SEEKING WEALTH FROM THE UNIVERSE?
1 Timothy 6:17-19: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”
Simple question; are you seeking wealth from the universe? Or are you just on the fence wondering – where does my provision come from? Should I pursue wealth?
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of books written about wealth and becoming wealthy. The professional realm is overwhelmingly inodiated with motivational and inspiring literature written to share the secrets of how to be rich. Popular books include classics such as “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko, “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki, and many others. These books often explore various strategies, mindsets, and habits that contribute to financial success and wealth accumulation. My perspective of these books is not necessarily bad. It does however become an issue when our affections of this world outweigh the things of God.
Too many times in the professional world, it would appear that the main focus is reaching for success and wealth by seeking the universe. This decision to put faith in a created thing simultaneously makes the choice to disregard God as the center of the universe and the One who provides all things. Still in yet, God remains the center of the universe. He is ultimately supreme weather we acknowledge Him as so or not.
UNDERSTANDING THE UNIVERSE
SO… WHERE TO BEGIN? TRUST GOD.
So, the best explanation I can offer is from the perspective of what the Bible says. Psalm 15:1 says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” This verse underscores the biblical perspective on denying God’s existence and associates such denial with moral corruption and wrongdoing. No matter what sounds or looks good to us, if we disregard God especially in the realm of wealth, we are fools. The most effective thing we can do is fully trust Him.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This passage emphasizes the divine inspiration of Scripture and its utility in guiding and equipping believers for righteous living and good deeds. Simply put, God’s Word, the Bible – should be our first and absolute reference point for understanding. The most effective things we can do to seek understanding is digging into His Word.
WHAT NEXT? TRUST HIS WORD.
Exodus shares the story of God saving His chosen people from slavery and bringing them into a promised land. During the 40 years in the wilderness, Exodus and Numbers share the very realness and at times – sloppy stories of how the people of God respond even in spite of God’s guidance, salvation and provision. God gave them the Ten Commandments. I believe it was from a loving heart to help guide His people into how to have a more intimate trusting relationship with Him as well as how to really enjoy the life God has given them.
First Commandment:
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:2-3) If we are to really understand our existence from the perspective of wealth and universe; we must start with having a heart that is receptive to making God the center of our affections and understanding.
Second Commandment:
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:4-6) The universe is a created thing. It is not a person. It is a location. Where we live. It is not God. It should not be a substitute for God. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” When we worship the universe, we are disregarding God as God, and we are worshipping a false idol. When we request wealth from the universe, we are disregarding God as the provider, and we are seeking provision from a false idol.
If we are to really understand our existence from the perspective of wealth and universe; we must start with having a heart that is receptive to making God, the center of our affections and understanding.
Paul writes in Corinthians 11:14-15 “…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” This passage highlights the deceptive nature of Satan and his followers, warning believers to be discerning and aware of false appearances. We should be careful to not fall into the traps of Satan. When we truly seek God’s wisdom, He promises to liberally grant understanding in these matters. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5) God encourages us to seek wisdom from Him not the universe. He promises that He will provide it liberally and without reproach to those who ask in faith and intentional motivation.
To summarize, God should be our #1 source we trust and turn to in all areas of our lives. Not the universe.
UNDERSTANDING WEALTH
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Just as the universe is a creating thing. A location. Money and wealth are not God and not a good substitute for God. Wealth is a tool. A resource. We should see “wealth” as earthly currency that gives us opportunity to pour into God’s kingdom. Jesus Christ says in Luke 16:11 – “If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches (of heaven)?” Just consider something. Jesus does not disregard earthly wealth or identify as it as bad. He does however address that the wealth of earth does not even compare to the “true riches” of heaven. My fear is that too often we chase after the temporary things of this world and get angry or complacent with God when we don’t receive the things (money) we fight so hard to obtain. Seeking God before all things no longer becomes our daily quest.
1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” This verse warns about the dangers and spiritual consequences of loving money, highlighting how it can lead people away from their faith and cause various forms of suffering. Scripturally, it’s my believe that sometimes we go without are lack in wealth because 1. We don’t ask 2. Our intentions are not authentic and pure: James 4:3 says, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” 3. Because God loves us so much that He wants to protect us. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
I love ice-cream. My twin sons REALLY love ice-cream. Though I love to treat them to a bowl once in a while, if they had the choice, they would dine on the frozen delicacy 24/7 three times a day. But honestly how healthy would that be in the long run? I would be gratified on the surface by the outpour of praise of my generous granting of their petitions, but in reality, my responsibility in being a loving father who protects would be nonexistent. Sometimes, God loves us enough to say “no” because He knows in the long run it keeps us from destruction and pain.
The scary part is if we are determined to make our only need for God is monetary and not relationally, at some point God will allow us to fall out and fail in our pursuits. Romans 1:24-25 says, “Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.” These verses describe how God allows people to follow their own sinful desires when they reject His truth and choose to worship created things rather than the Creator. How much worse off we are if we were to be given everything we ever craved outside of God’s provision.
Consider yourselves blessed if you have been blessed with abundance and wealth. Additionally, consider the responsibility that comes are you are a steward of what God has blessed you with. 1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” Matthew 25:14-30 (Parable of the Talents) This parable illustrates the responsibility of being faithful stewards with the resources God has entrusted to us. Jesus tells of servants who were given talents (a form of money) by their master to manage during his absence. The servants who wisely invested and increased their master’s wealth were rewarded, while the one who did nothing with his talent was reprimanded.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Not to be fearful of missing out on any provision, but to have a perspective grounded in His kingdom above our own. Philippians 4:19 say, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Our true riches are all found in Jesus. Not our wealth. Luke 18:29-30 “And He (Jesus) said to them, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life.”
True wealth is what we have yet to fully experience. The hope is that the love of this world and the things of it do not overcome our affection and love for our Savior, Jesus Christ.
FINAL WORD
2 Corinthians 4:18 “As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
The pastor of the church where I am a member has a statement he uses quite often.
“At the end of the day, we all do what we want to do.”
You know what? He’s right. We do the things we want to do and follow the things that we find value in.
Matthew 6:19-20 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
God gives us free will. He gives us this free will as an opportunity for relationship; choose Him, pursue Him and trust Him.
It hurts to see so many people lead astray to seek provision through something that by Biblical reasoning cannot possibly be our provider. As Christ followers I believe it is good to pour into our work. However, it becomes our God when we see it as our sole purpose and meaning of existence versus seeing our work as opportunities to advance the kingdom of God. I sincerely wonder how many people willingly pursue the facade of seeking the temporary fulfillment of what the world offers while knowing in their heart of hearts that they willingly ignore God and His will for our lives. Wealth in of itself is not bad. When it becomes our God, we are failing. When we ignore heavenly eternal wealth, we are missing the mark of our lives’ purpose. Having the right perspective of what wealth is – is the value.
It’s my hope for you today that you see your wealth from an eternal perspective…Paul writes in Corinthians 2:9 – ”…What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him.” Just imagine, as we pour into Him through the entirety of our existence here on earth, what true wealth we have to experience through all eternity in His presence.
Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
God can and will always do grander things in our lives when we filled with less of ourselves and filled with more of Him.
Comments.
Justin Blandino
I enjoyed this!