Walking with the Wise #47: Living In A Material World

“Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,

but righteousness delivers from death.”

—Proverbs 10:2

The Bible speaks a great deal about finances; indeed 15% of everything Jesus said relates to this topic, more than everything He said about heaven and hell combined. Why is that? Because money and possessions represent all too often the treasure of our heart, the real things that we value and what we believe will bring us joy.

Jesus said that where our money or treasure is, there our heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). Making money is not bad; it’s what we do with our money that’s important. Randy Alcorn, in his book The Treasure Principle, notes that when John the Baptist preached to the crowds of people in Luke 3, three different groups came asking him what they needed to do to bear the fruit of repentance. John gives them three answers:

1. Everyone should share clothes and food with the poor (v. 11).

2. Tax collectors shouldn’t pocket extra money (v. 13).

3. Soldiers should be content with their wages and not extort money (v. 14).—Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle, p. 8-9.

Our money and the earthly treasures it buys reveal the priorities of our heart. Solomon, one of the wealthiest men in the ancient Middle East, understood the pursuit of wealth and said that treasures gained by wicked means do not profit one’s life or one’s soul. It is only the treasure of righteousness that can really help us in our time of need. We may have a great deal of wealth, but if we had to sacrifice our integrity to acquire it, we’ve lost in the long run. Earthly treasures can rot, rust or deteriorate. Godly treasure, that is, a righteous life, endears us to others, and enables us to have treasure in heaven.

Where is your treasure? Are you trying to acquire wealth through unrighteous means? Then you need to change your ways. Do whatever you need to do to make it right! If you need to sell everything, make restitution, or give it all away, do it! Don’t wait! Jesus' words are as true today as they were when He said them:

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”—Matthew 16:26.

Don’t sell your soul for short-term success and stuff! Live a righteous life that is pleasing in the sight of the Lord and He will be your defender and your biggest advocate. Don’t wait! Do it today! Amen.