our shot at proving that theory wrong!

Solomon is simply reminding us of something we already know, but need a periodic refresher to pull us back out of the tractor beam pull of the lure of money and all the earthly, temporal things it provides.  Let’s not forget what the Bible says: The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. (I Timothy 1:6)  Likewise, Jesus himself warned us that we cannot love and serve both God and money at the same time. (Matthew 6:24)  Frankly, as much as we’d like to dispel Jesus’s platitude, it is impossible!

Rather than money, Solomon implores us to seek after wisdom.  It is far better, buys much more, and lasts infinitely longer than anything money affords.  Five minutes after your death, your money, power and fame will not even be worth the paper they were recorded on.  In fact, it could be your misuse of money, possessions and fame will put your account in the deficit when you reach eternity.  But wisdom on the other hand, it is an investment that will pay ever-increasing dividends throughout all eternity.  And maybe, just maybe, it will lead you to the proper attainment and stewarding of money, possessions and fame in this life, too.

Think of what would happen if you and I would sink as much blood, sweat and tears into the pursuit of Biblical wisdom as we do money, possession and fame!  We would attain the kind of enduring wealth that earns the applause of heaven.

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth
but not have a rich relationship with God.”
~Jesus Christ, Luke 12:21

Your Assignment, Should You Choose To Accept It:

Read the parable of the parable of the rich fool and the commentary of money that follows in Luke 12:13-24.  Write out a one paragraph prayer in your journal that incorporates Jesus’s teaching.